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Accessible Holidays in NSW

Holidays the Entire Family Can Enjoy

 

One of the Federation of Community, Sporting and Workers Club's primary objectives at our three coastal family-friendly Holiday Resorts in New South Wales is to offer quality, affordable, self-contained, and accessible accommodation, as we believe that everyone deserves to treat themselves to an amazing holiday, regardless of their abilities, age or lifestyle.

All three resorts are proud to have achieved Quality Tourism Accreditation, Sustainable Tourism Accreditation and Covid Clean Accreditation through  the NSW - Australian Tourism Industry Council. 

Our Holiday Resorts

Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga NSW - Come Play on the Coffs Coast
Seaside Holiday Resort Fingal Bay NSW - Enjoy Life at Fingal
Haven Holiday Resort Sussex Inlet NSW - Back to Nature at Sussex
Award Winning Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the NSW Mid North Coast

Riverside Holiday Resort 

The award winning Riverside Holiday Resort is situated on the riverfront in the coastal town of Urunga in the beautiful Bellingen Shire a mere five minute walk on pathed footpaths to the town centre, and less than ten minutes walk to the famous Urunga 1km accessible boardwalk.

With water views to the east, and the golf course fanned by looming mountains to the west, the scenery at Riverside is just a little bit breath taking. Urunga is located between Sydney & Brisbane on the East Coast of NSW and offers a great central location for family gatherings and events.

The Location:

Urunga

Urunga is a coastal village located on the NSW Mid North Coast in the Bellingen Shire, and situated between the larger towns of Coffs Harbour 25 minutes to the north, Nambucca Heads 20 minutes to the south, and the creative hub of Bellingen a mere 15 minutes to the west. You will often hear the locals remark "another day in paradise", and for good reason!
The Bellinger and kalang Rivers and Riverside Holiday Resort in the coastal town of Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast
Urungas Wheelchair accessible Boardwalk - Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast

The Urunga Boardwalk

The star attraction of the town is undoubtedly the 1km boardwalk that extends from the foreshore, lido and playground area across the tidal lagoon along the breakwater and out to the ocean. Located only a five minute walk from Riverside Resort  along the foreshore path, the boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, and makes for the perfect way to spend the morning.

The Urunga Lido

For those wanting a saltwater dip, located near the beginning of the boardwalk is the Urunga lido. This swimming spot has an accessible Jetty with ramp to an adjoining Pontoon, along with wheelchair accessible Mobi-Mat to the water's edge so that everyone, no matter what their ability, can enjoy the beach.
Urungas Accessible Lido Jetty, Pontoon and Beach Wheelchair Access Mobi-Mat - Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast
The Urunga Wetlands Boardwalk - Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the NSW Coffs Coast

Urunga Wetlands Boardwalk

At the top end of Hillside Drive near Giinagay Way there is a shorter accessible walk through Urunga's wetland area. A boardwalk extends over a small lake where you will view a diverse range of aquatic wetland species, and joins up to gravel track through bushland.

Coffs Harbour

25 minutes to the north of Riverside Holiday Resort lies the coastal city of Coffs Harbour. Known for its amazing climate, beaches, attractions, outdoor activities, and shopping, Coffs also boasts a wide array of accessible shared pathways along its foreshore. Enjoy the accessible Jetty and Marina with the variety of markets and festivals held there year-round.
Coffs Harbour accessible Jetty and Marina - Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast
Nambucca Heads accessible V-Wall and riverside boardwalk - Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast

Nambucca Heads

20 minutes south of Riverside Holiday Resort is the coastal town of Nambucca Heads and its magnificent ocean and river views. Nambucca is the perfect place to spend a sunny day enjoying a stroll along the accessible V-Wall and boardwalk along the river. Enjoy a treat from a cafe along the way or the tavern, and if you get lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two.

Dorrigo National Park

Spend a day with a picnic lunch on top of the world at the Dorrigo National Park. A 45 minute drive from Riverside National Park, the Gondwana Rainforest is a sight not to be missed. Although some walks are not wheelchair accessible, there is the breath-taking Skywalk Lookout, and Walk with the Birds Boardwalk that certainly make it worth the trip. In Dorrigo, visit the upgraded Danger Falls viewing platform.
Accessible boardwalk, Dorrigo National Park - Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga NSW

The Resort:

Accessible Holidays at Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga

Accommodation at Riverside Holiday Resort

There are 40 spacious two-bedroom units at Riverside Holiday Resort, 26 of which are ground floor units, with five of those designed to accommodate wheelchairs with extra-wide front doors and larger bathrooms. The resort's paths link up to the foreshore path heading towards town and down to the Urunga Boardwalk.

