We believe that everyone has the right to enjoy the beach and making our coast welcoming and inclusive for all members of the community is a key goal for Bellarine Bayside.
With a northerly aspect, ample parking, public facilities and close to town, the main beach at Portarlington is one of the most visited locations on the coastline we manage.
We are undertaking accessibility and safety upgrades at the main Portarlington beach to support people of all abilities to experience our coastal region. These upgrades are supported by recent community feedback that indicated a strong desire to improve accessibility along the coast.
Read on below to find out more about the different components we are considering for Portarlington beach, and how you can provide feedback.
Accessible parking, connections and landscaping
Supported by the Victorian Government through the Coastal Public Access and Risk (CPAR) grant program, we are constructing accessible car parks, paths and infrastructure linking the new Changing Places facility with the Bellarine Coastal Trail and beach.
Key features
Supporting works to achieve a more inclusive and accessible public space
To support these important accessibility and safety improvements, two aging cypress trees require removal to enable construction of the raised pedestrian crossing and accessible parking.
The two trees have been inspected by an independent AQF Level 5 consulting arborist who noted both trees have a remaining life expectancy of 10-15 years and are suffering defects, including dieback, decay, cracks, wounds, damage to roots, and soil compaction issues. When considering these factors, the trees are expected to pose an increasing public safety risk over the next 10-15 years.
It has been determined that the accessibility and safety outcomes, combined with the expected lifespan of the new assets, and the condition/age of the trees, support the decision to remove them to allow the works to be completed.
Concept plan
A concept plan has been developed with input from Equal Access, a disability access consultant specialising in Universal Design and compliance of the built environment.
Final concept plan, following community feedback, for the area surrounding the Changing Places. Please note, final design may differ slightly.
Changing Places facility
Changing Places are specialist toilet and changing facilities that provide people with disabilities and high support needs access to safe, suitable, and private bathroom facilities. They are larger than standard accessible facilities, and equipped with a ceiling track hoist, an adult change table, and a toilet and shower that have enough room for two people to assist.
In December 2024, construction was completed on a new Changing Places facility and public amenities at Portarlington main beach, offering equitable facilities for everyone. The facility is the first of it's kind located near a beach on the Bellarine Peninsula, and was supported by the Victorian Government through its Changing Places Funding Grant.
To find out more about Changing Places facilities, go to the Changing Places website.
Beach Wheelchairs
Beach mobility equipment enables people with disability and mobility limitations to broaden their beach experience and take a dip in the ocean.
Beach wheelchairs are sturdy, comfortable and move easily over all different terrain, including grass, gravel and soft sand.
Two wheelchair designs are available to book and hire for free, which means more choice:
• Sandcruiser All Terrain – perfect for soft sand and the water’s edge
• Mobi-Chair – floats for fun in waist-deep water
Beach Matting
Beach matting provides a firm, smooth, wide surface that makes it easier to move over uneven and soft sand.
While it primarily supports people with disability, including those who use wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids, it can be useful for other community members.
Beach matting:
• Requires level ground.
• Must only be installed on DDA-compliant gradients.
• Might be dislodged by waves below the high tide mark.
We will endeavour to maintain beach matting at Portarlington main beach. However, sometimes conditions may not be suitable or safe, and we will need to remove it.
Future inclusive options
We will continue to explore additional options to improve accessibilty at Portarlington main beach. Some ideas are below, and we welcome feedback to let us know your experiences and suggestions to create a more inclusive and enjoyable outdoor experience.
