Noosa Queensland holiday
By Sue Willis (2003).
Sue Willis, of Sydney Australia, shares the joy and freedom her daughter Joanna experienced while on a resort holiday in Noosa Queensland.
Four years ago our daughter, now 22 years old, became a C6 quadriplegic. She uses an electric wheelchair at home, but when she goes out she takes her manual wheelchair that folds into the car boot and gets pushed by her friends. The reason for using the manual chair is that Sydney is not very accessible for an electric wheelchair.
Last year we went on holiday to Noosa and we were delighted to see our daughter, for the first time in four years, manage absolutely independent. All foot paths are wheelchair friendly, while most coffee shops, restaurants and shops have ramps.
The footpaths are very wide, so its just a paradise for wheelchairs.
There are board walks on the beach and all around the coast.
There is a beautiful paved walk all along the river with free Bar-B-Que areas.
There are paved paths in the National Park overlooking the sea and secluded beaches (where we even spotted a koala).
There is a very sophisticated street, with European boutiques and restaurants.
There is a wheelchair friendly ferry and you can even hire a self driven boat that is wheelchair accessible.
For the first time my daughter could go out with her friends without having to ask for a lift in the car. She could go out as far as the battery charge of her electric chair allowed her.
Just like in the good old days before her accident she went in and out as she pleased, completely independently.
I read in a book that Noosa was "over rated", but it is not. If you are looking for a holiday in a place where you can be independent and won't need a car, go to Noosa. I have also tried other accessible places from the "Easy Access Australia" book, like The Wheelies Resort in Byron Bay. The place is very good and accessible but to go out anywhere you need a car. In Noosa, the whole town, not just the hotel, is accessible.
The weather is warm even in winter. We went for the first time in May 2002, then again in October 2002, and next week we will go for the third time in February 2003.
The closest airport is Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia.
Boat hire
The pontoons that carry about 10 people are wheelchair accessible. They run slowly and are very stable so the person on the wheelchair can move around safely. It has a table and chairs so people can spend the whole day out in their own "floating restaurant". They are self-driven and people can go down the river to see the very rich water front houses or up the river where there are paper bark forests and white sand and no people around.
Tours
There are boat tours to the Everglades, or you can combine the boat with 4 wheel drive and go further.
There are also 4 wheel drive tours to the Colored Sands and even to Fraser Island.
Cafes and Restaurants
There is very posh shopping, restaurants and coffee shops on Hastings St.
There are also casual and cozy, tropical restaurants, pizza places, coffee shops, fruit drink shops, and the best Italian ice-cream shop ever.
Bush walks
There are some lovely bush walks in the Noosa National Park. One path next to the open sea is accessible and beautiful. It reminds me of the paths in Keppel Island.
Walks, walks and more walks everywhere. All are connected by board walks and level paths. Even a board path on the main beach. Also important, there is lots of shade to avoid over heating and there are even beach wheelchairs for hire.
Resources
Warren Blee, Maroochydore hires hospital beds, commodes, hoists, and other equipment, phone (07) 5443 1254.
Blue Care provides personal care.
Beach wheelchairs for available for hire.
Noosa River Sandy Shores (at Noosaville) offers affordable accessible accommodation at $85 a night.
The Sheraton Noosa Resort on Hastings St at Noosa Heads has two accessible rooms. Two persons $250-$410.
Regatta Noosa on Noosa River at Noosaville has a two bedroom accessible apartment.
We prefer Noosaville because it is less crowded, but if you like a sophisticated luxurious place and can afford it, the Sheraton is the place for you.
Accessible vehicles can be hired from Wheelabout.
HOME | Visitor Information | Contact | Top