ACCESSIBILITY

Everyone is invited to stay and play on the gorgeous Gold Coast, where big city accessibility meets small town service.

First-class public facilities and an extensive and accessible public transport system, paired with legendary hospitality and an accommodating nature, make the Gold Coast a welcoming and inclusive destination for all to enjoy.

Since everyone’s needs are as unique as they are, it’s always wise to check directly with individual operators to confirm their ability to accommodate any special accessibility requirements, and to receive the latest updates. The following information is provided to give you a general overview of accessibility in the region, and to provide relevant contacts for your own further research.

Companion cards are accepted at a wide range of tourism experiences, event venues and other businesses on the Gold Coast, offering free carer entry to people with lifelong disabilities in possession of a Companion Card issued by any state or territory within Australia. Please search ‘Queensland Companion Card’ to find out more about obtaining or using a Companion Card, including an online directory of participating businesses on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast also features an accredited information centre, located towards the beach end of iconic Cavill Avenue Mall in Surfers Paradise. A friendly team of local experts offer free assistance with reservations and recommendations, destination information and handy hints for planning your stay. They are also happy to assist with general enquiries. The centre is marked with blue signage and a yellow letter ‘i’ symbol and is open daily for your convenience.

Help is always at hand on the beautiful Gold Coast!

As part of their initiatives to further improve access and inclusion in the region, the State and Local Government, along with Destination Gold Coast, have created a range of resources to help you on your way. All the following resources, as well as a host of other handy information, can be found under the ‘Guides and Maps’ section of Destination Gold Coast’s accessibility page by clicking the Visit Us link below.

The Queensland Government has produced a handy Accessibility Guide to the Gold Coast. This user-friendly guide focuses on accessibility features of public transport, beaches, national parks, and major attractions, as well as providing helpful hints and suggested itineraries that factor in accessibility considerations.

The Gold Coast City Council has also recently released an Accessible Visitor Guide to the Gold Coast, which sheds light on some of the region’s extensive range of accessible places to stay, play and unwind. This guide features comprehensive details about accessibility offerings at a selection of 31 accommodation providers across the coast, from family-friendly options to swanky 5-star resorts and luxurious lifestyle retreats. It also includes links to the accessibility pages or statements for 27 of the Gold Coast’s accessible attractions, ranging from thrilling theme parks to cultural attractions and guided tours.

They have also produced a range of Mobility Maps, to help wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility to plan their stay and navigate the city safely. Maps are available for Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise, Southport and Broadwater Parklands. They include key information such as the location of accessible toilets, change facilities, accessible car parking spaces, pathway gradients, location of kerb ramps and other vital details to make getting about a breeze. These very handy mobility maps are available for download in PDF or web-based Google My Maps formats.

As a modern, sophisticated city, the Gold Coast offers plenty of accessible accommodation options for visitors with limited mobility. Choose from a suite of wheelchair friendly sky-high hotel rooms and apartments, including the centrally located Novotel Surfers Paradise, or linger in luxury at The Star Broadbeach. For theme parks or family fun, Sea World Resort and NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park ensure you’re never far from the action, while Mouse’s House Rainforest Retreat allows you to immerse your senses in nature.

From theme park thrills to up-close animal encounters, there’s inclusive experiences aplenty at the Coast’s major attractions, restaurants and entertainment hotspots. For more details about accessibility at tourism businesses across the region, please refer to the resources listed above, and the accessibility information included at the end of each Gold Coast experience listing.

Ideally positioned in the south-east corner of sunny Queensland, the Gold Coast is well serviced by domestic and international flights, as well as inter-city train and coach services. It also boasts an extensive public transport network, with trains, light rail, bus, and ferry services keeping the city connected, and providing freedom and flexibility to get about with ease. A broad range of inclusive tours are also offered, featuring intriguing insights and audio commentary by expert local guides. For detailed information about the accessibility of Gold Coast Airport, public transport services and tours please refer to the accessibility information found under ‘Getting To and Around the Gold Coast.’

Scooters, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids are available for holiday hire from Gold Coast-based businesses including Scooterland Mobility, Elan Medical Supplies and Mobility Ease. Accessible travel specialists, such as AMPLiFY, can also create customised holiday experiences on the Gold Coast for the ultimate accessible escape.

Queensland has strong laws in place concerning access rights for guide dogs, hearing dogs and other certified assistance animals assisting people with disabilities. These legislative rights are governed by the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog Act 2009, and entitle accredited animals assisting registered handlers full public access rights to all public places, public passenger vehicles and places of accommodation. This includes shops, cinemas, cafes, restaurants, clubs, rental and holiday accommodation, taxis, planes, public transport and entertainment and sports venues. Under the legislation, it is an offence to refuse service or accommodation to a person accompanied by an accredited assistance animal. Please note that rare exceptions may apply, such as in commercial food preparation areas and walk-through exhibits at zoos. Please ensure you carry your handler’s identification card and any relevant accreditation paperwork with you.

Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are also permitted in Queensland’s national parks and forests, including camping areas. Dogs must wear an identifying coat or harness, and the approved badge or tag. Please note that some access restrictions may apply to enclosures and endangered animal encounters at the state-managed David Fleay Wildlife Park, to ensure visitor, staff and animal safety.

The Gold Coast community is passionate about helping everyone to enjoy it’s golden coastline and beautiful beaches. In a practical display of this commitment, Gold Coast City Council have implemented an extensive Beach Access Program designed to allow people of all abilities to get down on the sand and right to the water’s edge.

Each weekend during the summer patrol season, accessible beach matting and beach friendly wheelchairs are available for free use at a range of lifesaving clubs across the Gold Coast. Recognising there’s no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ approach, the program offers a range of wheelchairs which allow differing levels of access and support, depending on your unique needs. A dedicated team of volunteers will be on hand at each location during designated times to roll out mats and provide care and support to enhance your beach experience.

Participating locations include Broadbeach, Burleigh, Labrador, Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach, Southport, Surfers Paradise and Tallebudgera Creek. Advance bookings are not required for these Beach Access initiatives. Permanent beach matting is also available at the Southport swimming enclosure at Broadwater Parklands. For further information please visit volunteeringgc.org.au and search ‘Accessible Beaches.’

Beach friendly wheelchairs may also be available for short-term holiday loan from Gold Coast Recreation and Sport or GiveAbility. Advance bookings are essential for these services. To find out more please contact the organisations directly.

Everyone deserves a holiday, and the Gold Coast is the perfect place to experience your next accessible escape!