AMAZING BEACHES

Australia has some of the world's most breathtaking beaches, so it's not surprising that day trips to the beach are a huge part of Australian culture. Beaches in Australia haven't always been open to the public, and some of them currently aren't. There has been a movement in recent years to open up more and more of our stunning beaches to all Australians.

Ramps, wheelchair beach mats, and accessible restrooms or showers are all features of accessible beaches that make them more convenient to visit. Check out the Accessible Beaches Directory to locate an accessible beach close to you if you want to visit the beach this summer.

The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia has venues all across the nation (and even in New Zealand!). You can get in touch with their staff to sign up for a class or look at their upcoming events if you're eager to try surfing.

A SLIGHT DOSE OF CULTURE

The summer heat can be greatly reduced by visiting museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions. There are many museums, art galleries, and other places to view art in Australia, and many of them were created to be inclusive places that anybody could attend.

Here is a list of open museums and galleries, organized by state, in case you're in the mood for some art:

Victoria

Virginia's National Gallery

ACMI

The Geelong Gallery

Ballarat Museum of Art

IN THE WILD

The majority of zoos feature wide pathways ideal for wheelchair access, so they may be fantastic destinations for people of all ages and abilities. The majority of people probably already own a wheelchair or motorized scooter, but many zoos throughout Australia provide wheelchair and motorized scooter rentals, free admission for carers, access for assistance dogs (some zoos require a 72-hour notice period for assistance dogs as certain precautions may need to be taken and some areas may be restricted for safety depending on the individual zoo policy), and accessible facilities. Children with physical, sensory, cognitive, and intellectual challenges can participate in play activities at some zoos, such as Adelaide Zoo. Check the zoo's website for accessibility information before visiting.

GET SWAYED BY THE WAVES

Love the water? Why not give something a little different a shot? People with disabilities such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Autism, Down Syndrome, Motor Neuron Disease, and more can receive scuba therapy at The Scuba Gym (located in Sydney).

Scuba treatment can be entertaining while also promoting strength, flexibility, confidence, and focus. Scuba therapy might possibly qualify as reasonable and required under the NDIS. You can talk to your LAC or support coordinator about this if it's something you're interested in.

Hydrotherapy choices are available throughout Australia for individuals who don't reside in the Sydney area or who prefer swimming to scuba therapy but still like being in the water. Another option is to take a traditional dip in the neighborhood pool. For information on accessible swimming programs and other accessibility-related topics, visit the website of your neighborhood pool.

BREATHTAKING SCENERIES AND SPOTS

The majority of the country's national parks are open to the public, which makes Australia home to some of the best in the world. Many of Australia's national parks include wheelchair-accessible pathways, and a few even provide TrailRiders that may be rented for free. The trail riders are made to allow people with mobility issues access to trails and routes, including stairways, that are not accessible to wheelchairs. By choosing your state from the list below, get to know some of Australia's best accessible parks. Queensland New South Wales Victoria Tasmania In South Australia Australie Occidentale Territorial North Federal Territory of Australia What we've included here merely touches the surface of all that Australia has to offer. Always be prepared, regardless of whether you're enjoying the weather by the beach or in the national parks, or taking refuge from the heat inside of galleries and museums. Make sure you have the greatest fun possible while staying safe from the summer heat by packing goods like a water bottle to stay hydrated, sunscreen, a hat, and any other personal items you may need.