When you think of great, accessible days out, feeling the ocean breeze through your hair as you bask in the sun at the famous Manly Beach,  has to be right up there on the list. 

This famous surfing beach also has a beach wheelchair if you need it. With a plethora of accessible cafés, restaurants and shops (all sitting on level, smooth pavements spread out throughout Manly centre), there’s no wonder that Manly is amongst Australia’s top beaches to visit.

Whether you spend the day exploring the level Manly markets, dining at the many accessible restaurants nearby or just lying on the sand and listening to the waves crashing while all your troubles disappear, there is something for everyone here. 

Another reason why this beach is so popular is the accessible coastal walk between Manly and Shelly Beach. A 20-30 minute journey along an easy, level path offering magical ocean views (with an accessible bathroom half-way along). There are also a few cafes to stop along the way

Getting there is an experience in itself, with the Ferry from Circular Quay being not only easy, but offering spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. 

Here is a map of the area with some accessible and partially accessible places currently on WheelEasy.

Free-to-borrow beach wheelchair from Manly Surf Club (to book the chair, either call Northern beaches council 1300 434 434 or use this online form).

Plenty of step-free cafes and restaurants.

Easy ramp access to Manly Beach available in front of the surf club (but it is a bit steep) and at Shelly Beach (a bit easier)

Plenty of accessible parking near the beach front.

Manly markets on the weekends (stores have good access and are step-free)

Accessible coastal walk between Manly and Shelly Beach

2 Inside New Brighton Hotel – First Floor and ground floor

Manly Ocean Beachfront (need MLAK Key – refer to FAQs below for more information) 

At Manly Wharf (need MLAK Key – refer to FAQs below for more information)

Refer to this public toilet map from the Australian Government Department of Heath for more information.

Accessible Parking Stations (free up to 2 hours)

Whistler Street Car Park (5 accessible parking bays)

Peninsula Car Park (5 accessible parking bays)

Pacific Waves Car Park (4 accessible parking bays)

Manly National Car Park  (5 accessible parking bays)

Yes the beach wheelchair is free but you will need to book in advance. 

How can I get to Manly Beach from Circular Quay

2 different accessible ferries take you from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The normal speed one (which takes approx. 27 minutes) is $7 each way from wharf 3. The faster ferry leaves from wharf 2 and costs $9-10 each way (it takes approx. 24 minutes).

By Car – Approx. a 25 minute drive from Circular Quay to Manly Beach.

By Bus – from Circular Quay, you have to take 2 different buses, and it takes approx. 1 hour.

Either call Northern beaches council 1300 434 434 or use this online form.

A Master Locksmith Access Key is a key created by the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, and you can use it to unlock accessible facilities around Australia. You can buy one directly from any master locksmith near you, or order one from the National Support Office by completing this form and returning it via email or post.

Is there an MLAK Key Available There for me to borrow?

No, unfortunately you will need to have one before you arrive.

online form

public toilet map

form

Relax on lovely Manly Beach, one of Australia’s most famous beaches where the first world surfing contest was held in 1964. You’ll find plenty of wonderful things to do and see, from picnics on the promenade to fun and informative tours. Manly Beach is accessible to wheelchair users. It is level, well paved and has paths that run along the top of the beach. Easiest access onto the beach is via a gentle ramp outside the front of Manly SLSC at the southern end of the beach. The SLSC also has a beach wheelchair available and accessible changing rooms and toilets. The beach itself is of a gentle gradient and the sand is mainly soft.
There is a carpark at the beach where you can find accessible parking spots.

Manly Beach

Manly Surf Life Saving Club

Shelly Beach

Manly Wharf

New Brighton Hotel

Idle away the day in Manly

Life's a beach 

If you have been looking for an accessibility-friendly way to cool off, you can’t go past the beautiful Collaroy rock pool. Located at the Southern end of Collaroy Beach, this 50m pool was created with mobility impairment in mind. It offers easy access via two simple ramps with handrails and boasts beautiful views of a seemingly endless horizon. It also has a smaller pool next to the large one, perfect for the kids. 

The main pool is approx. 1.4m at the shallow end and 1.7m at the deep. What’s more is that it is right by the well-known Collaroy Beach, which is fully accessible. 

