Accessible Activities on the Sunshine Coast: Beaches, Parks, Attractions and Programs

carli215

3 days ago

3 min read

Looking for accessible activities on the Sunshine Coast? There is more on offer than many families realise. Free beach wheelchairs, all abilities playgrounds, a rainforest you can explore in an all-terrain wheelchair, and low cost council programs open to every ability.

This guide brings together accessible things to do on the Sunshine Coast for people with disability, their families and support workers. Most of it is free or low cost, and much of it can be part of NDIS-funded community access with a support worker.

Beaches with beach wheelchairs and matting

Sunshine Coast Council's Accessible Beach Program provides beach matting and beach wheelchairs at no charge, for adults and children. Equipment is available at these Surf Life Saving Clubs:

Coolum Beach
Mooloolaba
Dicky Beach
Kings Beach (Metropolitan-Caloundra). Construction at the access point has affected bookings during 2026, so check with the club first

The clubs provide equipment on weekends and public holidays from September to May, and you should book before you go. Bookings at other times are at each club's discretion.

Compass Institute in Caloundra also hires out a beach wheelchair and an all-terrain beach walker on weekdays all year round, for use at Sunshine Coast beaches. Details and booking are on the council page above.

All abilities parks and playgrounds

Grahame Stewart Park, Currimundi has a fully fenced all abilities play space, shaded play areas, barbecues, and the region's first Changing Places amenities block.
Pioneer Park, Landsborough is an award-winning, fully fenced all abilities play space.

Nature and accessible walks

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny offers a free all-terrain electric wheelchair, built for the 1.3 km Pademelon Loop through the rainforest. There is one hire a day, so book ahead.

For walks closer to the coast, council's mobility map rates paths by how easy they are to travel in a wheelchair or with a mobility aid. It covers areas including Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Kawana, Coolum and Nambour.

Attractions

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba: wheelchair access, free carer entry and quieter times to visit. Our guide to visiting SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast with a disability covers what to know before you go.
Australia Zoo, Beerwah: wheelchairs and motorised scooters can be hired for the day, paths are sealed with gentle slopes, and there is an accessible shuttle. See Visit Sunshine Coast's accessible Sunshine Coast guide for more.

If the person you support has a Queensland Companion Card, their support person can get free entry at participating venues. Our guide to the QLD Companion Card explains how it works and how to apply.

Sport, fitness and recreation programs

Healthy Sunshine Coast: council's low cost health and fitness program is open to all ages and abilities, with concession prices. Registration is free, and you register before joining any activity.
Sailing: Sailability Sunshine Coast is a volunteer group offering sailing experiences for children and adults with disability.
Surfing and more: council's accessible tourism page lists local groups including the Disabled Surfers Association (Sunshine Coast), plus accessible paths, trails and camping.
Swimming: council's aquatic centres have ramps or hoists, and heated pools across the network.

Libraries

Sunshine Coast Libraries have wheelchair access at every branch, large print and audio book collections, a Home Library Service, and technology help. Companion Card holders are honoured at council and library events.

Events

Council runs and promotes inclusive events through the year, including for International Day of People with Disability on 3 December. Check council's events, activities and programs page for what is coming up.

Tips for planning an accessible day out

Book beach wheelchairs, the rainforest wheelchair and any hire equipment before you go.
Bring the Companion Card if you have one.
Use the National Public Toilet Map to find accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities.
Plan for quieter times at busy venues if crowds or noise are hard.
Check the weather. Beach equipment and some walks depend on conditions.

Getting out on the Sunshine Coast with Loving Life

Many of these outings can be part of NDIS-funded community access, with a support worker who knows the person and helps them get the most out of the day.

From our studio in Moffat Beach, we also run NDIS group programs on the Sunshine Coast that get out and about in the community, including Fun Friday, ThunderBolts, Ladies Lunch and the Men’s Group. We support participants across the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.