Mapped out below is the perfect wheelchair accessible day trip for anyone, who is a wheelchair user, visiting Geelong. In this guide, we’ve curated a plan that ensures everyone can immerse themselves in the eventfulness, beauty and peacefulness of what is the second largest city in Victoria.
Get ready and be prepared to enjoy a day of beaches, delicious food, scenic views, and fun activities! All of which will give you a glimpse into this peaceful yet big multi-cultural city lined by beaches and famous for sports and leisure.
First Stop: Breakfast
Your first stop for the day will be breakfast at the King of the Castle cafe. This cafe has an expansive dining hall with rustic-chic decor, offering coffee, bakery treats and gourmet burgers.
To view the menu and for more information go here.
They are wheelchair accessible and have an accessible bathroom. The only thing is the ramp to the deck is a little bit tight. To confirm that their venue is accessible to your specific accessible needs call them on 03-522 31341.
Second Stop: Geelong Waterfront Carousel & Eastern Beach
Next, spend some time at the newly restored Carousel at the Geelong Waterfront.
The Carousel is an Armitage-Herschell portable steam driven, hand-carved wooden carousel which was constructed circa 1892 and is one of only 200 in operation around the world.
The Carousel is accessible to wheelchair users thanks in large part to the new installation of a mobility lift, which lifts a wheelchair onto the Carousel.
For more information go here and here.
After going on the Carousel ride take a 3 minute drive to Eastern beach.
This picturesque reserve has a pathway that provides easier access across the soft sand to help people who experience mobility challenges to get closer to the water. There’s also rubber beach matting to provide a safe pathway from Eastern Beach car park and footpath to the water’s edge at the outdoor swimming enclosure.
A beach wheelchair is available for use at the Geelong Waterfront, free of charge. The wheelchair can be booked through the Eastern Beach Life Guard rooms. The chair has large tyres suitable for all terrain access and floating armrests to give users the feeling of floating in the water.
For more information go here.
Third Stop: Lunch
Stop off for lunch along the beach at Edge Geelong. With a gorgeous north-facing bar, New York styling and a trendy outside deck area; not only does Edge give patrons a world-class view of the beautiful Corio Bay, but from the moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve entered a relaxed paradise.
With a mix of dishes made with high-quality, organic and free-range produce from local suppliers, this venue is a great option with it’s brilliant accessibility. There is a ramp from the side door entry and clear space between fittings and displays, as well as an accessible toilet.
For more information go here.
Fourth Stop: The Geelong Adventure Specialists
Now for your afternoon activity you have a choice. You can either have the The Geelong Adventure Specialists create an accessible adventure for you or you can hit the Geelong Art Gallery to immerse yourself in the culture and inspiring arts of Geelong!
The Geelong Adventure Specialists is fully NDIS registered. They try and support all people to engage in outdoor adventure activities including mountain bike riding, rock climbing, bushwalking, skiing, canoeing, kayaking and camping. Depending on a person’s abilities. Participants can choose to work 1:1 or join a small group.
Unfortunately, they do not have their own wheelchair accessible vehicle so this is something you will need to provide.
You will need to call them on 03-5222 1431 to discuss your specific needs and options.
Click here for more information.
Alternatively, if your wanting a more chilled afternoon head to the Geelong Art Gallery, for a relaxed leisurely afternoon stroll learning all about the culture and history of Geelong. The gallery strives to provide an inclusive experience of art that will enrich people’s lives and has a collection of over 6,000 pieces of art.
They have free and ticketed accessible parking available on Little Malop Street and provide free wheelchair hire on reservation. You must call their Visitor Services team to reserve a chair on 03 5229 3645. They also have accessible bathroom facilities on the lower level of Geelong Gallery, to the right of the staircases. Wheelchair access is via the lift.
For more information about accessibility click here.
For general information about tickets and opening hours go here.
Fifth Stop: Dinner
As the sun begins to set, head to Wah Wah Gee on the waterfront for an Asian fusion cuisine. This restaurant is passionate about creating quality, fresh, and fun sharing food at a great price, in a great location, with an even better atmosphere.
They have a wheelchair accessible bathroom in their function room and have no steps leading to their restaurant, plus plenty of space around the tables for movement around the restaurant. However, you will not be able to access their Wah Bah upstairs as this does involve steps.
For more information go here.
Fifth Stop: Evening Stroll
Conclude your day with a relaxed evening stroll along the Geelong Waterfront. Enjoy the beautifully lit landscape and the calming atmosphere. The waterfront is wheelchair accessible.
What to Prepare?
Make sure to prepare for your trip! Below is a rough guide for you to follow, however there will be things that you need to prepare specifically for your needs. Try to write these down and organise them in advance to have everything perfect for your trip, and to avoid unnecessary stressors.
Look at guide below ↓ ↓ ↓
2 Week's Prior to Day-Trip:
- A support worker to push you around on your chair and to drive you to the different locations
- A wheelchair accessible vehicle (if you do not have a vehicle you can drive and need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, have a look at our vehicles here, we would love to support you on your day out!)
- Disability Parking Permit
- Essential back ups for your mobility device e.g. batteries, crutches, waterproof covering for your wheelchair, visibiliity LED lights just in case it becomes dark etc.
- Book reservations and contact all restaurants and activities. Whilst doing this confirm all of your unique accessibility requirements, e.g. steps, accessible bathroom, corridor space etc.
- Check weather and consider any potential impact on outdoor activities. (do this a few times leading up to trip and organise a plan b if its predicted to be bad weather!)
2 Day's Prior to Day-Trip:
- Check weather and organise essentials for changing weather conditions; e.g. an umbrella, extra layers, a waterproof jacket etc.
- Water bottle
- Confirm bookings and details with support worker, accessible vehicle hire company, restaurants and activities
- Collate back ups for your mobility device
- Personal Comfort and Supplies
- Emergency contacts
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