Accessible toilets, picnic areas and level paths are all around for easy mobility. The beach even has two FreeWheeler beach wheelchairs available to borrow, which makes enjoying the beach that much easier.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, we recommend the Sargood hotel.



If you have a spinal injury (a prerequisite for staying there), it is a great hotel, specifically designed for the mobility impaired. There are all sorts of activities for people with mobility needs; it is very close to the Collaroy rock pool; they have an undercover accessible car park for guests, and they provide support workers and therapists. Check out their 

Free-to-use aqua chair wheelchair available at Collaroy Surf Lifesaving club to use in the rock pool (just as the lifeguards)

Two free beach wheelchairs for use on the sand also available at Collaroy Surf Lifesaving club.

Gentle ramp with handrails on both sides down into the water.

Stunning views of the sands, headlands and endless horizons of the beaches of Collaroy and Narrabeen .

Shallow pool next to the main pool with easy access, great for the kids.

Accessible shower on the beachside of the Collaroy Surf Lifesaving Club.

2x at the Collaroy Beach Surf Life Saving Club (1 including an adult hoist which requires an MLAK key, and 1 that doesn’t). Please note that you need to have your own sling to use the hoist. Refer to FAQs below for more information on MLAK keys.

1x at the rock pool (not requiring an MLAK key)

There is free parking at the large car park near the Surf Club, which includes sections reserved for the mobility impaired.

Is there an aquachair there that I can borrow for the Rockpool?

Yes, there is one that you can borrow from the Collaroy Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (just ask the lifeguards at the beach and they will get them for you). 

By Bus – It takes approx. 43 minutes by bus from the CBD

By Car – Driving via the A3 takes approx. 48 minutes, or via the A8 takes approx. 38 minutes (but this option has tolls)

Is there an MLAK Key available there for me to borrow?

No, unfortunately you will have to have one before you arrive.

website

Collaroy rockpool is an ocean pool with easy access for wheelchair users. The pool has a gentle ramp down into the water. An aquachair for use in the water, accessible changing rooms and toilets, accessible parking, a picnic area, and a playground.

Collaroy Rockpool

Collaroy Beach

Sargood On Collaroy

Collaroy Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Bellagio By The Sea

Periyar Indian Restaurant

The Collaroy

The Beach Club Collaroy

Sloppy Tee's

Collaroy Bake House

Chooks On The Beach

Chillax Espresso Bar

United Cinemas Collaroy

Stay Grounded

Taste Espresso Collaroy

Nokkaew Thai

Dragonfly Collaroy

Collaroy Swim Club Community Centre

Stella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria

Quality Hotel Sands

Alfresco Emporium

Fisherman's Beach

White Rock Cafe @ Long Reef Golf Club

Cool Off at the rock pool

Joy at Collaroy

COVID-19 information and update: please visit The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney website for changes due to COVID-19.

This 30-hectare oasis, running alongside the stunning Sydney harbour, is the perfect accessible day out. With wide pathways throughout, beautiful nature all around, and a variety of accessible cafes and restaurants to eat at, The Royal Botanical Gardens are truly one of a kind. 

Getting around the gardens is easy, and the entrances have access ramps where necessary, save for The Henry Lawson gate. The least steep route into the gardens is from the Queen Elizabeth 2nd gate near the Opera House. The level pathways make it simple to move throughout the entire area, and there is much to experience. One of the things you must do while at the gardens is visit The Calyx - a free, fully accessible floral haven consisting of one of the largest green walls in the southern hemisphere, café, shopping and a range of events and workshops. 

Wide, level pathways throughout and breath-taking views Sydney.

Free manual wheelchair available for hire, for use at the gardens (available from reception or from the visitors centre attached to the garden shop)

Tram tour around the gardens (however unfortunately not possible with a wheelchair – the park staff are able to mind your chair)

Numerous guided walks, allowing you to see the best the garden has to offer.

The Palm Grove Centre, which includes a souvenir shop, accessible toilet, wheelchair hire and has ramp access.

Many charming and accessible restaurants and cafes (Botanic House, Terrace on the Domain, Piccolo Me, Terrace Eatery, Farm Cove Eatery, and Busby’s Bar)

Inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre

Outside the Mare and Foal Statue near Farm Cove

There are accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo/Lion Gate (side entrance near Access road)

Outside The Art Gallery of New South Wales (from here you can easily get to the entrance to the gardens

Secure, undercover parking is available at the Domain Car Park (available if no mobility parking bays available. Just show a valid Mobility Parking Scheme permit.

