The Sunshine Coast may be a bustling hub of action, but it’s also a hotspot for anyone needing easy access to places like beaches, shops, and activities.
To ensure the Sunshine Coast is not only accessible but also an inclusive destination for all, the local council has committed to improving public spaces and places so that they’re available to locals and travelers from afar with all kinds of abilities.
For some extra insights on exploring the Sunshine Coast with accessibility front of mind, be sure to check out Episode Two of Queensland's Accessed That podcast.
Beaches
Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach, Accessible Tourism. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
This glorious stretch of sand is one of the very few north-facing beaches in Australia. That basically means you’re in for super serene conditions with calm waters more often than not. Alongside the ever-pleasant ocean vista, Noosa Main Beach is also wrapped up within the lush expanse of Noosa National Park and a sunset so good it gives Santorini a run for its money. Here, the lifesaving club is your gateway to accessing the beach easily - not only is accessible parking available here, but you’ll also find accessible toilets here too (win). If you can’t get a spot here, you’ll also find accessible parking off Park Street at the most eastern part of the town.
You’ll also love Noosa Main Beach for its stellar beach matting which runs from the boardwalk all the way to the water’s edge (you can’t miss it) and a beach wheelchair (suitable for adults and children) which is also available from the lifesaving station on the beach. You can also nab up a life jacket which is available to use at no charge. For more info head here.
Coolum Beach
Now, Coolum Beach is a seriously stunning spot to check out for many reasons but most notably, you’ll love the wide pedestrian footpath here which gives the village a whole lot of space. Not to mention, all shops and cafes rock a wide-level entry for all the smooth sailing.
Nestled between Maroochydore and Noosa, this lovely little inlet houses white sandy beaches, a bunch of dog-friendly areas and a clifftop boardwalk with all the trimmings (it’s well maintained and suitable for young ones, the elderly and those sporting wheelchairs too). Again, best access to Coolum Beach can be found near the lifesaving club which is where you’ll find disabled parking (located next to the ramp leading down to the club) and accessible toilets. The wheelchair friendly drinking fountains aren’t hard to miss either and are obviously a necessity for those hotter days.
Coolum boardwalk
Beach matting and beach wheelchairs are available during the summer patrolling season (September through to April) on weekends and public holidays. To book a beach wheelchair, you just need to fill this form out.
Mooloolaba Beach
Not only is Mooloolaba Beach one of the most accessible beaches in Australia but it also clocks in as one of the prettiest around too, on account of its pure white sand. There’s a whole lot of natural beauty to lap up here and it’s a local favourite for families so pop this wholesome spot at the very top of your radar because it does not disappoint. If you’re rolling in, there’s a concrete ramp and beach matting located at Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, the crew here patrol the beach to the very south of Seashells Park. You can pre-register for use of the beach wheelchair right here.
Accessible beach matting, Mooloolaba Beach
Kings Beach
There’s a whole lot to love at Caloundra’s Kings Beach. Attracting less crowds than Noosa and sporting gentle breaks, this glistening stretch of coast alternates from being beautiful one day to perfect the next. The pathway along the beachfront runs a wheelchair and pram-friendly route with a flat surface and there are a few options to get down to the water. If you’re wanting something more sheltered, head toward Bulcock Beach (which you can access from the esplanade). This shoreline is sheltered and offers up a wheelchair-access ramp located right next to the lifesaving club. You’ll also score disabled parking right next to the club.
If Kings Beach is top of your list though, you’ll find an access ramp straight to the sand, with the lifesaving club stocking all the usuals - beach matting and a beach wheelchair. There’s also a sheltered platform in front of the club which will give you great views of the entire coast if you’re keen to take any snaps (and you will be).
Kings Beach, Caloundra
While you’re here, it’d be remiss of you not to check out the heritage-listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion which dates back to 1937. This one ticks all the boxes with accessible toilets and change rooms, ramp access to the pool deck, ramped access to the water, and a water play area for any little ones you’ve got. For more info, head here.
