We have picked out the best accessible beaches in NSW that are great places for people with cerebral palsy to visit

When the sun is shining, you can't go past a visit to one of New South Wales' (NSW) stunning beaches. Whether you’re looking to take a dip in the ocean or just looking for a place to relax, a trip to the beach in NSW will surely be unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a stunning sunset, a peaceful afternoon or a fun-filled day of adventure, beaches in NSW offer something for everyone. In addition to the beauty of NSW’s beaches, many offer features that make them inclusive and accessible. With accessible pathways, wheelchair-friendly sand and surf mats, and beach wheelchair hire programs, we have picked out our top six best accessible beaches in NSW that are great places for people with cerebral palsy to visit.
 

Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Coffs Harbour, with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a backdrop of the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty, Jetty Beach(1) offers not only a visually captivating escape but also a haven of accessibility for visitors of all abilities, making it one of the best accessible beaches in NSW. 

Jetty Beach caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person. It has a mobi-mat which is in place year-round, except during rough sea conditions. It also has two Hippocampe beach wheelchairs available for booking. Jetty Beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the December and January holiday season. 

Jetty Beach also has the following accessibility features: 

• Accessible changeroom and toilet, with a hoist, adult change table and accessible showers 
• Multiple accessible car parks
• Step-free outdoor pathways including picnic areas and barbecues 

Fingal Beach, Port Stephens

Nestled under Fingal Head in Port Stephens, Fingal Beach(2) is a pristine stretch of white sands. Fingal Beach is well known for its beauty, as one of the most photographed beaches in Port Stephens. It's also a great destination for people with CP seeking both relaxation and adventure along the New South Wales shoreline due to its inclusive features.

Fingal Beach is extremely family-friendly and is patrolled by lifeguards. It has many accessibility options, including beach matting available year-round, as well as a Mobi-Chair Floating Beach Chair and two Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchairs from September to April from the Surf Life Saving Club. 

Fingal Beach also has the following accessibility features: 

• Accessible parking directly in front of the Surf Life Saving Club
• Accessible bathroom
   
• Accessible pathways
   

Surf Beach, Narooma

Narooma Surf Beach(3) is a picturesque beach on the south coast of NSW. It looks out to Montague Island and is just a short way from the spectacular Glasshouse Rocks.

Narooma Surf Beach is a popular location with locals and visitors, being close to cafes and the town centre. The beach is patrolled in summer by Narooma Surf Life Saving Club which is located at the beach.

Narooma Surf Beach has the following accessibility features: 

• Beach wheelchair and accessibility matting, available from the Surf Life Saving Club 
• Accessible parking
• Accessible bathroom
• Accessible outdoor Shower
• Lead up pathways
• Accessible shaded area 

Malua Bay Beach, Batemans Bay

Malua Bay Beach(4) is a popular coastal destination located on the New South Wales South Coast, in the Batemans Bay area. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, flanked by a large grassed area with picnic tables and a playground. The beach is patrolled by Bateman's Bay Surf Life Saving Club, every day during the summer school holidays until Australia Day, then weekends only until Anzac Day.

Malua Bay Beach has beach wheelchairs for hire from the Surf Life Saving Club, as well as accessible beach matting. It also has the following accessibility features: 

• Accessible parking
• Accessible bathroom
   
• Lead up pathways
   

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Probably the most well-known beach in New South Wales and possibly Australia, Bondi Beach(5) is a must for many visitors to Sydney. Just a short drive from the bustling heart of Sydney, this world-famous beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and history, boasting one of Australia's oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs. 

Accessible beach mats are in use at Bondi Beach on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8.30am to 2pm, surf and weather conditions permitting. They are located at the northern end ramp of Bondi Beach, near Wally Weekes pool. It's important to note, the beach matting does not extend to the water, beach wheelchairs are available for hire to access the water. Bondi Beach has both adult Sandcruiser and child Sandpiper wheelchairs. 

Other accessiblity features at Bondi Beach include: 

• Two accessible parking spots are located right near the ramp down to the beach at North Bondi
   
• Accessible parking throughout the car parks behind the beach
   
• Accessible bathrooms and showers 
   

Avoca Beach, Central Coast

Avoca Beach(6) is a picturesque coastal suburb on the Central Coast of New South Wales, known for its stunning beach, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere. Avoca Beach itself is a crescent-shaped sandy stretch bordered by headlands on either end. 

Avoca Beach has three beach wheelchairs available for hire, which can be hired directly from the surf life saving club, or alternaively through the Central Coast Council. As of the time of publishing, accessible beach matting was unavailable due to sand erosion over winter 2023, however the council is regularly reviewing the beach to potentially bring the matting back out. 

Avoca Beach also has the following accessibility features: 

• Accessible Toilet and Changeroom 
   
• Shaded parkland, picnic tables and barbeques
   
• Wide accessible pathways
   
• Accessible Parking in Vine street, next to the Surf Life Saving Club directly in front of the beach

As the weather continues to warm up, NSW’s array of stunning beaches are a fantastic place to visit, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility. Whether you seek the peacefulness of Jetty Beach in Coffs Harbour, or the iconic shores of Bondi Beach in Sydney, the inclusivity measures in place transform these coastal havens into welcoming sanctuaries for individuals with varying abilities, including those with cerebral palsy. 

If you’re looking for more information about visiting other beaches, there is a fantastic directory on the My CP Guide website called Accessible Beaches, which outlines the features of many beaches around Australia. You can find the resource here: Accessible beaches
 

Links: 

1. https://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Community-and-recreation/Your-neighbourhood/Beaches/Beaches-directory/Jetty-Beach 
2. https://www.fingalbeachslsc.com/wheelchair 
3. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/narooma/attractions/narooma-surf-beach 
4. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/batemans-bay/attractions/malua-bay-beach 
5. https://hellobondi.com.au/beach-use/accessibility/ 
6. https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/residents/accessibility-and-inclusion 

[Image: Eurobodalla Shire Council]