All equipment is free to hire, but bookings are essential. Please use the bookings buttons above to complete the online form. You may also contact us on 1300 179 944 or accessiblebeaches@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au to make a booking.  

To complete your booking, you must complete the hire agreement in the booking form, including agreeing to use equipment in accordance with the safety procedure(s).  Please also ensure you have the right level of support to use the equipment.  

NOTE: Bookings can also be made on the day through the online booking form. If you have any questions, please approach one of the lifeguards at the patrol tent (Williamstown) or the lifesaving tower (Altona). 

Under the hire agreement, users agree to use equipment in accordance with the relevant safety procedure(s):

DaVinci safety procedure(PDF, 130KB)

MobiChair safety procedures(PDF, 178KB)

Sandcruiser safety procedure(PDF, 132KB)

Sandpiper safety procedures(PDF, 141KB)

Beach Walker safety procedure(PDF, 169KB)

Accessible changerooms are available at both Altona and Williamstown Beaches.

An adult-sized change table and hoist is also available in the accessible changing facility at Weaver Reserve, Altona. This allows people with higher needs to transfer, shower, toilet and get changed when using a beach wheelchair. However, please ensure you bring your own sling.

Please also note that a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is required to access this accessible change facility. A key may be available on site, but it is recommended that you bring your own MLAK to ensure access. Keys may be purchased on the MLAK website, and are free for companion card holders.

Beach Matting is available at Williamstown and Altona beaches, seven days a week.

Anyone can use the matting, but it particularly helps people using wheelchairs, walking/mobility aids, and prams to pass over the soft sand to get to the hard sand. 

Beach wheelchairs are ideal for people who have mobility limitations, including people with permanent disability, temporary disability, or reduced mobility due to age.

There are four types of beach wheelchairs available for hire:

• MobiChair - designed to enter the water to waist height of the support person
• Sandpiper - designed for children to travel on the sand
• Sandcruiser - designed for adults to travel on the sand (Altona only)
• DaVinci – self-propelled beach wheelchair designed for use on the sand (Williamstown only).

IMPORTANT: The Mobi-Chair, Sandpiper and Sandcruiser chairs are NOT designed to be used independently. All users MUST provide their own support person(s). Please refer to safety procedures for more information. Due to their important role in patrolling the beaches, lifeguards are not able to provide direct support to users of beach wheelchairs. 

Beach accessible walking frames are available for hire. These walking frames are designed for people who can walk but need some additional mobility support. 

Please note: The walkers are not located at the beach. They may be picked up from the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre at 115 Civic Parade, Altona (during business hours). Alternatively, please provide 48 hours’ notice for all bookings, to allow for transportation to the relevant beach.