7 replies to this topic

[Wheelchair Traveler]

I would very much appreciate any tips on accommodation, transport and places worth visiting, that are accessible. I can generally hall myself onto buses and trains. Does anyone know about how accessible the transport and accommodation is over there? Are there any additional charges? (i.e. for taking my chair with me)

Do most hostels have wheelchair access? Are they quite safe? How do I keep my wheelchair secure when I am not in it? i.e. sleeping, or checking out a beach/swimming/hooning in a bar etc. If not at a hostel then where can I stay?

I would also like to know about any items people have found useful to carry? One person has suggested I take some 'hand controls' with me, so that I can attach them to a hire car whilst out on my travels. I am not sure of the feasibility of this.

Can you recommend airlines? whom is best accommodating for wheelchair users, and any tips for getting around terminals?

[HiltonP]

http://www.apparelyz...e/tasmania.html

http://www.apparelyz...ide/cairns.html

http://www.apparelyz...-australia.html

[aggzy]

hey

i'm from perth very accessable around here
ive only travelled to melbourne and that was good trams are mostly easy accessable
i have a massive chair so if i can get around anyone can

Ag's

[HiltonP]

I believe you will find Australia to be as accessible as the USA, and in some areas even more so.

In terms of accommodation a range of international youth hostels (http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/) are excellent and would be my first choice when searching for an accessible place to stay. Don't be misled by the use of the term "youth", the hostels cater for everyone. We found them to be safe and secure at all times of day or night. The wheelchair accessible rooms are normally private, with their own ensuite bathroom, so you and your possessions are safe. One of the benefits of the hostels is that most of them are located near to the centre of the town, and therefore were in easy wheeling reach of attractions.

We used Singapore Airlines, SAA and Qantas and have no real problems with any of them. The airports within Australia on modern and the staff are geared towards helping disabled travelers. If you need help to push your chair or to carry your luggage they will be somebody at the gate to help you.

[Wheelchair Traveler]

Yay! This is SUCH a HUGE help! Thank you all!

[Chococat]

Hi i recently came back from Melbourne and it was really good in terms of access. Much better than UK. i noticed this especially on the streets, plenty of dropped kerbs or levelled out. What a relaxing wheel. was able to concentrate less and look around more! facilities at the touristy attractions were great. bathroom facilities in shopping malls v good. the newer trams are accessible to wheelchairs, i think there is an app that you can get for your phone which tells you when the next one is coming to your stop. they seem to be very frequent anyway. I stayed at the citadines on bourke street which is in the cbd. the disabled access room was on the 5th floor right outside across from the lift. i was so pleased that its bathroom was huge....ample turning space for my wheelchair. room was pretty spacious itself- comfortably fitted a queen size bed and a single and spare space left to move of course.

wish i had come across the links to the above thread before i went and i wouldn't have had to worry as much!

I usually travel with emirates and find their service to be excellent. the staff at melbourne couldn't have been more helpful. Never had any problems with them.

i hope you enjoy your travelling as much as i just did

[KayDub]

I'll send you a message with more information a bit later, but I second Shane. Perth is very very accessible! I've had much better experiences in Oz than I have in the States.

[Oldsparkie]

I live in Melbourne and find it pretty accesable although I mainly drive in my own car and don't use public transport and of course don't stay in accomadation places so it's hard to comment.

As for flying I always use Qantas and have never had a moment of trouble, just make sure when booking you advise them of your situation and they will look after you I am sure. Give the Budget airlines like Jetstar and Tiger one huge miss though.

Adelaide is fine (nice and flat) but Sydney can be a bit difficult in spots. I wouldn't try and drive in Sydney as it's hell on wheels if you don't know your way around.

PM me if I can help re Melbourne.

I understand most of the rental car companies can fit hand controls for you, I would check that out before bringing my own.