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.

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.

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.

Works are expected to take approximately three months to complete, during which time there will be some disruptions to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. We will update this page when dates for construction are confirmed.

Key features include:

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.

The design includes:

• Sealed paths connecting the new Changing Places facility with accessible parking.
• A road crossing that connects users to the Bellarine Coastal Trail.
• Beach access matting.
• Additional indigenous gardens and trees, along with irrigated lawns and accessible furniture to provide an improved area for all members of the community to enjoy.

To facilitate these important accessibility and safety improvements, two cypress trees require removal. The 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 the remaining useful lifespan and defects, the trees are expected to pose an increased public safety risk over the next 10-15 years.

It has been determined that the accessibility and safety improvements, combined with the expected lifespan of the new assets, support the decision to remove the aging cypress trees to allow the works to be completed.

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 others, including parents with prams, people with injuries and older community members.

Beach matting is not suitable for every beach as it:

• Requires level ground.
• Must only be installed on DDA compliant gradients.
• Might be dislodged by waves below the high tide mark.

Future inclusive options

Have a look through some additional options we are exploring to improve accessibilty at Portarlington main beach, and let us know your experiences and suggestions to create a more inclusive and enjoyable outdoor experience.

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. Some are designed for shallow water use only, while others are designed to float so they can be used in up to waist-height water.

All-terrain walkers provide a walking aid for unstable surfaces and beaches. They are only suitable for users who can walk independently and are not suitable for entry into deeper water.

Provide feedback

We want to hear from you to shape our plans for improving beach inclusivity at Portarlington. Your insights and suggestions will guide our efforts to make our coast welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

If you would prefer to give your feedback in another way, or if you need assistance, please contact us by email to contactus@bellarinebayside.com.au, or phone 5254 4000.

Consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.