Accessible Byron Bay: A Guide to Inclusive Travel
At Carinya Byron Bay, we believe everyone should be able to experience the beauty of the hinterland and coast. That’s why one of our six villas has been purpose-built to be fully accessible — step-free, spacious, and comfortable, with plenty of thoughtful details to make a stay easier.
Over the years we’ve welcomed guests with a wide range of accessibility needs, from wheelchair users to families travelling with older relatives, and the feedback has been the same: travelling can be stressful, but when the accommodation is set up properly, the whole holiday feels more relaxed.
Staying at Carinya
Our accessible villa has:
Step-free access from parking to the front door.
Wide doorways (86–87cm) for easy movement.
A roll-in shower with seat and grab bars.
An accessible toilet and basin designed for wheelchair users.
Spacious bedrooms with manoeuvring space for mobility aids.
A low-set kitchen with accessible stovetop, sink, and benches.
Living and dining areas with enough room for wheelchairs at the table.
The villa’s timber floors and open-plan layout make it easy to get around, while the outdoor deck is raised but safe, with a barrier along the edge. If you’re travelling with carers, family, or friends, you can also book the villa next door to keep everyone close.
One guest told us it was “by far the best accessible accommodation we’ve come across for wheelchair users.” That’s the kind of feedback we love to hear, and we keep listening to refine things where we can.
Getting Around Byron
Byron town centre has accessible parking and plenty of step-free cafes, though some of the smaller hinterland villages can be trickier with uneven pavements. We always recommend calling ahead if you’re planning a special outing — locals are welcoming and will do their best to accommodate.
Accessible Beaches
The Byron Shire Council provides beach wheelchairs at Clarkes Beach, Main Beach, and Brunswick Heads, free to hire. These spots also have accessible bathrooms and parking nearby, which makes a big difference. Brunswick River is another favourite — calm water, shady trees, and space for a picnic.
Accessible Activities
There are plenty of ways to explore without worrying about tricky access:
Cape Byron Lighthouse – Skip the steep walk and drive to the top. Accessible parking is available, and the views are unbeatable.
The Farm Byron Bay – Flat pathways, open paddocks, and animals wandering around. There’s an onsite café and plenty of shady areas to sit.
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens – Wide, gently sloping paths wind through lush gardens dotted with crystals and statues. A few areas are gravel but most of the gardens are accessible.
Brunswick Heads Picture House – A quirky local icon that combines cabaret, films, and music. There’s ramp access and an atmosphere that always makes you smile.
Cape Byron Distillery – The rainforest walk isn’t fully accessible, but the tasting room is step-free and their gin is worth the visit.
Where to Eat
Most larger restaurants and pubs are step-free and have spacious seating areas. Some favourites:
North Byron Hotel – Big garden with outdoor seating, easy to move around, and live music on weekends.
Hotel Brunswick – A classic pub with a huge beer garden right by the river.
WOODS in Bangalow – A laid-back café tucked behind the main street with level entry and good coffee.
A Final Word
We know accessible travel isn’t always straightforward. But Byron Bay has more and more options that make it possible for everyone to enjoy the best of this area.
If you’d like to know more about our accessible villa and everything included, you can check out our Accessible Villa here.
And if you’re ready to plan your stay, we’d love to welcome you. You can check availability and book directly with us for the best rates.