Hint: Accessible Swimming pools with lift/ hoist!

It’s no wonder why three resorts, in particular, are so popular with our followers at Accessible Accommodation. After all, all the properties have a pool lift (hoist). AND, one is the winner of excellence awards in accessible tourism! So let’s take a road trip and explore these fabulous accessible resorts.
Under the umbrella of FCSWC (Federation of Community Sporting & Workers Club) sits three Resorts in New South Wales. Riverside Resort in Urunga, Seaside Resort in Fingal Bay & Haven Resort in Sussex Inlet.

Riverside Resort – Urunga

Starting in Urunga, Riverside Resort is where you can take a dip in the saltwater pool using the Dolphin Mobility lift (hoist). Or, use their handrail with 2 small steps in the shallow end. After your swim, glide along the flat paths, enjoy a barbeque in comfort, as the seating and table ensure a wheelchair can smoothly glide under. (By the way, an accessible loo is close by too.)

Return to your apartment refreshed in a 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartment, with a choice of 18 ground floor accessible, 3 of them is wheelchair accessible. Or, you could try their brand new apartments that consist of 3 ground floor accessible & 2 wheelchair-accessible apartments. (14 upstairs apartments also available)
The new ground floor apartments feature Fixed Grab Bars– older ground floor do not. All accessible units other than the wheelchair apartments have a small step at entry door (to keep the rain out).
All wheelchair-accessible apartments offer accessible toilet seat, fixed grab bars, on-site disabled parking, service dog provisions, shower chair, step-free access, step-free shower. Additional equipment can also be hired and delivered (at guest expense).

In other words, you are spoilt for choice, and the friendly staff will assist you in determining which suits you best. Given there are so many accessible apartment options, Riverside Resort is also ideal for large groups of travellers with disabilities too.

Possibly my favourite activity is the long flat accessible paths around the resort and to the beach and boardwalk. No need to drive. Best viewed as the light softens at sunrise or sunset, it takes you all the way to the beach. A nice stop is the Boardwalk Cafe, or just take in the scenery and wildlife at several stopping points along the way.

Pristine waterways that stretch across the almost 1km long tidal lagoon, perfect for fishing & swimming. There are also 2 pontoons, perfect for the kids, young and old. 

For kids, the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour offers a water park, tobogganing, ice skating and laser tag. If you are fortunate enough to have an all-weather wheelchair, the splash pad is perfect for you. Click HERE for more information.

Riverside Resort is situated 5 1/2 hours from Sydney, and 4 1/2 hours from Brisbane. Check it out HERE.

Seaside Resort – Fingal Bay

Continuing our road trip, travel 4 hours from Urunga to Fingal Bay. Arrive at this recently refurbished resort, and park in an undercover spot right next to your holiday unit. Of the 60 self-contained units, Seaside Resort offers 6 accessible units. Each, ideal for up to 6 guests. Each accessible unit offers accessible toilet seat, fixed grab bars, service dog provisions, shower chair, step-free access, and step-free shower for your comfort. Additional equipment can also be hired and delivered (at guest expense).

Seaside Resort best feature is the accessible pool and barbecue area. Let’s start with the pool. Not only is there a toddler wading pool (with sun shade sails) but you also have the option of using their portable lift-chair (pool hoist). Best to make sure you ask the lovely staff to set it up for you. Their barbeque area is new, offering undercover entertaining and long tables which is a perfect spot to socialise.

My favourite part about Seaside Resort is that it is positioned directly across the road to Fingal Bay beach which is patrolled 7 days per week through the warmer months. The lifeguards set up beach matting for your use, and free hire of their beach wheelchairs can be booked for your use. Tough decisions at Seaside Resort- beach or pool? Or both!

Seaside Resort is situated 2 hours and 45 minutes from Sydney, and 8 1/2 hours from Brisbane. Check it out HERE.

Haven Resort – Sussex Inlet

Last stop is Haven Resort, located in pretty and tranquil Sussex Inlet, less than 5 1/2 hours from Fingal Bay. The resort offers two and three-bedroom holiday apartments. Three of the self-contained units are accessible by those with a disability. Whilst the master bedroom is a tight fit for a wheelchair, the managers are more than happy to move the furniture to accommodate a wheelchair user. The rooms have fixed grab Bars, step-free Access, and a step-free Shower. Additional equipment can also be hired and delivered (at guest expense). The units also have onside disabled parking next to each unit too.

If you are a nature lover (who isn’t?) this resort is ideal for you. Uniquely located in the National Park, at the inlet to The Pacific Ocean, it is a paradise for birdlife, all 200 species of them! Rosellas and Parrots share space with the local Wallabies too. Less than an hour away in Jervis Bay, a perfect spot to whale watch during mating season. Click HERE for details.

The beaches in the area are renowned for their spectacular white sand and crystal clear ocean. You also have the choice of free beach wheelchair hire nearby, or laze in the pool using the pool lift, which the staff can set up for you. Just ask to arrange pre-check-in. Check it out HERE.

Also, there are plenty of spots for fishing, in this tranquil slice of paradise that is Sussex Inlet. There are several spots where a wheelchair user could fish from. They are Badgee Bridge Park, Neilson Lane, Jacobs Drive, Chris Creek Bridge Park, Marine Rescue Park, and Lions Park. Click HERE for more information.

Haven Resort is located less than 3 hours from Sydney.

And there you have it! Three resorts with accessible swimming pools. Three beautiful beach locations, and staff who truly value and warmly welcome our followers at Accessible Accommodation. Some who are wheelchair users, others who use a walking frame or cane users.

Bon Voyage!

Kerry x