It’s usually when I least expect it that I’m wowed by accessibility. Last year when I was on a trip in Northern NSW I spotted Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre in Murwillumbah on my itinerary. I was travelling with a group of family travel writers so assumed it would mostly be of interest to them. What were the chances that a country town’s aquatic centre would have good accessibility? Well, how wrong I was – Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre offers some access facilities that are still lacking in some big city aquatic centres. It’s these experiences that teach me to always keep an open mind.
Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, Murwillumbah – accessible pool with hoist
I’m sure many of you who have access needs are like me and spot equipment and accessible signage from a mile away. As soon as I walked into the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre Murwillumbah I spotted two water wheelchairs lined up. Instantly I was excited and wandered off from our group.
Ramp access to the pool allows visitors the opportunity to enter the water barrier-free.
I’m conscious that the water wheelchairs have fixed armrests so I was especially happy to see a hoist available not far away beside the pool.
The final box to be checked was an accessible bathroom. I was hoping for a unisex stand-alone accessible bathroom so I was pleased to find that Tweed Aquatic Centre, Murwillumbah offers an accessible bathroom with change bed.
If a country town can offer such great accessible facilities it really makes me wonder why all pools don’t have them.
There’s also accessible street parking and undercover parking outside the aquatic centre.
The outdoor water park offers shallow water play which may be suitable for some children with a disability.
Registered carers enter the aquatic centre without charge.
The Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre at Murwillumbah provides a lovely accessible recreational and therapy pool for locals but it’s also great for travellers staying in the area. If you happen to get a rainy day or the beach isn’t your thing, this is a good spot to relax or do some exercise.
I stayed at Mt Warning Estate while in The Tweed Region. I’ve written an extensive review of the incredible accessible two bedroom cottage which you can catch up on here.
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