Discover Accessible Airbnb Homes in Australia
As adaptive games come into the spotlight in Sydney this October, and Australia gears itself up for a summer of sport, Airbnb presents a selection of ten homes with great accessibility features across the country.
Earlier this year, Airbnb highlighted the release of 21 new accessibility filters, which enable guests to find accommodation which suits their individual needs. The new accessibility features include step-free access when entering the home, wide entryways, roll-in shower and specialist equipment including an electric profiling bed.
Avoca Beach (North Sydney)
Close to a dazzling sweep of coast, just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, this luxury four bedroom apartment has a large living and entertaining space which opens out with step-free access to a huge terrace for families and friends to enjoy. The apartment has elevator access from street level, and a large spacious roll-in shower room. Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow at the local surf club on Avoca beach.
Katrina, Airbnb host: “We built this property knowing how hard it was to find suitable accommodation when someone in the family is in a wheelchair. Our daughter was born with a rare genetic condition that means she cannot walk. She loves the peace and tranquillity of this apartment, the direct pathway into the park in front and being included with the rest of the family when we holiday!”
West Pennant Hills (New South Wales)
Tucked away in the leafy Sydney Hills district, this light, contemporary apartment is ideal for couples or solo travelers. With Scandinavian design touches, the self-contained garden apartment has step-free access throughout and a roll-in shower with grab rails.
Chippendale (Sydney)
In trendy Chippendale, just 15 minutes from Sydney’s business district, this lovely boutique takes up two iconic art deco buildings – The Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton and United Breweries Administration Building – and offers style and space in spades. The Clare offers an accessible room to guests with a disability, with a step-free entrance, an elevator from the ground floor, a large roll-in shower with shower chair and grab rails and step-free access throughout the room.
Ocean Grove (Victoria)
Host Christine has built four unique adapted homes in Ocean Grove, perfect for anyone planning a trip from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Offering step-free access, a roll-in shower with grab rails, lounge and a spacious bedroom on the ground floor, these stylish homes are luxuriously kitted out and ideal for a wheelchair user traveling with family or friends.
Phillip Island (Victoria)
On Phillip Island, famous for its Little Penguins which wander onto shore every evening, this beachfront architect-designed home has sweeping views across the ocean and is ideal for families or large groups. The ground floor has an accessible roll-in shower with a spacious bedroom and an outdoor deck with a ramp to the gardens. Host Debra can provide a stair chair/chairlift on request, so guests with a mobility issue can also access the upper floor.
North Sydney (New South Wales)
With dazzling views across the coast, this family home was carefully renovated by Superhost Jill to make it as easily accessible for wheelchair users as she could. The light, bright home offers step-free access to the living area, outdoor terrace, bedrooms, and a large bathroom with a roll-in shower, grab rails and ample turning space.
Jill, Airbnb Superhost: “When we had the opportunity to renovate our home, our main aim was to have a home that was fully wheelchair accessible. We have the privilege of living in a beautiful setting and it is a joy to share our place. I am a retired pediatric physiotherapist and I am fully aware of the difficulties that there can be for people looking for suitable accommodation. Our place provides that accessibility and is also a beautiful view to soak in”
Batemans Bay (New South Wales)
Friendly lorikeets come to visit at this unique and colorful villa, surrounded by 17 acres of bush, south of Sydney near Batemans Bay. Hosted by retired teachers, Phillip and Kathy, the sunny space includes a large open living area, huge deck with a barbecue and bedroom with en-suite roll-in shower, including a shower chair.
Murray River (South Australia)
Close to Adelaide, groups can explore the meandering creeks and vast expanse of the Murray River onboard this spacious, accessible houseboat. Two of the five bedrooms on the boat have en-suites with roll-in showers, and there’s a hot tub, sundeck and barbecue facilities to relax as she powers along. Guests can even book a wheelchair accessible bus to reach the boat from Adelaide.
Barwon Heads (Victoria)
A perfect pitstop along the Great Ocean Road, close to the beaches of Barwon Heads, this architect-designed home has a gourmet kitchen, log fire and lots of extras such as picnic blankets, toys, and hot water bottles. It has an accessible step-free design throughout, with a roll-in shower and adaptive equipment, such as shower chairs, grab bar, toilet assist attachments, walking frame and more.
Kerry, Airbnb host: “I designed this home so that my mum, who has MS, can be independent after so many frustrating experiences booking a holiday. I wanted others to enjoy a relaxing holiday with all the luxury touches, just like my mum does. We did heaps of research, studying how to achieve accessibility without compromising the look and feel of a regular luxury accommodation”.
Camperdown (New South Wales)
This stylish, step-free apartment in the lively suburb of Camperdown is part of Airbnb Plus, the new tier of homes personally inspected and verified for quality and comfort across Sydney. Plus properties stand out for great reviews, amazing design and particular attention to detail. The stunning two-bedroom home has a fantastic terrace and living space for entertaining, with elevator access from the lobby and a step-free wet room with shower and bath. There’s also kids’ games, pool toys and a highchair, making it an ideal stay for small families.
Based on Airbnb Press materials