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“I don’t have a disability because I have a wheelchair. I have a disability because people keep putting stairs in front of me.”

These words were spoken by Australian Paralympic gold medallist and passionate disability advocate Kurt Fearnley.

They are important and powerful, and a guiding sentiment here on the Northern Beaches, a destination that’s not just about stunning beaches and vibrant communities but also about breaking barriers and opening doors for everyone.

From visitors seeking memorable moments to residents exploring their own backyard, this guide unveils the Northern Beaches’ commitment to inclusivity.

Playgrounds

Starting with the smallest among us, the Northern Beaches has a fantastic range of inclusive playgrounds.

Beach wheelchair hire

We can’t talk about the Northern Beaches without diving into the main attraction – the stunning beaches! The best part? We’ve made sure everyone can enjoy them.

Beach wheelchair hire is available at Manly, Collaroy, Newport and Bilgola beaches. Book through the Northern Beaches Council’s Disability Services page or Manly Beach Hire.

It’s best to book these wheelchairs in advance to ensure availability.

These specialised wheelchairs, known as Freewheelers, feature soft pneumatic balloon tyres that roll over sand and low waves, giving those aged five years and over access to the beach and surf.

Collaroy also has ramp access on its ocean pool and a pool wheelchair which can be borrowed from the lifeguards at the beach.

Another bonus at Collaroy are the eight disabled parking spaces in the carpark adjacent to the beach and playground.

Accessible walks

The Northern Beaches is a beautiful outdoor haven often best viewed from a stunning lookout point and explored via our many hiking trails or beachside walkways.

Happily, many of these amazing experiences are accessible for all.

Manly

Alighting from the ferry at Manly Wharf, the village and beaches of Manly open up before you with flat, wide walkways that make for easy shopping and sightseeing.

Head through The Corso to arrive at Manly Beach. From there the entire beachfront is accessible with a wide, Norfolk Pine-lined promenade extending the 1.5km length of the beach and meandering, waterside, a further 1km along Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve to the protected bay of Shelly Beach.

Fairfax Walk, North Head

Perched on the south-eastern tip of North Head, the views from Fairfax Walk are nothing short of sublime, grabbing our trophy for Best Views in Sydney.

This 760m wheelchair-accessible circuit is punctuated by two lookouts – Burragula, gazing across the water to South Head and taking in the city skyline; and Yiningma, looking north along the stunning cliff line of North Head and making us think “What if Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher had a little sister …”

It is also the perfect place for whale watching between May and November.

Arabanoo Lookout

Named after Arabanoo, an Aboriginal man who lived among the European settlers, Arabanoo Lookout is located on the Tania Park circuit in Balgowlah Heights and affords spectacular views over Manly, North and South heads and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Tania Park is accessible by car, with plenty of available parking, or by bus from Manly (142 from Stand F). If travelling by bus please keep in mind the walk from the bus stop to the lookout is about 800m and includes a moderate hill.

Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

With multiple access points and wheelchair access from the Berry, Jamieson, Middle Creek and Bilarong carparks, Narrabeen Lagoon Trail can be enjoyed in short bursts or tackled in full as an 8.6km loop walk.

This popular trail is wide, well maintained and flat, with cafes, picnic areas and toilets along the way.

West Head Lookout

This 240m return trail offers stunning views over Pittwater to Barrenjoey Head as well as across the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. This area has a rich history, featuring gun emplacements.

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

At 580m, this is a short walk offering pretty views of Cockle Creek and a relaxing meander through the mangroves. The accessible boardwalk starts from the southern end of Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National.

 Public facilities

When you’re out and about it’s always important to know where to find the nearest bathroom facilities.

Thankfully, the Northern Beaches has you very well covered. You’ll find a comprehensive list, including those with disabled access, on the Federal Government’s National Public Toilet Map.

Here on the Northern beaches, many of our disabled toilets require a key for entry, which is available for eligible people. This MLAK key system allows those with a disability to access these toilets 24 hours a day while ensuring they remain clean and free of vandalism. These keys can be requested from any locksmith by those with written authority from a doctor or disability organisation. They can also be borrowed from council lifeguards.

As Paralympian and former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott OAM said, “Accessibility when done right makes everybody’s life better”.

Here on the Northern Beaches we’re doing our best to do it right.