The city of Sydney wows the crowds with instantly recognisable landmarks and big ticket events, but there’s plenty to discover off the beaten track. Regional New South Wales is Australia’s favourite regional holiday destination according to Tourism Research Australia, attracting 66 million travellers last year. Discover diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and regional charm that welcomes visitors of all abilities across the state.
Wonderful Wines
Hunter Valley is an inland region three hours’ drive north of Sydney. It is Australia’s pre-eminent wine destination, dotted with vineyards, luxury estates, and impressive architecture.
Australia’s historic wine region is open to all with Hunter Valley Tours. They offer daily pick-ups from all local accommodation providers, as well as from Newcastle, Maitland, and Singleton. The luxury mini-bus is fitted with a hydraulic lifter, slide-out step, and plenty of space for storing mobility aids. Savour the flavours of boutique wines and artisan produce on full- or half-day tours of the region travelling with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.
Where to Stay
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley offers accommodation to suit everyone, from couples on a weekend getaway to large families in the Hunter Valley for a longer stay. The wheelchair-accessible rooms are spacious and comfortable, with handrails, tall toilets, and roll-in showers.
For a taste of luxury, stay at Spicers Guesthouse. The stylish accessible king rooms are well-appointed and beautifully decorated in traditional farmhouse style, and flat paths and ramps make it easy to explore the grounds.
Up, Up and Away!
Balloon Aloft were the very first operators to offer passenger hot air balloon flights in Australia back in 1980, and now they’re offering the first accessible flights for people with reduced mobility. Travellers are driven right up to the specially designed accessible basket, transferred through to a customised seat (with harness, if needed). Each flight lasts around 45 minutes, followed by a Celebration Breakfast at Peterson House winery.
Where to Stay
The recently refurbished VOCO Kirkton Park in the Hunter Valley combines classic country character with contemporary elegance. The accessible guest room has two queen beds, extra floor space to manoeuvre, and a wheel-in ensuite on the main level. There is also designated accessible parking available, and an indoor pool and fitness centre on site.
Beautiful Beaches
Byron Bay is on the far north coast of NSW, an eight hour drive or one and a half hour flight from Sydney. The sun-kissed stretch of coastline is perfect for relaxed beach getaways, and the rainforest hinterland welcomes nature-lovers.
Experience the quintessential Australian beach day without the crowds on the shores of Byron Bay. The Byron Shire Council has beach wheelchairs available for loan at Main Beach (from the Australian Lifeguard Service) and Brunswick Heads (from the Brunswick Valley Community Centre). The Sandcruiser wheelchairs have large, wide tyres to suit sandy terrain and rear-wheel steering for easier navigation.
Where to Stay
For tranquil and elegant beachfront accommodation, stay at Beach Suites in Byron Bay. The accessible Garden Suite has on-site parking, step-free access, accessible bathroom fittings (including shower chair, fixed grab bars, and step-free shower), and plenty of room for bed hoists and other equipment. They’re pet-friendly, too, so your best four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out.
Brand-new The Figs Byron B&B is a private oasis in a lush tropical garden, nestled under 350-year old fig trees. Their ground-floor accessible studio apartment has a private balcony to enjoy views stretching from Mt Chincogan to the Pacific Ocean, as well as a queen bed, spacious accessible bathroom and designated parking.
Sights to See
Katoomba is the largest town of the Blue Mountains region, one and a half hours’ drive west of Sydney. The World Heritage-listed landscapes draw visitors for day trips and longer stays, and everyone is welcomed with signature regional charm.
Scenic World in Katoomba was recently named the Traveler’s Choice Best Of The Best travel experience in Australia by TripAdvisor – with good reason! The Cableway ride is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, and the largest in Australia. Visitors descend 545m into the Jamison Valley, with a wheelchair-accessible viewing area at the front of the cabin ensuring wheelchair users get the most spectacular views of the descent. At the base of the valley, follow the accessible boardwalk past the old Katoomba Coal Mine to the Scenic Railway Station, and stop for amazing pictures with the Three Sisters in the background along the way.
Where to Stay
The award-winning Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a wonderfully peaceful escape, with amenities and facilities to suit couples and families. The ground floor accessible rooms have verandahs overlooking the gardens, lowered queen beds for easy transfers, and bathrooms with flip-down seats, hand-held showers and grab rails throughout.
Delightful Dolphins
Jervis Bay is an ocean-side village on the south coast of NSW, a three hour drive from Sydney. This coastal paradise offers turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a range of wildlife encounters and watersports.
No one should have to miss out on the spectacle of aquatic animals migrating along the South Coast. Jervis Bay Wild offers accessible whale- and dolphin-watching tours on board their specially equipped Port Venture vessel. Guests have easy access to the boat with a wheel on/off ramp, access to an accessible bathroom on board, and a secure position on the balcony to watch whales and dolphins swimming by in the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay. For adventurous types who want to get even closer, the boom netting experience is made accessible with a hoist and support of staff.
Where to Stay
For a holiday home-away-from-home, stay at Sea La Vie at Shoalhaven Heads. The elegant four-bedroom house was designed with accessibility in mind. Features include an internal lift and spacious bathrooms with step-free access. The house is family-friendly (sleeps up to 11) and pets are welcome, so everyone can enjoy the getaway.
This story first appeared in Travel Without Limits. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
