Wheelchair Access to Gold Coast Beaches

Wheelchair Access to Gold Coast Beaches

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Posted 2016-07-15 by KMJamesWriterfollow
Australians love the beach and splashing around in the surf, but until today, the salty ocean spray on the face and sand between the toes was only available to people who could walk.

From now on, huge beach mats will be rolled out across the sand at Burleigh beach to provide wheelchair access to the hard sand and the salt water. But before you get too excited, it is only a trial by the City of Gold Coast at this one beach, and only on Saturday mornings. However, there is a chance to make this a permanent facility and roll it out (literally) to other beaches on the Gold Coast and around the country. If it means something to you, or someone you love, contact the mayor's office and let your voice be heard.



Hearts and minds
Back in April this year, 9NewsGoldCoast were on the scene to report a good news story. The amazingly uplifting photographs of people in wheelchairs getting down into the surf at Burleigh struck a chord that resonated far and wide.

Thousands of people 'liked' the post, shared it with their friends, and signed an online petition to make beach access a permanent opportunity for people in wheelchairs. I can't show you those photos due to copyright laws, but you can go to their FACEBOOK PAGE and see them for yourself.



Other beach access points and platforms for wheelchairs
A number of Gold Coast beaches include accessible features such as connecting pathways and level viewing platforms and, in some cases, access ramps down to the sand. Go to the City of Gold Coast website for more details.



Beach matting at Southport Broadwater Parklands
Beach matting has been installed near the swimming enclosure at the Southport Broadwater Parklands to facilitate access to the water's edge. For more information visit the Southport Broadwater Parklands page.



Borrow a beach wheelchair from City of GC
There are two beach wheelchairs available for loan on the Gold Coast. For booking details contact:
  • Gold Coast Recreation and Sport (Southport)
  • Phone: 07 5531 3312 (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm)
  • Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club
  • Phone: 07 5576 4415 Email: [email protected]



    Let's go surfing days
    The Gold Coast Disabled Surfers Association holds 'Let's go surfing' days at Currumbin. For more information visit the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia website.

    #beaches
    #burleigh_heads
    #central_gold_coast
    #disabled_access
    #disabled_friendly
    #family
    #fun_things_to_do
    %wngoldcoast
    135070 - 2023-06-13 11:13:56

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