GMobility’s Accessible Travel & Activity Guide for Summer 23-24

Accessible boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory National Park

At GMobility, we believe travel and adventure should be accessible to all. We have compiled a list of accessible destinations and activities in Victoria, so you can plan a day trip, a weekend away, or maybe even a week in the sun this summer and enjoy some time away from home with loved ones.

We’ve curated a list of accessible attractions designed for diverse range of abilities.

Embrace Inclusive Travel: Accessible Adventures in Victoria

Victoria, with its diverse landscapes and cultural offerings, has become a haven for inclusive travel – you just have to know where to look! This curated selection of accessible attractions goes beyond the ordinary, providing experiences that cater to the needs of all visitors.

We recommend that you call ahead and check that the activity is accessible for your needs before you go.

1. Buchan Caves Reserve – Accessible for People and Children with Autism Head to the Buchan Caves Reserve in East Gippsland, where ancient limestone formations and underground rivers tell a story that spans 400 million years. Working in collaboration with advocacy group Amaze, Parks Victoria has made these caves more enjoyable for children on the autism spectrum. A social script provides insights into the wonders awaiting exploration, ensuring a memorable experience for all. A new stairclimber and motorised all-terrain wheelchair at Buchan Caves Reserve will also help people with disabilities enjoy the spectacular caves and their surroundings.
2. Art Gallery of Ballarat – Accessible for People with Low Mobility As Victoria’s largest and oldest gallery, the Art Gallery of Ballarat stands as a testament to the region’s artistic heritage. Its multi-level space welcomes visitors of all abilities, with ramps and lifts facilitating access to every corner of this cultural treasure trove.
3. Woowookarung Regional Park – Dementia Friendly and Wheelchair Accessible Discover the Woowookarung Regional Park in Ballarat, home to Australia’s first dementia-friendly forest. A one-kilometre sensory trail allows visitors to engage with nature through touch, smell, sight, and sound. Wheelchair accessibility ensures that everyone, including those with mobility challenges, can partake in the therapeutic beauty of this inclusive environment.
4. The Mill Castlemaine – Accessible for People of All Physical Abilities Step into The Mill Castlemaine in North Central Victoria, where a re-purposed 1870s wool mill houses a vibrant market of eclectic handmade goods. With wide pathways and gentle sloping ramps, this inclusive space invites visitors of all physical abilities to explore and appreciate the creativity on display.
5. Phillip Island Penguin Parade – Accessible for People with Sensory and Mobility Needs Experience the enchantment of the iconic Phillip Island Penguin Parade, where accommodations for sensory and mobility needs ensure that the magic of these adorable creatures is accessible to all. Sensory bags, quiet zones, and reduced noise options create an inclusive environment for visitors to witness this natural spectacle.
6. Explore the Gippsland Lakes by Boat – Wheelchair Accessible H2O Tours & Adventures Accessible Experience showcase the beautiful Gippsland Lakes and love taking guests out on the water to explore. There are 2 commercial vessels, MV eXplore (also known as Lady Jodie) which carries 35 passengers and MV eXpress which carries 19 passengers. Both vessels are wheelchair, wheelie walker & pram accessible.
7. Red Feet Wines – Wheelchair Accessible and Suitable for People with Vision Impairments Boutique King Valley Winery, Red Feet, Wines offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and is wheelchair accessible. Pop in for a wine tasting and read the tasting notes in large font type or in braille, so those with a vision impairment can get the full tasting experience.
8. Waterbikes Australia – Suitable for People with Carers Head to Geelong and the Bellarine or down the coast to the Mornington Peninsula and feel the wind in your hair as you explore your independence on the water while having a tonne of fun on a waterbike. Tandem bike styles allow carers to accompany those with extra needs on a memorable water paddling adventure.
9. Geelong Gallery – Wheelchair Accessible and Suitable for People with Vision Impairment See a collection of Australian and European paintings, sculpture, printmaking, and decorative arts that’s been 125 years in the making at Geelong Gallery. Art lovers with accessibility needs can also rejoice, as the gallery has installed wayfinding signage in raised letters and braille, has audio information on some of the art, and offers wheelchairs for loan. Visitors with early to mid-stage dementia can also join a curated tour to get the best gallery experience possible.
10. Wildlife Wonders – Wheelchair Accessible Natural beauty abounds at Wildlife Wonders along Victoria’s scenic Great Ocean Road. Embark on an exploration of native wildlife and ecology while enjoying stunning native bushland and learning about current research projects targeted at protecting local threatened species. Wildlife Wonders features a 1.4-kilometre all-abilities path suitable for wheelchairs, people on crutches, and prams.
11. Tidal River – Suitable for People with Different Mobility Needs Explore the enchanting beauty of Victoria’s southernmost point by hiring an all-terrain wheelchair, a TrailRider, from the information centre at Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park. From here, have fun in the sand and sea at Squeaky Beach and easily navigate your way around the campgrounds and surrounding nature paths.
12. Inverloch Foreshore Trail – Accessible for People in Wheelchairs and Low Mobility The Inverloch Foreshore Boardwalk in Gippsland is an accessible trail that offers beautiful coastal views. There are many accessible features along its length that make it easy to choose any section at any time that suits you. The path is sealed and wide enough for side-by-side travel and wheelchair turns and there are no roads to cross.

Planning Your Next Getaway

As you plan your next getaway, consider the enriching experiences that await in the beautiful state of Victoria. Beyond its breath-taking landscapes and cultural treasures, many regions in the state have embraced inclusivity in travel. From the ancient wonders of Buchan Caves to the vibrant art scene at the Art Gallery of Ballarat and the sensory delights of Woowookarung Regional Park, Victoria invites everyone to explore its beauty. We encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone this summer and explore some of these accessible activities.

At GMobility, we offer a range of mobility aids that can assist you in making your travel more independent and ensuring you are comfortable. Call us today to discuss your needs, or drop into one of our showrooms in Pakenham, Warragul, or Morwell to chat with one of our friendly team members.

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