Things To Do
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
The award-winning SEA LIFE is a completely unmissable experience boasting incredible underwater displays, touch tanks, an 80-metre walk-through tunnel, and a whole heap of immersive activities. You’ll find disabled parking available in the main car park at the wharf, with access to the aquarium featuring a very handy ramp and double-wide entry doors. All tanks here can be seen from a seated position and the epic touch tanks are reachable for anyone using a wheelchair too. In terms of getting around, there’s a wide gentle ramp that takes you between levels and if you’re keen to witness a show or two at the auditorium or seal display area, these spots have dedicated wheelchair positions which are low-key the best in-house.
Family at Sea Life. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
For a lower sensory experience, you can hit the aquarium during the week (outside of school holidays) or any day after 1pm when the crowds die down. However, keep in mind the use of varied lighting and music is used throughout SEA LIFE.
Noosa National Park
Noosa National Park, Accessible Tourism. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Stack full of scenes of Noosa Headland, Lake Weyba, Peregian and Coolum - Noosa National Park is an idyllic place to explore. You’ll want to brace yourself for some pretty jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean and charge up your phone for all the nature snaps. In terms of accessibility here, you’ll catch designated disabled parking adjacent to the park entrance, at the end of Park Road. The trailhead is concrete and smooth and has step-free access through to Dolphin Point (after here, the trail contains steps).
Noosa Botanic Gardens
If you’re working with wheels of any kind (we’re talking prams, wheelchairs, walkers, and even mobility scooters), Noosa Botanic Gardens is the prime wheel estate for you. Located on the banks of Lake MacDonald, it goes without saying a botanic garden is the ideal sanctuary for peaceful walks and picnics on a sunny day. The garden itself features rainforests, ponds, zen gardens, open lawns, and lots of shady spots, as well as sealed pathways with very minor slopes.
Pelican Boat Hire
Say it with us - wheelchair-accessible boats! Pelican Boat Hire is one of Noosaville’s most famous family-owned businesses, they’re truly a local favourite. First and foremost, there’s a wheelchair-accessible entrance and the crew encourages you to get in touch before making your way over so they can cater specifically to any special requests you have (the legends that they are). Now, the Ultimate Plus BBQ Pontoon is the go here, it’s the very biggest boat on offer and is not only perfect for families, dog-friendly and child-safe but flaunts wheelchair accessibility as well.
Pelican Boat Hire, Noosaville
Places To Eat
The Wharf Mooloolaba
The Wharf, Mooloolaba
The Wharf Mooloolaba is your one-stop shop for all things delicious. This recently refurbished foodie haven boasts a lot more than just drool-worthy eats (think a whole heap of retail therapy too) and provides a tonne of access thanks to wide passageways and level entry to all shops and dining venues. There are ramps to give you sleek access to floating jetties and you can make your way up to the second level of The Wharf via the extra-large elevator. You’ll also find a nifty, and recently upgraded, accessible toilet on the lower level next to the aforementioned elevator.
Hastings Street
Hastings Street has long been called the beating heart of Noosa Heads and look, the people are not wrong. Studded with shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants, when you’ve got a hankering for something tasty - this is the place to be. The street is generally easy to navigate for anyone using mobility aids and most shops and cafes have level entry or ramped access. Cafe Le Monde is no-brainer for a casual feeds at any time of the day (breakfast through to late-night drinks) as it sports an entrance that’s wheelchair friendly and it’s also close to disabled parking.
Elsewhere on Hastings Street, crossings have tactical markings for anyone with low vision and there’s also a whole heap of seating at regular intervals.
Mooloolaba Esplanade
There really is no shortage of stores, galleries and you guessed it - places to eat at Mooloolaba Esplanade. Where you’re keen for a caffeine hit or a long lunch of sorts, you'll be well looked after here, Find disabled parking in the centre median which offers easy ramp access across to the coastal boardwalk. Outdoor dining is available along most of the precinct with movable seating to cater to anyone with a wheelchair or mobility device. The Surf Club is another great option with all-day dining and a cheeky wine bar, plus it sports wheelchair accessibility and an accessible bathroom.
Family eating at The Surf Club, Mooloolaba
