OVERVIEW

Geraldton is located in the heart of the Batavia Coast, in the Midwest Region of Western Australia. The city of Geraldton is a popular destination for fishing and adventure sports. The strong winds bring sports enthusiasts from around the world since it is one of the world’s best locations for windsurfing and kite-boarding. Accessibility in Geraldton is good. There are a wide variety of accessible activities in and around the City for all to participate in. To learn more about wheelchair access at hotels and restaurants, please read below.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Australia is English

CURRENCY

The Australian Dollar

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

GERALDTON : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Geraldton Airport: “Brearley Terminal – Geraldton Airport is largely accessible.   There are no stairs.  The terminal has accessible toilets, but no family/companion restroom. There is boarding by tarmac with transfer into aisle chair and then board by external lift.  While there are no loaner wheelchairs, there is friendly and helpful staff to assist you to a vehicle or help with luggage.”
 Chris, 10/22/09

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Black and White Taxis: Black and White Taxi Service offers wheelchair accessible transportation upon request. Service should be scheduled ahead of time.

Swan Taxis: Offers wheelchair accessible cab service in Perth, Australia.

“Wheel chair taxi’s are available on order. There are regular sedans, wagons and mini buses with hoists.” Chris, 10/22/2009 

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

Public Transport Authority: “The bus has few routes but does have ramp access.  It runs throughout the daylight hours.” Chris, 10/22/2009

TRAIN (Light Rail)

Public Transport Authority

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

Public Transport Authority

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GERALDTON: Accommodations

HOTELS

Mantra: “Mantra is a hotel chain located throughout Australia, which has a brand in Geraldton. While you should always call ahead, this particular hotel was all on one level and there were no obstacles.  The bathroom was accessible with handrails in the shower.” Chris, 10/22/09 

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GERALDTON : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

“Lots of the new development in town is created with good access, the beautiful foreshore has fully accessible pathways along the water (ocean edge) and fully accessible public toilet facilities. Many new buildings in town so lots of good access.

Still some historical sites and some older developments that have limited access, and some restaurants’ without full access. (no toilets or one step)” Chris, 10/22/09

Art and culture enthusiasts: will adore the range of galleries showcasing local talent and indigenous art. They’ll also revel in the new WA Museum Geraldton – a state of the art facility gracing the Batavia Coast Marina and showcasing the region’s rich maritime, natural and cultural histories. 

A hill top memorial: to the 645 lost sailors of the HMAS Sydney II’s maritime disaster in 1941 is another attraction placing Geraldton-Greenough firmly on the tourism map. This stunning memorial overlooks the city and harbour and has people from across the country talking about its beautiful and moving design. 

The new Batavia Coast Marina: is another jewel in Geraldton-Greenough’s crown. This premier land development includes modern housing, business establishments and a marina housing a wide range of pleasure craft. Stroll the boardwalk along the water’s edge, stop in for a coffee or meal at the classy restaurant or take in the art features that add to the feel of this stylish development.

Geraldton-Greenough: has a strong maritime feel, thanks largely to the Fishermen’s Wharf. This commercial boat harbour is a hive of activity during the fishing season when a multi-million dollar fishing fleet brings in delectable rock lobster. It is also a great spot to drop a line and enjoy an ocean sunset.

The Aquarena:  the local indoor swimming complex is very accessible and has a range of pools, has a hoist and a ramped entry to the hydro pool, has wheelchair available to enter water in if needed, family change room and acessible toilet./showers 

The Geraldton Regional Art Gallery: Located in the heart of Geraldton, the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery opened on 6th August 1984.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

When dining out in Geraldton go where the locals eat, featuring beach views, street side alfresco dinning and exceptionally good coffee. 

Bella Vista Caffe: A great coffee shop and restaurant with no accessible toilet facilities in current location- access toilets close by in another building.  Fantastic menu and great coffee – very hip and great view of the shore.  They are moving to a new location with accessible bathrooms. 

Skeetas Restaurant & cafe: is wheelchair accessible and across the road from excellent pathways along the foreshore.

The African Reef Resort hotel and restaurant: has magnificent Ocean Views, and is accessible with ramped entrance and access toilets.

All visitors to Geraldton are well catered for by a large amount of hospitality outlets including 2 nightclubs – The Nitey and The ZUU.

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Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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GERALDTON : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Geraldton lies in the transition stages between a Mediterranean and a temperate semi-arid climate. However it does get hot. It is important to be able to keep cool and hydrated, if due to disability, heat is an issue it may be best not to come during end of November to February.” Chris, 10/22/09

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OVERVIEW

Tahiti is one of the most beautiful, serene islands in the world. Accessibility can be difficult for people who use a wheelchair – especially a power wheelchair. However, if you are able to transfer into a manual chair for your stay, it is possible and well worth the challenge. It’s the perfect island destination for a disabled holiday to just relax, soak in the cultural beauty, and escape from the hustle and bustle.

