10 AWESOME ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCES

Make your visit to the Gold Coast one to remember for all the right reasons with these inclusive experiences. Sharing in an attitude to keep getting better, the Gold Coast is hell-bent on making sure absolutely everybody can get salty and soak up the good vibes of our coastal city.

1. SALT AND SAND

   Sand in awkward places is something of a rite of passage around these parts and one we should all have the opportunity to experience. Viewing platforms on most beaches are available for those after a little less sand per square inch of skin but if you’re keen to soak in the negative ions and get closer to the sea spray, our shoreline is equipped with beach mats and beach wheelchairs available for booking. For an even closer look, grab a board at Currumbin with the Gold Coast Disabled Surfers Association to see for yourself why Gold Coasters are so obsessed with the sand and surf.

2. FREE FALLING

   Lean into the wind and feel like a real-life super hero at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Powerful turbines turn beneath a transparent enclosed fly-space that provides enough ‘wind beneath your wings’ for you to fly. Family and friends can cheer you on from the all-round viewing platform while the fully qualified flight instructors are able to assist people with a various range of abilities.

3. BIRD’S EYE VIEW

   If you’d prefer to have something to cling to as you ascend to the sky, SkyPoint Observation Deck has you covered. Shoot up to level 77 of the Q1 building for 360 degree views of the Gold Coast beaches and hinterland and take it all in from a comfy seat. Getting there is easy on the accessible light rail, the G-Link. Stop at Surfers Paradise station, just 190 meters from the entrance to iFLY Indoor Skydiving and opposite the Q1 Building.

4. WATCH AND DISCOVER

   Splash about on The Reef – minus the boat ride out. This fully accessible, aquatic play area at Castaway Bay, Sea World will have you squealing like a kid again. Take aim with water cannons and splash about with life-sized animal sculptures before checking out real seals the new Seal Guardians presentation. You may even score a smooch from the star of the show.

5. GET CLOSE TO THE ACTION

   Located conveniently off of the M1 Motorway is the iconic David Fleay Wildlife Park. A pioneer of wildlife research himself, follow in David Fleay’s footsteps and experience the history and wildlife that call this animal sanctuary home. A relatively flat park, this attraction is wheelchair-friendly and allows you to get up close to the animals.

5. HIGH SPEED DRIFTING

   Time to rev it up. Zoom, spin and slice through the calm waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. The friendly captains at Paradise Jet Boating will take you over 35 kilometres throughout the picturesque Gold Coast Broadwater, spotting wildlife and multi-million dollar mansions on the way. Access to the jet boat is via a moderate gradient ramp and guests using a wheelchair will need to be able to lift themselves up into the boat.

7. SLIP OR SLIDE

   Swim, float and splash about in the dreamy water-filled oasis at WhiteWater World. Live it up in luxury kitted-out private cabanas or bob about in the supervised Cave of Waves. Aquatic wheelchairs are free and most slides have stairs and handrails. If you need me, I’ll be lyin’ low on the lie-low.

8. UNIQUE NATURE

   Grab your adventure hat and strap in for a fully guided 4WD tour into World Heritage rainforests.  National Park walks and waterfalls are waiting to be discovered and a 400 acre property at the base of Lamington National Park is waiting be explored. A range of unique hinterland tours have been designed by Southern Cross Tours, all varying in length and price. You’ll be cruising around in a Mercedes with access via four steps with a grab rail at the top of the stairs.

9. AMAZING WILDLIFE

   Meet some new and unusual mates at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Wander in the wilderness along pathways and walking tracks of various surfaces at clearly marked throughout the 27 hectares of serene natural settings. Check out the Lost Valley to see cheeky lemurs; daily shows with indigenous and wildlife presentations; and hands-on encounters with furry friends you won’t forget. All in a sanctuary that doubles as one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world.

10. FREE ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCES

    Make the most of the Broadwater Parklands, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach with the new mobility maps.  Our playful city is improving access to our parks and playgrounds with fenced playgrounds, accessible toilets and liberty swings. Grab the kids and head to the award-winning all abilities playground at Kurrawa Pratten Park, Broadbeach for a day in the sunshine. Don’t forget the picnic rug. See you out there peeps.

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