Accessible accommodation in Australia: a practical booking guide

Booking accessible accommodation in Australia can still involve too much guesswork. The phrase accessible room is used broadly, so the safest approach is to turn your needs into specific questions and get the answers before you pay.

Ask about the bathroom first

Confirm whether the shower is step free, whether there is a fixed or fold down shower seat, where the grab rails are and how much turning space is available. If you use a shower chair or transfer equipment, ask for measurements or photos.

Check the bed

Bed height matters for transfers, and space underneath can matter if you use a portable hoist. Ask whether there is clear space beside the bed and whether furniture can be moved if required.

Follow the route from parking to the room

Confirm accessible parking, kerb access, reception entry, lift access and the distance to the room. If the room is on an upper level, ask what happens if the lift is out of service.

Do not forget the shared facilities

If the pool, restaurant, breakfast room or outdoor area is part of the holiday, check those too. A fully accessible bedroom does not help if the facilities you booked the property for cannot be reached.

Get important answers in writing

If a feature is essential, email the property and keep the response. Clear written confirmation reduces misunderstandings and gives staff a chance to prepare before you arrive.

Use photos critically

Wide angle room photography can make spaces look larger than they are. Ask for current photos of the exact accessible room type, particularly the bathroom and route around the bed.

Save suitable stays for later

Keep track of accommodation that genuinely works for you. Can We Go is designed to help people compare access information and make future trips easier to plan.