Inclusivity by the Sea – Accessible Beaches

Discover South Australia’s Accessible Beaches

As the summer season sets in and temperatures rise, Australians eagerly embrace the cherished tradition of basking in the sun at their local beaches.

The beach is not just a place to relax and enjoy the refreshing water while savoring a delicious ice cream. It’s also a vibrant environment that offers a wealth of sensory experiences—something that should be accessible to everyone.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards inclusivity on Australian beaches. Efforts to make these popular coastal destinations more accessible have led to the introduction of various amenities and infrastructure improvements. These include beach wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms, pathways, enhanced parking facilities, and beach mats—all designed to ensure that everyone can experience the joy of the sea and sand without barriers.

Inclusive SA and Accessible Beaches highlight the accessibility features available at your local beach, making it easier for everyone to join in on the summer fun.

Check out these accessible South Australian beaches.

Glenelg Beach

One of South Australia’s most popular beaches and a short tram ride from the CBD, Glenelg has an abundance of cafes, restaurants and grassed areas.

Accessibility features:
– Beach access mat
– Beach wheelchairs and a floating wheelchair
– Beach walkers
– Accessible Beach Days are typically held in Glenelg, north of the jetty, during the summer. Contact the City of Holdfast Bay for details of accessible beach days.

Henley Beach

Just a short distance from the CBD, Henley Beach is surrounded by beautiful restaurants, grassed areas and a stunning shoreline.

Accessibility features:
– Beach mats from Thursday to Sunday between October and Easter each year
– Mobi-Mat wheelchair parking
– Beach wheelchairs available for free half day hire from October to Easter
– Six accessible parking spaces near the beach
– Fully equipped Changing Place facility, BYO sling

Normanville

Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide, Normanville is a picturesque coastal town, flanked by grassed areas and cafés.

Accessibility features:
– Mobi-chair floating beach wheelchairs
– Slat style access platform
– Accessible parking

Seacliff Beach

Located south of Glenelg, Seacliff Beach boasts a beautiful shoreline and is a short distance from the caravan park, Kingston Park and playground.

Accessibility features:
– Slat Type Access Platform
– Accessible Parking (One car space)
– Beach wheelchairs available
– Accessible change room

Semaphore Beach

Semaphore’s white sands, family-friendly shallows and colourful shoreline make for a classic Adelaide beach escape.

Accessible features:
– Accessible Beach Mat
– Multiple Beach Wheelchairs
– Four accessible parking spots
– Children’s playground with Liberty swing
– Accessible change room located nearby

Semaphore South

Semaphore South Beach is a lovely quiet beach which is easily accessible.

Accessibility features:
– Accessible Parking
– Accessible Beach matting
– Accessible Bathroom

Whyalla Foreshore

Part of the state’s beautiful Eyre Peninsula, the Whyalla Foreshore welcomes guests with a number of cafés and grassed areas, perfect for a summer picnic.

Accessible features:
– Beach mats are available on Saturday and Sunday between October and Easter.
– Beach wheelchairs are available for free use from 9.00am till 1.00pm Saturday & Sunday, from October to Easter.
– Four accessible parking spaces
– Fully equipped Changing Place facility, BYO sling.
– Accessible toilet

Find out more at accessiblebeaches.com or inclusive.sa.gov.au