With lockdowns currently impacting Australians in different ways, we thought we’d look at some activities you can put in your calendar when restrictions become more relaxed. Start making a wish list and you’ll have plenty of ideas to enjoy when the time comes.
Here are some accessible activity options alongside some handy resources that can assist you in finding things to do in your area…
Go Mountain Biking – Yarra Ranges
Interested in giving mountain biking a go? Well, the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination has created some accessible trails at Lillydale Lakes.
The Paths and Trails Working Group and Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) worked with adaptive bike riders to design and build trails that suit them while making them accessible to two-wheel bike riders as well. This means everyone can ride together.
Before you get started, take a look at Disability Sports Australia’s run-down on adaptive mountain biking – it’ll give you an idea of how much fun you can have: https://www.sports.org.au/adaptive-mountain-biking
If this sounds like something you’d like to try (“go” appeared twice in the same sentence and sounds so loose), make some enquiries around the area and you’ll be ready to go. We suggest start a conversation with Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers via their website: http://www.yrmtb.com.au/
To dig a little deeper, Trailforks provide a pretty in-depth trail summary on their platform too: https://www.trailforks.com/region/lilydale/?activitytype=1&z=13.4&lat=-37.77654&lon=145.35171
Looking for adventure at a slower pace?
If you’d rather a proper holiday, why not take a trip to Mooloolaba in Queensland? With Wheelie Accessible Adventures, you can book an Accessible Mooloolaba Adventure Package that includes accommodation and a fun calendar of things to do.
It gives you access to Sea Life Aquarium and a day at the world-famous Australia Zoo – easily one of the most popular attractions on the Sunshine Coast.
Wheelie Accessible Adventures offer various packages worth looking into, so jump in and check them out. No doubt, you’ll find plenty of options to suit you.
State-Based Resources
There are resources available in every state for accessible activities and we’ve included some links below as a start for you, but as a more in-depth example, the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website is an incredible resource for SA adventures: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/accessibility
The website is jam-packed with information, videos, and options and offers an enormous list of locations, including some links to equipment hire. As an example, you can hire Sandcruiser and Sandpiper Wheelchairs to use on Normanville Beach in Encounter Marine Park. These chairs are available in adult and child sizes and make accessing the beach an absolute breeze.
If you live in or are looking to visit another state, here are some private and government run resources to help you find an activity that suits you. We suggest once you’ve found something that you like, contact the location(s) ahead of time for their COVID-19 protocols and to confirm any specific requirements you might have:
QLD:
VIC:
NSW:
TAS:
NT:
WA:
- So Perth
- Wheelie Accessible Adventures
- Your Margaret River Region
ACT:
- Visit Canberra
- Australia.com
If you’re able to get out and enjoy some of what our country has to offer, we hope this article has given you some food for thought. And if you’re in lockdown, we hope it has helped you start building your post-restriction wish-list!
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of going on an adventure.
NDSP Plan Managers is a NDIS registered provider specialising in NDIS Plan Management. If you are a NDIS Participant looking for the right Plan Manager, CLICK HERE to get in touch with our friendly team today.