LANGUAGE

The official languages of Tahiti are French and Tahitian. English and a variety of other languages are also spoken and can be understood in most hotels, as the staff is multicultural. The people of Tahiti appreciate tourists who do learn a few Tahitian phrases.

Here are a couple Tahitian greetings:

hello, good day, friendly greeting – ia orana
goodbye – nana
thank you – mauru’uru

CURRENCY

The official currency of Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).

Currency can be exchanged at the airport and most hotels.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

TAHITI : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Tahiti Faa’a International Airport: The Faa’a International Airport in Papeete is a medium sized airport. This particular airport does not have jet bridges and customers must board and de-board via stairs onto the tarmac. People with disabilities can be assisted on and off the aircraft by a lift with glass side.

Be sure to check with your airlines before departure about any accommodations that may be required so that they can assist with any special needs and requests (i.e. aisle chair).

“At the airport there was a disabled restroom, but we did not go inside.” Gary 10/6/2009

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FERRY

There are ferries in Tahiti to transport people and cars to local islands such as Moorea. Most people take a catamaran, however these are difficult for people with disabilities to transfer into.

“The ferry is for both vehicles (lower levels) and passengers on the upper levels. Wheelchairs are wheeled into the lower vehicle area and you also exit from this area.” Gary 10/22/2009

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

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SHUTTLE

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

At the airport there are rental cars available. It is recommended to reserve rental cars in advance. The island does not have wheelchair accessible vans with lifts for rent at this time.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

“Le Truck”- The Le Truck is a popular and inexpensive way to get around the island. Le Truck is not wheelchair accessible. There are also taxi vans and city buses; however these vehicles are not equipped with a ramp or lift either.

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TAHITI : Accommodations

HOTELS

Manava Suite Resort: This new resort is located on the island of Tahiti. The lobby is flat and accessible. There are 4 rooms equipped with an access ramp, wide doors and entryway, raised toilets and retractable armrests. Public areas and the pool are easily accessible. There are wide cement paths throughout the property. An accessible toilet is also available in the main building.

“There is a ramp that goes to the pool area, pool has a sandy beach area on one side (might be beach entry). There was not a pool lift. There is also an accessible dock where you can enjoy spectacular ocean views.” Gary, 10/6/2009

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LUXURY RESORTS

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TAHITI : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Tahiti offers its visitors many things to do – everything from: scuba diving, shopping, mountain safari 4×4, to golf, fishing, and museums, to Polynesian shows, visiting an arts and crafts village to watching surf competitions. However, accessibility is sometimes a challenge for some of these activities.

Market: “The local market had ramps for access. The market sold fish, baskets, trinkets, and touristy stuff. There is an elevator that goes to the second floor. I have posted pictures.”  Gary 10/6/2009

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Enjoy the local food: There are two options : (1) restaurants which offer local cuisine, e.g., French/Italian, and other ethnic food, which can be pricey (2) Roulette dining (a.k.a. parking lot dining) located around town and at the waterfront which offers a variety of budget conscious food.

Roulette Dining: “Roulette dining (located in parking lots) are available at varied locations. It is not always the same location since the vans are mobile. They provide fish (grilled mahi or the catch of the day) & chips or rice, steak and fries or rice, and French bread. One van provided Pizza (very good with the thin cracker like crust). Even the locals called in and would drive by and pick up dinner. We were able to walk from our Hotel to the Roulette dining (about 3 blocks).  There was no sidewalk, but rather a flat area on side of road. Be careful to watch for cars. Most of the hotels have fantastic restaurants on the property so if you are not up to the trip to roulettes you will still enjoy dining in Tahiti.” Gary 10/6/2009

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TAHITI : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Mamao General Hospital is the largest hospital on the island.

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EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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TAHITI : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Getting around Tahiti is possible in a manual wheelchair; however access is sometimes limited and difficult if you have limited mobility. The Tahitian people are very friendly and helpful in assisting when needed. It’s best to contact your hotel beforehand so they can help prepare for and plan accommodations for your visit.

“The roads are rough and bumpy in places. The side walks have ramps, but no cut outs.” Gary, 10/6/2009

“The city does have some areas ramped but that is not to say that they are always in the best locations, it will work but you may have to make an effort to find them.” Gary 10/22/2009

Getting around Australia for the physically challenged traveler is quite doable. In fact, with careful planning and research, there are many ways to get around and explore the great land of Australia.

AbilityTrip recognizes that many local destinations have taken the initiative to provide information to assist physically challenged travelers. While we cannot endorse the information on these sites we encourage you to check them out and submit any thoughts or feedback on AbilityTrip.com. If you have a recommended site for any location, please let us know, so we can add it to our catalogue of destinations.

Access Travel – Australia

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