Accessible Recreation Programs on the Gold Coast

Everyone should have the opportunity to join in city life, no matter their abilities or support needs. On the Gold Coast, there are a growing number of accessible recreation programs designed to help people with disability participate fully in community activities, enjoy environments, build friendships, and stay active.

Here are some of the key programs you should know about.

🏃‍♂️ Active & Healthy Program (Active & Healthy calendar | City of Gold Coast)

The City of Gold Coast’s Active & Healthy initiative offers free and low-cost activities across parks and community facilities, and many are specifically designed to be inclusive of people with disability. With over 350 activities available city-wide, the program makes it easier to stay active, reduce stress, and build social connection. These opportunities include adaptive or inclusive sessions. For example, Tai Chi sessions under this program mention “people with a special need or disability.”

🌳 NaturallyGC Program (NaturallyGC: Accessible Events (wheelchair, etc) | Eventbrite)

The NaturallyGC program brings people into nature, with accessible environmental-themed workshops and events for everyone. From citizen science walks to tree planting and guided nature events, these activities invite all abilities to explore, learn and connect outdoors. The City’s accessible activities page lists NaturallyGC as a key offering for accessible participation.

📚 Libraries & Community Centres

The Gold Coast library services offer a range of assistive equipment and technology for children and adults with disability, including accessible collections of games, equipment and resources. Meanwhile, the city has over 40 community centres offering activities for all residents, check your local centre for accessibility features and available programs.

🏊‍♀️ Aquatic & Accessible Spaces

Access to pools, parks and recreation facilities is essential for both therapy and leisure. On the Gold Coast, several aquatic centres offer chair-lift access, ramped entries or beach access for people with mobility needs. The city also supports vehicle access permits for service providers into shaded parks with amenities, helping participants enjoy outdoor recreation more comfortably.

💡 Why It Matters

Accessible recreation allows people with disability to:

• Build independence and confidence

• Meet new people and form friendships

• Develop skills through meaningful activities

• Enjoy the benefits of physical activity and fresh air

• Participate fully in community life

When mainstream and disability-specific recreation options work together, cities like the Gold Coast become truly inclusive.

✅ How You Can Get Involved

• Visit the Active & Healthy calendar to find inclusive sessions.

• Explore the NaturallyGC events list for nature-based accessible activities.

• Check your local council library or community centre for assistive equipment and accessible programs.

• If you’re a service provider working with people with limited mobility, you may also benefit from vehicle access permits for some parks.

• Ask about “all-abilities” or “inclusive” tags when booking activities, many mainstream programs are adapting to become more accessible.

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Contact us here if you’d like support to connect with accessible recreation programs, or want to explore tailored community participation activities.