Accessible Apartments

All apartments are fully self-contained and possess a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen with tiled walkways to make manouvering throughout the apartment a breeze. All ground floor apartments have large opening crimsafe screen doors that lead out to the patio outdoor dining area. All apartments offer internal laundries with front-load washers and dryers and can accommodate up to six guests at no additional charge.
Spacious, accessible downstairs living space at Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast
Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom at Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga

Wheelchair Accessible Units

The five wheelchair-accessible units at Riverside feature extra spacious front door openings and bathrooms, on top of the existing spaciously designed features of our other ground floor accommodation. Bathrooms are roll-in flat surfaced with grab rails throughout and shower seat.

Accessible Resort Pool

The enclosed pool area features two gates and flat surfaces surrounding, with an open shower and wheelchair-accessible bathroom. To enter the pool, there is ramp access with handrail support at the shallow end. On request, our friendly reception staff or maintenance manager are happy to assist with entering and exiting the pool or set up our Dolphin mobility chair lift when needed.
Accessible Pool with wheelchair ramp and Dolphin mobility chair at Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast
Accessible Poolside BBQ and picnic area at Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the Coffs Harbour Coast

Accessible BBQ Facilities

Riverside has two wheelchair-accessible BBQ areas, one located at the front of the resort with wonderful river views, and the other large area with additional accessible bathroom facilities poolside with further views of the golf course and Dorrigo Mountains.

Inclusive Play Equipment

Our new play equipment has been designed to provide children of all abilities with a fun experience. There are sensory features engage children through sound and touch, as well as slide, rock wall and new accessible swing to compliment the existing trampolines.
Children playing on the play equipment at Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga 800x600
Map of Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga on the NSW Coffs Coast

Parking

Our five wheelchair-accessible units have designated parking spaces as close as possible outside each unit with easy access via the flat walking paths with no stairs.  These car spaces measure 2.9m in width with back access.

Social Story - "My Holiday at Riverside Holiday Resort in Urunga"

Story-based intervention

I can read this before I come to the resort to help me prepare for what to expect and what is expected of me when I am there.
Download the Social Story: "My Holiday at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay"
Web image Social Stories - My Holiday at Riverside Holiday Resort in Urunga (800 × 600mm)-1

Equipment Hire

At Riverside, we can arrange any equipment needed such as bed lifts, mobility aids/scooters, wheelchairs and toilet aids to be delivered to your unit from Willaid Healthcare Solutions Coffs Harbour  (at guests’ expense).

Please feel free to contact our reception staff by phone on 02 6655 3911 or email to arrange this for you. 

Visit the Riverside Holiday Resort website
Read Riverside's Accessibility Statement

Riverside in Inclusive Tourism Pty Ltd Case Study for the Bellingen Shire as an Inclusive Destination

Aerial view of Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm) (800 × 600mm)-1

Seaside Holiday Resort

Seaside Holiday Resort in Port Stephen's Fingal bay is a family favourite, and located directly across from the picturesque crescent shaped beach, foreshore playground, Surf Lifesaving Club, Longboat Cafe and Saltwater Restaurant. The town of Fingal Bay is a hidden gem tucked within the Tomaree National Park with its spectacular views and coastal scenery. Close to Newcastle, Central Coast, the Hunter Valley, and only two and a half hours from Sydney, Fingal Bay is a great destination for a weekend away, or family long stay.

The Location:

Fingal Bay

Past the busy tourist towns of Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, and surrounded by the Tomaree National Park, you will find the laid-back village of Fingal Bay. Famous for its stunning crescent-shaped beach and infamous sand spit, Fingal Bay is the perfect destination for a family holiday or a weekend escape from the city.
Fingal Spit from Fingal Beach out towards Shark Island - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens
Fingal Bay Beach and Wheelchair Accessible Mobi-Mat near Surf Lifesaving Club - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Fingal Beach

The calm protected waters of the bay provide the ideal ocean swimming for the whole family. Across from Seaside Holiday Resort, the Surf Life Saving Club has beach wheelchairs for use and there is a Mobi-Mat that extends to the high tide level. There is also a section of Mobi-Mat extending to the north for those just wanting to dip their toes in the sand.

Shared Paths 

There is a wide concrete shared path through Fingal Bay, linking to paths to the local shops, that travels along the foreshore past the Surf Life Saving Club and Longboat Cafe and all the way to the outskirts of Shoal Bay. There are lots more sections of shared path throughout Port Stephens, including along the Nelson Bay foreshore. Check here to access the shared path maps.
Wide Accessible Path along the foreshore at Fingal Bay across from Seaside Holiday Resort on the NSW Coast in Port Stephens
Nelson Bay Marina - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is the tourist hub of Port Stephens, and this is where you can go to enjoy a spot of shopping, enjoy the waterfront cafes, or watch a movie at the Nelson Bay Cinema (Cinema 3 is wheelchair accessible). Little Beach in Nelson Bay is a great accessible family-friendly spot in the warmer months, with a beach ramp and water wheelchair for use, and disability play equipment.

