TNQ Writer
When it comes to exploring the Tropical North, there’s a wondrous world of accessible adventures and activities to indulge in. To add to the mix, the Tropical North is proud to offer a range of accessible accommodation options that work for everyone.
The team at Spinal Life Australia has been hard at work putting together Accessible Australia, a one-stop-shop resource for accessible activities, eateries and accommodation. In collaboration with the team at Spinal Life, we’ve put together a list of the best accessible stays in the tropics.
The Healthy Living Centre
Featuring premium accessible accommodation on the Cairns Esplanade, Spinal Life’s Healthy Living Centre is a wonderful option for short and medium-term trips to Tropical North Queensland.
With seven fully-accessible apartments kitted out with the latest adaptive equipment and home-automation technology, The Healthy Living Centre has been thoughtfully designed to make sure your holiday as stress-free and comfortable as can be.
With ceiling hoists, an electric hi-lo bed, spacious bathrooms with adjustable benches and an adjustable kitchen, we can’t recommend The Healthy Living Centre enough.
For more information on the accessibility of The Healthy Living Centre, call 1300 774 625.
Coral Tree Inn
Located just a short distance from the main hub of Cairns central city, the Coral Tree Inn is a beloved part of the north’s accommodation offerings. With accessible rooms that boast a double bed and a single bed, the staff at Coral Tree Inn are happy to move the room furniture around to suit your every need.
With a coffee and tea making space and a small bar fridge at hand, the TV can also be controlled by the remote. It’s worth noting that at this hotel, the air conditioning unit can’t be operated by a remote.
As for the bathroom, there is an accessible combined toilet and shower facility fitted with grab rails and a fold-down set. The shower is also hobless for added accessibility.
Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be accessible to all guests, and there are also no designated accessible parking bays. However, there is ample room for drop offs immediately in front of reception.
Entering the reception may also be a little difficult as the door is manual, but staff are always happy to assist.
The good news is that there are wide paths that lead from the reception to every area of the resort, including the BBQ area, the pool and the adjoining dining room.
For more information on the accessibility of Coral Tree Inn check out Accessible Australia or call (07) 4031 3744.
Cairns Central Plaza Apartments
When it comes to staying in a central location, you can’t beat Cairns Central Plaza Apartments. Featuring two access-friendly rooms that are interconnecting, they’re fringed by their very own parking bays.
Entering reception is made easy by large, glass automatic doors, and although the reception counter isn’t lowered for wheelchair users, the friendly staff are happy to assist. Lifts to all floors are widely accessible, and the pool which sits on the thirteenth floor also boats a lift to the pool deck.
Once you check in, you’ll find that the door handles are D-style levers. The lounge room area is home to a great circulation space, which provides ample room for large wheelchairs. Moving into the bedroom, there is a queen size bed that has an under-clearance of 130mm – but if this doesn’t work for you, the staff are happy to provide a bed riser if you require the assistance of a hoist.
As for the bathroom, the apartment has an accessible shower and toilet that can be accessed through a wide door. It’s also important to note that there is enough room to move a hoist through the bathroom door and into the shower and toilet area.
Whether you’re in town for a short visit or are soaking up the sun over a long holiday, Cairns Central Plaza Apartments are a great choice for access-friendly accommodation.
For more information on the accessibility of Cairns Central Plaza Apartments check out Accessible Australia or call (07) 4031 0333.
Sunshine Tower Hotel
On the northern side of the city sits Sunshine Tower Hotel, a well-known accommodation that caters to every kind of traveller. The hotel has one accessible room located on Level 3 that can be accessed by a lift, this is a great option if you’re looking to stay centrally.
Access to the rooms are levels with no sills, however it’s important to note that the door requires a bit of force to open, and also has a round knob. The bedroom features a double bed with clearances of 50mm.
As for the bathroom, there is an accessible shower and toilet. Grab rails are also mounted. There is only 330mm of space between the sink and the toilet, and unfortunately there is no emergency call button provided in the bathroom.
Back outside, the restaurant and bar are across from the reception and boast a level entry. Unfortunately, the pool is not accessible as there are only stairs.
For more information on the accessibility of Sunshine Tower Hotel, check out Accessible Australia or call (07) 4041 1133.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
The shower is hobless and there are grab rails for your convenience, as well as a fold-down seat.
The shower is hobless and there are grab rails for your convenience, as well as a fold-down seat.
The bathroom features a shower and toilet combination
The bathroom features a shower and toilet combination
Located conveniently in the city centre, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a hidden gem for every kind of traveller. With three accessible rooms that are interconnecting, there are also two accessible parking bays in the underground car park accessed by a lift.
The accessible rooms are located on the ground floor and boast a double bed with ample clearance, as well as an under-bed clearance of 100mm.
The bathroom which features a shower and toilet combination, can be accessed through a wide door. The shower is hobless and there are grab rails for your convenience, as well as a fold-down seat. The best part about the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is how far they’re willing to go to accommodate every need – they’ll even liaise with a hire company should you require something like a shower commode.
The resort is also home to wide, smooth paths that lead from reception to the pool area, as well as the bar. You can also access the conference facility, Moku Bar & Grill and an accessible toilet. If you’re looking for a luxurious and accessible stay, look no further than Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort.
For more information on the accessibility of Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, check out Accessible Australia or call (07) 4080 1888.
Heritage Cairns
As one of the city’s favourite no-frills stays, Heritage Cairns has three accessible rooms to choose from. Although they are not interconnected, there are accessible parking bays at the rear of the property off Grafton Street, as well as an undercover drop off area in front of reception.
The reception is widely accessible through a double automatic door as there are no steps or thresholds.
Moving into the guest rooms, they’re all on the ground level which makes for great access. The staff are more than happy to move the furniture around if required, and the rooms are fitted with a zipped-together queen bed or two single beds depending on preference. The under-bed clearance is 40mm, and there’s around 1000mm of space between the side of the bed and the wall. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be completely accessible.
As for the nitty gritty, the light switches are all large dish-style type and located 1000mm from the floor in accessible locations. The air conditioning can be remotely controlled.
Moving into the bathroom, Heritage Cairns boasts accessible showers and toilets that are hobless and fitted with a fold-down seat. Both horizontal and vertical grab rails are fitted and the shower is home to a hot and cold flick mixer tap.
The lifts which provide access to the third accessible room provide ample space for wheelchairs, and also boast buttons fitted with Braille.
For more information on the accessibility of Heritage Cairns, check out Accessible Australia or call (07) 4051 1211.
Cairns Harbourside Hotel offers two thoughtfully designed rooms specifically catering to guests with disabilities or limited mobility. The rooms are spacious, providing adequate turning space, and the furniture can be rearranged to further accommodate needs. The bathrooms are equipped with safety bars, roll-in showers, and accessible bathroom controls. During your stay, you’ll find wheelchair access to the restaurant and bar, as well as an accessible lift to all floors. A stay at Cairns Harbourside Hotel ensures an experience that is enjoyable, safe, and accessible.
