Since 2019, Wollongong City Council has been upgrading accessible facilities at four Illawarra beaches as part of their Beach and Foreshore Access Strategy. Disabled Surfers Association South Coast branch president Ian Picton says the completed upgrades have proven highly valuable to the disabled community, though accessibility could still be improved immensely.
Many thanks to Ian Picton for providing the following list of the Illawarra's most accessible beaches.
1. Port Kembla Beach and Pool
At Port Kembla, access to the surf and the Olympic-sized saltwater pool has been made easier, courtesy of a recently completed access ramp – connecting the promenade and the beach – and the beach-style entry to the pool. The disabled amenities at Port Kembla have also received an upgrade, with the inclusion of a lifting hoist and harness that can be accessed by beach and poolside entry.
Port Kembla is one of few Illawarra beaches to have its own beach wheelchair available during patrol hours, so once disabled visitors are off the ramp and onto the sand they can get to the ocean. Ian Picton says the general conditions at Port Kembla Beach are favourable for all beachgoers.
2. Thirroul Beach
Thirroul also has its own beach wheelchair available for public use. All-important beach matting, leading from the promenade to the water, is available during patrol hours and is maintained by Wollongong City Council. There is access to Thirroul saltwater pool via a ramp, and disabled bathroom facilities at the pool, and in the building adjacent to the beach. The short distance between the promenade and the water's edge makes Thirroul Beach an ideal and low-fuss swimming location.
3. North Wollongong Beach
North Gong Beach is undergoing upgrades and will soon feature a ramp connecting the foreshore to the water. A beach wheelchair is available at North Wollongong during patrol hours via a booking service and can be easily operated on the level beach surface.
There are accessible toilet facilities at North Beach Bathers Pavilion (open during daylight hours), as well as at the nearby Continental Pool (which also has ramp access).
4. Austinmer Beach
Austinmer Beach has a level beach surface and is the second Illawarra location to have beach matting provided by Wollongong City Council. A beach wheelchair is available during summer patrol hours.
Disabled bathroom facilities there have recently been upgraded, with a lifting hoist and adult change table now available 24 hours every day.
Ian Picton says that access to Austinmer's tidal pools is limited and the beach sometimes features a tricky water's edge, so caution is advised.
5. Stanwell Park Beach
Stanwell Park Beach is another Illawarra location with its own beach wheelchair available during patrol hours. Ian Picton says that there is reasonably flat access and walkways from the carpark to the beach, with disabled parking bays located next to a large, grassed park area with picnic and shade facilities. Disabled toilets are accessible near the park area, but showers are not available.
Ian says that Stanwell Park Beach, like Austinmer, can feature a tricky water's edge and advises caution.
For more information on accessibility at Illawarra beaches, visit council's Accessible Beaches page.