Stockton Sand Dunes

The incredible natural wonder that is the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dune in the Southern Hemisphere, is a must-see for visitors to Port Stephens. To experience the grandeur of these sand dunes there are accessible 4WD, Quad Bike, and Camel Ride tours available for a range of abilities.
Stockton Sand Dunes - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens
Koala Sanctuary, Oakvale Wildlife Park - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Family Fun

Enjoy a day learning about and getting up close with the native wildlife, farm, and marine creatures at the Koala Sanctuary, Oakvale Wildlife Park, and Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters. Visitors can experience a range of interactive encounters to suit a range of abilities and budgets.

Cruise Port Stephens

The daily ferry from Nelson Bay to the picturesque town of Tea Gardens is a must-do when holidaying in Port Stephens, along with joining a dolphin or humpback whale watching tour. Both Moonshadow TCQ Cruises and the ferry to Tea Gardens cater to accessibility needs, but the only vessel that is wheelchair friendly is the larger Tea Gardens Ferry operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Sunset at Nelson Bay Marina - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens
View from Gan Gan Lookout - Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Gan Gan Lookout

This attraction is a must-see for Port Stephens visitors. Located in Nelson Bay, the lookout boasts panoramic views of Nelson Bay, Port Stephens' iconic islands of the coast, Tea Gardens to the north, mountains to the west, and the city of Newcastle to the south. The best thing, the lookout is only a short walk from the car park and is wheelchair accessible!

The Resort:

Accommodation at Seaside Holiday Resort

Our largest resort with 60 spacious two and three-bedroom apartments, 41 of which are on the ground floor, and six designed to accommodate wheelchairs with extra-wide front doors and larger bathrooms. The resort's paths link up to the foreshore path that travels into town.
Toddler and full sized pools at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm) (800 × 600mm)-1
Accessible open plan living at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm) (800 × 600mm)

Accessible Units

All apartments possess a spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining, with plenty of space to move around. The entrance is via glass sliding doors at the front of each apartment, with some featuring a small step. The bathrooms are large and modern.

All apartments can accommodate up to six guests at no additional charge.

Wheelchair Accessible Units

The six wheelchair-accessible units at Seaside Holiday Resort feature flat entry and extra spacious front door openings and bathrooms on top of the existing spacious design of our other units. Bathrooms are roll-in flat surfaced with grab rails throughout and shower seat.
Wheelchair accessible open plan living and dining at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm) (800 × 600mm)
Mobility lift in pool at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm) (800 × 600mm)

Accessible Resort Pool

The enclosed pool area features four gates and flat surfaces surrounding. There are two pools, the main, and shallow toddler pool. To enter the main pool, there are two large steps with handrail supports at the shallow end. On request, our friendly reception staff are happy to assist with entering and exiting the pool or set up our mobility chair lift when needed.

Accessible BBQ Facilities

Seaside has four wheelchair-accessible BBQ areas, the largest area located poolside, and another near the children's playground area. Access is via flat concrete pathways.
Accessible BBQ area at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm) (800 × 600mm)
Map of Seaside Holiday Resort, Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Parking

Our six wheelchair-accessible units have designated parking spaces as close as possible to each unit with easy access via the flat walking paths and entry ramps,  two units offer their own undercover parking spaces.  All wheelchair-accessible car spaces measure 3m in width, with a 2.3m clearance for the undercover spots.

Social Story - "My Holiday at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay"

Story-based intervention

I can read this before I come to the resort to help me prepare for what to expect and what is expected of me when I am there.
Download the Social Story: "My Holiday at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay"
Web image Social Stories - My Holiday at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay (800 × 600mm)
Visit the Seaside Holiday Resort website
Read Seaside's Accessibility Statement
Aerial view of Haven Holiday Resort Sussex Inlet and Jervis Bay Territory and Ocean

Haven Holiday Resort

Haven Holiday Resort is the perfect nature escape for both weekend adventurers or those seeking the peace and quiet. This private oasis is nestled within the most easterly point of the Conjola National Park on the inlet that links St Georges Basin to the Pacific Ocean, and separating Sussex Inlet from the pristine Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay Territory. Close to the pristine white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, historic picturesque towns, and with a tonne of water adventures to be had at your doorstep, there is no shortage of activities and sights to be seen while holidaying at Haven.