There is a lift that takes you directly from the Domain car park to the Domain sports fields, and a travelator that takes you over to Hyde Park (please note, there is no accessible pathway from where the lift drops you in the sports fields to Mrs Macquaries Road).

The chair can be picked up from and returned to the Palm Grove Centre. This is free to borrow.

Yes, most is metered but free if you display your mobility parking pass. Also there are a few accessible spaced.

No, the toilets don’t have MLAK locks on them

How do I get to the gardens from Central Station?

By Bus – There are a number of accessible buses that will take you from the CBD to The Opera House and then simply enter through the Queen Elizabeth gate. This will take approx. 15 minutes.  

By Car – It only takes approx. 4 minutes to get to the gardens by car.

Walking – this will take approx. 37 minutes.

Visit https://transportnsw.info/ to plan your specific trip.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

https://transportnsw.info/

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a green oasis nestled on Sydney Harbour. Home to world leading plant science and stunning horticultural displays. Royal Botanic Gardens is an accessible park and garden. There is step-free access via the Art Gallery Road and Circular Quay entrances. The accessible entrances are Morshead Gate, Victoria Lodge Gate, Yurong Gate, Opera House Gate (via Sydney Opera House forecourt), Queen Elizabeth II Gate (via Sydney Opera House forecourt), Conservatorium Gate and Government House Gate.
If you're visiting The Calyx, the nearest accessible gates are Woolloomooloo Gate or Government House Gate. Parts of the gardens may be inaccessible due to sets of stairs. The Botanic Garden provides several accessible cafes and restaurants. Accessible toilets can be found in Palm Grove Centre, the Mare and Foal Lawn near Farm Cove and in the Calyx. 
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney Botanical Gardens - Information Booth

The Domain

Art Gallery Of New South Wales

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Piccolo Me Royal Botanic Gardens

Cafe Cappapino’s

On street accessible parking

On street accessible parking. Macquarie Apartments

St.George open air cinema

Lift. Circular Quay up to Cahill Expressway

Cahill Expressway Lookout

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool

Wooloomooloo/domain Pathway

Tranquility in the Gardens 

Peace Amongst the Noise

Sydney is THE city by the sea, meaning that spending time by the water is a real "must do". At this 100% fully inclusive seawater enclosure, you can descend into the shark-net protected harbour pool via the deep-water access ramp, and then enjoy the water and the view, drying off in the sun on one of the two floating sunbathing platforms.

Sydney only has two or three ocean tidal enclosures which allow whole families or groups of friends to enjoy the water together. Watsons Bay Baths means you can really enjoy your day out, rather than watching on while others have a great time in the water.

Even though sadly the boat terminal is inaccessible, you can still get there easily enough by bus (or by car). The unparalleled million-dollar views of boats dancing on Sydney's harbour make it worthwhile.

To get the most out of your visit, you'll need to borrow one of the two fully immersible waterproof aquachairs from their secured lockers. To access these, you must use an MLAK key. If you don't have one, refer to the FAQs for information about how to get one.

• Wheelchair Storage Lockers – MLAK Key Required

• Accessible Parking at Marine Parade Car Park.

• Accessible Toilet in Robertson Park and Watsons Bay Library (entry to library is accessible with level ramp access)

• Securely Fenced with Child-Proof Gates.

• Olympic Sized Harbour Pool (3m) What Can’t Be Found at The Baths

A Master Locksmith Access Key is a key created by the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, and you can use it to unlock accessible facilities around Australia. You can buy one directly from any master locksmith near you, or order one from the National Support Office by completing this form https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ORDERFORM-MLAK-2019.pdf and returning it via email or post.

By Bus - Buses to Watsons Bay from the CBD are 324 and 325. This will cost $4-5 and take around 1 hour.

By Car – Approximately a 24 minute drive.

PLEASE NOTE THAT STAIRS AT WATSONS BAY WHARF MAKE IT INACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIRS. 

Yes, they are free to use. All you need is your MLAK Key (see above) Are There Accessible Toilets Nearby?

Yes, there are accessible toilets at the nearby Robertson Park and also in the Watsons Bay Library (both an approximate 1 minute walk away).

