Are you in a wheelchair and looking for an accessible day trip along The Great Ocean Road? ♿️

As you may know, The Great Ocean Road is known as one of the most spectacular driving routes in the world and it is an iconic Australian destination. Hugging the coastline, meandering through the rainforest and cutting through pretty towns, it is a route that offers not only stunning views but action-packed adventures and activities too.

However if your in a wheelchair visiting this place may seem a bit daunting. With the preparations to find out what is and isn’t accessible…it almost feels not worth the challenge. ♿️ ♿️ ♿️ ♿️

That is why we have done the work for you and mapped out below the perfect wheelchair accessible day trip for anyone, who is a wheelchair user, visiting The Great Ocean Road. ☀️👙⛱️ 🏖️

From nature and wildlife parks, to scenic beaches, and yummy food, you are sure to have a fun day out that will make you want to come back for more! 😍

First Stop: Anglesea Beach

Start your day visiting the Anglesea Beach, located in the centre of Angelsea.

From towering cliffs and sprawling white beaches to abundant flora, native wildlife and coastal walking trails, Anglesea is a celebration of life by the water.

Play in the sun on Anglesea’s main beach, a wide sandy expanse beside the Anglesea River, which is perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing.

We recommend you stop off at the Four Kings Carpark in Anglesea. It has the following features:

Changing Places facility: Located in the carpark, this facility has full-size change tables and hoists. It’s open 24 hours and requires an MLAK key for access.

Access matting: Riverside access matting is available from December to April. This matting is located in a quiet space for people who may experience sensory overload.

Disabled parking: There is disabled parking in the carpark.

Paved pathways: There are paved pathways from the carpark to the matting.

Where to find more information

For more information, you can visit the GORCAPA’s Accessible Beaches website.

You can contact GORCAPA by email at info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au or by phone at 1300 736 533.

In Angelsea, you can hire three types of outdoor wheelchairs during summer. These are the Sandcruiser Wheelchair, the Aussie Beach Wheelchair and the Hippocampe Children’s Wheelchair.

To ensure the availability and collection of a wheelchair, please book ahead by phoning the places listed here.

Second Stop: Lunch

Next, head to The Coast Restaurant in Angelsea.

Tucked away behind some units, this quiet yet carefully curated restaurant offers modern Australian dishes, featuring native ingredients and locally sourced produce from the Great Ocean Road.

Entrance is from Noble street, and you can ether park on the street and roll in or drive into the carpark from Noble Street around the left near the units – They have an accessible bathroom, only normal carparks.

Please note: if you are in a big motorised wheelchair this restaurant may not be suitable to you.

To find out more about the restaurant and to contact them directly click here.

Instagram page here.

Third Stop: Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet

Does this lighthouse look familiar? Does it give you feelings of Deja-Vu?

Well if it does your instincts are right. 😍 For most Australians this lighthouse will feel familiar from the infamous classic TV show “Round The Twist”. This show forming a significant part of the childhood of so many Australians.

By visiting this lighthouse not only will you get to visit the area this show was filmed on but set against the pretty backdrop of Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road, it also offers spectacular views. It boasts a 34-metre high tower and is renowned for its eye-catching red “cap”.

The lighthouse is still a working one, but it has been open since 2005 as a tourist attraction where members of the public can look around and marvel at the stunning views it boasts across the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, the Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island.

Around the lighthouse, visitors can soak up scenery including wild cliffs and beautiful beaches. Elsewhere, there is a unique replica of the traditional bark huts that the first residents of Aireys called home, and there is a smattering of rock pools that languish at the bottom of the lighthouse itself. Whether you are hoping for a historic afternoon, or a day spent sightseeing, a stop in the lighthouse is for you!

For more information on the lighthouse go here.

There are two roads leading up to the lighthouse, only the one with handicapped parking gets you right to the base of the lighthouse.

Whilst climbing the lighthouse itself is not accessible, the surrounding area is wheelchair friendly.

Some easy access viewing platforms are on the foreshore for great coastal views.

To find out about your unique accessibility requirements call the Anglesea Visitor Centre on 03 5261 4219.

Fourth Stop: The Twelve Apostles

Known as the jewel in the crown of The Great Ocean Road the 12 Apostles is the number one visited attraction in the region.

Seeing the beauty of these limestone monuments is unforgettable and absolutely not to be missed. Sunrise and sunset provide even more impressive scenery.

They call the rocky stacks the 12 Apostles because they stand tall and proud along the shore. Despite the name the 12 Apostles, there are only 8 left standing as Mother Nature, time and the salty waters have caused several of the apostles to fall.

Many people travel across the globe to witness the splendour, the myth and the mystery of the 12 Apostles. It has been a tourist favourite for years, even before it was named the 12 Apostles.

The 12 Apostles are wheelchair accessible and include;

Large sealed car park with designated accessible parking spaces.
300m of sealed paths to viewing areas by passing through or around the Visitor Centre.
Prams and wheelchairs can access the lower viewing platform by following signs at the main lookout.
There is a 200m extension to the eastern viewing platform which is steep in its final section and unsuitable for those with impaired mobility.
Wheelchair accessible toilet open 24 hours at the Centre.
Wheelchairs are available upon request from Kiosk staff between 10:00am and 5:00pm.

For more information on visiting the twelve apostles and their accessibility click here.

Fifth Stop: Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is named after the famous 1878 shipwreck on nearby Mutton Bird Island. Fifty-two people were lost from the Loch Ard and only two teenage survivors were fortunate enough to be washed into the only safe gorge on the coast.

It is impossible to walk these trails and not be moved by the powers of nature that have shaped and the shipwreck history that defines the area. Offshore stacks, blowholes and the indescribable beauty of formations like the Razorback and Island arch make this precinct the one with the lot.

For more information on visiting Loch Ard Gorge click here.

The Loch Ard precinct is linked by 3 car parks and four main trails.

The designated accessible parking space at Loch Ard Gorge allows for good access to the Geology and Loch Ard lookout trails.

Car parks at Mutton Bird island are not suitable for caravans and large vehicles and have no designated accessible parking spaces.

There are no toilets on the site.

Watch this video here for more information about it’s accessibility and the accessibility at the 12 Apostles.

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 or purchase tickets for all restaurants and activities. Whilst doing this confirm all of your unique accessibility requirements, e.g. steps, accessible bathroom, corridor space etc.
Look up and view the day trip route on your maps and print the map off or download it onto your phone
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!)
Verify parking options at each location
Beach wheelchair rental if desired

2 Day's Prior to Day-Trip:

Make sure to be prepared to leave early in the morning, as it’s approximately a 3-hour drive from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road
Check weather and organise essentials for changing weather conditions; e.g. an umbrella, extra layers, sunscreen, sunhat, 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 e.g. snacks
Emergency contacts
A camera or smart phone for photos
Ensure your phone is fully charged
Download relevant apps for navigation, accessibility information and communication
Download copies of reservations

The accessibility information in this article is based on our own research and is provided as a general guide only. Venues can change their facilities over time, and accessibility needs vary from person to person — we'd always recommend contacting a venue directly to confirm it will meet your specific requirements before you visit.

A Wheelchair Accessible Day Trip On The Great Ocean Road