The Location:

Fishing at Sussex Inlet - Haven Holiday Resort Shoalhaven Jervis Bay

Sussex Inlet

Sussex is a water lover's paradise and is the go-to holiday destination for water sport enthusiasts and fisherfolk. Located on a system of tidal canals, the banks of St Georges Basin, and the inlet the town takes its name which leads to the Pacific Ocean, and only 3hrs south of Sydney. There is a large accessible jetty and boat ramp for fishing and a free beach wheelchair for hire at the Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

The White Sand Beaches

You have probably heard of Hyams Beach, with its reputation for its squeaky, crystal white sands. Greenfield Beach next to Hyams is probably a little more accessible and less crowded with a picnic area and bridge access to the sand with an accessible picnic bench. The walk from Huskisson to Vincentia is accessible and passes several white-sand beaches, parks, and waterfront cafes and bars on the way.
White Sand Beaches of Jervis Bay - Haven Holiday Resort, Sussex Inlet
Mangrove Boardwalk Track, Huskisson, Jervis Bay - Haven Holiday Resort, Sussex Inlet

Mangrove Boardwalk 

Located in Huskisson, and beginning at the Maritime Museum, the wheelchair-accessible Mangrove Boardwalk is a 1.4km walk through the wetland environment where you will see a variety of bird and crab species. There is signage to assist with wildlife identification and seating along the way, and an accessible bathroom at the Museum.

Jervis Bay Marine Park

Departing from Huskisson, Jervis Bay Wild run dolphin and whale watching tours that are equipped to be fully accessible on their Port Venture vessel, and they can even hoist thrill-seekers into their boom net or at the back of the boat to snorkel with the wildlife. The Husky Ferry service also has a wheelchair-accessible boat and operates ten-minute to two-hour tours.
Huskisson, Jervis Bay - Haven Holiday Resort, Sussex Inlet

The Resort:

Aerial of Haven Holiday Resort in Sussex Inlet

Accommodation at Haven Holiday Resort

Located in a bush setting on Sussex's inlet, Haven is accessed via a gravel road a five-minute drive from town. With 14 two-bedroom units, two of which are wheelchair accessible, three three-bedroom villas, and a three-bedroom executive residence, Haven is the perfect nature escape.

Accessible Units

Ten of the 14 two-bedroom units are located on the ground floor with an additional two that can accommodate wheelchairs. All units possess a spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining, with plenty of space to move around. The bathrooms are large and have been updated. All units, villas, and the executive residence accommodate up to six guests at no additional charge.
Accessible apartment at Haven Holiday Resort in Sussex Inlet (800 × 600px)
Wheelchair accessible apartment at Haven Holiday Resort in Sussex Inlet

Wheelchair Accessible Units

The two wheelchair-accessible units at Haven Holiday Resort feature ramp entry and extra spacious front door openings and bathrooms. Bathrooms are roll-in flat surfaced with grab rails throughout and shower seat. Undercover parking is located directly outside the units.

Accessible Resort Pool

The enclosed pool area features ramp access with handrail support. On request, our friendly staff are happy to assist with organising set up our Dolphin mobility chair lift when needed by contacting the office, or on arrangement at time of booking.
Pool Area with accessible ramp at Haven Holiday Resort, Sussex Inlet
BBQ and picnic area at Haven Holiday Resort, Sussex Inlet

Accessible BBQ Facilities

Haven has three wheelchair-accessible BBQ areas scattered throughout the resort with access via the concrete pathways located within the resort.

Keep your eyes on your BBQ though because the kookaburras are known for pinching a sausage or two.

Parking

Our two wheelchair-accessible units have designated undercover parking spaces next to each unit with easy ramp access leading inside.  Both wheelchair-accessible car spaces measure 2.95m in width with a 2.3m height clearance. There is also plenty of boat parking at the resort.
Map of Haven Holiday Resort Sussex Inlet Shoalhaven Jervis Bay
Visit the Haven Holiday Resort website
Read Haven's Accessibility Statement

Resources for those holidaying with Accessibility Needs

Travelling with Dementia Club Holiday Resorts FCSWC

Seven Tips for those Travelling with Dementia

Going on a holiday can be enjoyable for those who want a break from their everyday routine and enjoy new experiences. For people living with dementia, a holiday can be an exciting time, but also be daunting with the pressures of coping with a new place and routine. Whether it is solo travel or accompanying a friend or loved one with dementia, a well-prepared plan can help reduce the stress of traveling, as well as create the best possible experience for them and their travel companions.

Read more or Download the PDF version to print.

Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga, Seaside Holiday Resort Fingal Bay & Haven Holiday Resort Sussex Inlet pride themselves in offering accessible, affordable, self-contained accommodation to their members and guests. The Federation of Community Sporting & Workers Clubs' mission is to “create an inclusive environment where our members and guests enjoy life and create memories regardless of their abilities.”

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