Enjoy a coffee and a meal at Dunbar House (accessible ground floor entry via ramp, lift to

second floor and accessible toilets) or the Tea Garden (only accessible outside

dining, with accessible toilets outside).

Or eat takeaway fish and chips from Doyles On The Wharf, in the nearby Robertson Park

(including an accessible toilet and playground for the kids) . Beaches

Watsons Bay Beach and Gibsons Beach are both accessible via a ramp. Sights

Near Robertson Park are the beautiful Federation Cliffs. Our more detailed map

Watsons Bay Baths are accessible to wheelchair users. There is an all-ability water access ramp and two full immersible wheelchairs (MLAK Access) available for use. There are no accessible toilets located nearby.

Watsons Bay Baths

Watsons Bay Beach (Camp Cove Beach)

Gibson's Beach

Robertson Park

Doyles On The Wharf Take Away

Watsons Bay NSW 2030, Australia

Camp Cove Reserve (and Watsons Bay Beach)

Camp Cove Kiosk

Camp Cove

Doyles on the Beach Restaurant

Watsons Bay Beach Club Restaurant

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

The Gap Lookout

Dunbar House

Vaucluse Yacht Club

The Tea Garden

Gibson's Beach Reserve

Gap Park

Stay cool at the Watson’s Bay pool

Hip dip with a hip view

What’s better than wandering along an easy, level pathway while taking in views of crystal–clear waters and a breath-taking horizon? Not much I’d say. This is what the coastal trail which runs between North and South Cronulla beach offers. An unmatched feeling of bliss and tranquillity. 

Placed along the wide, smooth pathway are peaceful sun loungers and permanent seating, providing perfect places to rest and focus on the beauty of the sea. If you are feeling like a longer journey, park at the accessible parking at North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club and take the paved pathway past South Cronulla all the way to Shelly Beach where there are accessible toilets, a playground and easily accessible tidal pools.

Once you reach South Cronulla beach, make life easier with the Mobi Mat. This is a long sturdy mat which can be rolled out over the top of soft sand to make getting to the water’s edge easier for the mobility impaired. You need to book one day in advance of your visit. You can book one of the three beach wheelchairs at the Surf Club.

If you start to feel a bit peckish, enjoy a meal and a coffee at the accessible café next to the club, which has outdoor seating. This means that you can still enjoy the view while you refuel.

Easy coastal track which runs along North and South Cronulla beaches.

Gentle ramp taking you onto South Cronulla Beach.

Mobi Mat available for easy beach access at South Cronulla.

Accessible café next to the South Cronulla surf club .

Three beach wheelchairs available at South Cronulla Beach free of charge (booking required)

Powered Beach Wheelchair – this chair can allow for independent travel and can only be used on the sand, not in water.

 Hippocampe All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair – this chair can be used on the sand and in the water.

Mobi-chair Beach Wheelchair – a floating beach wheelchair that can be used on the sand or in the water. The armrests of this wheelchair become floatation devices when it enters the water.

Accessible toilet, change room and shower inside South Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club (need MLAK Key – refer to FAQs below for more information)

Cronulla Sports Complex (nearby the southern end of South Cronulla Beach)

Inside Dunningham Park near North Cronulla Playground (need MLAK Key – refer to FAQs below for more information)

Parking available at South Cronulla Beach in front of the Surf Club if you are using the beach wheelchairs (tell the lifeguard when you book the chairs so that they can grant a permit for you)

Mitchell Road car park near North Cronulla Life Surf Club

If you want to use the beach wheelchairs, you can book online.

or you can call the Lifeguard Headquarters on 02 8522 2100. Available on request 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm in summer and 10am to 2pm in winter. A liability waiver needs to be completed as well, which can be found here.

If you want to use the Mobi Mat, you will need to book one day in advance, and can only be used when lifeguards are on duty, if they deem the conditions acceptable. You can book online.

Or you can call the Lifeguard Headquarters on 02 8522 2100. The maximum length of any booking is 4 hours per person. Available on request 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm in summer and 10am to 2pm in winter. A liability waiver needs to be completed as well,

Is there an MLAK Key Available there for me to borrow?

By Train – Getting to South Cronulla station by train will take approx. 1 hour and then some short wheeling, navigating some steep terrain.

Free Things to Do

Life's a beach

Joy at Collaroy

Peace Amongst the Noise

Hip dip with a hip view

Get The Most of the Coast