Sydney is a city blessed with many beautiful coastal walks.
Recently, I revisited the Manly Fairfax track to check if it was okay for people in wheelchairs. It was something I never thought of before, but when I got an email asking if I knew any coastal tracks with wheelchair access, suddenly it came to my attention.
My Korean blog, which I have been diligently writing for the past 2 years, has many postings about where to visit in Sydney, events, and where to eat, among other information about Australia. When people from Korea plan to visit or travel to Australia, especially Sydney, they seem to find my blog very useful as I receive emails from them every now and then. Most of them write to say thank you for all the information I provide on the blog and ask for more details, which I usually help with by sending related links.
However, a coastal track with wheelchair access? I wasn’t sure.
The person who emailed explained that it was their family trip and they would love to visit one of those coastal sites, but one of their family members uses a wheelchair and they couldn’t find any information online, so they reached out to me.
The first thing that came to my mind was the Fairfax track in North Head, Manly, but I wasn’t entirely sure and didn’t want to give the wrong information because it could affect their whole day, right? So, with good enough reason, I decided to actually go there myself to check if everything was okay.
From the train station, I paid attention to the priority seats and wheelchair-accessible lifts. Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, I checked the priority seating areas for the disabled. Then, taking the bus 161 from Manly Wharf to North Head, I checked the bus too. I took all those photos so I could write a blog and send it to the family.
The Fairfax track was indeed a perfect spot for everyone.
The track is approximately 1 kilometer long and is relatively flat, making it suitable for walkers of all fitness levels, including those using wheelchairs and strollers.
To make sure it was the right place for them, I checked the track and found the pathways to be very smooth with minimal inclines, making it an inclusive option for visitors with mobility impairments.
It was a cloudless day, and the view was just fantastic. I was very happy that I made this trip and hoped my blog post would be beneficial for some people.
The track provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Sydney Harbour, and the city skyline. Absolute beauty. There are several lookout points along the way where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.
After checking the Fairfax track, I continued to walk towards Manly Beach via Shelly Beach and back to Manly Wharf. Again, it was such a beautiful walk, but that part is not for wheelchairs.
After coming home, I started to work on my blog post. I was quite excited to do it as I knew someone was waiting for this information. I almost felt like a reporter. Haha.
I posted the blog and sent the direct link to the person who inquired about it.
The next day, she checked the post and emailed me right away, thanking me for the effort.
"I just read the article you posted, and I am incredibly grateful. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your effort. As soon as I saw the post, tears came to my eyes. I am touched that you even visited the location yourself.
When we plan outings, I have to do extensive research, and despite my efforts, there are still many places we cannot visit. It has been hard not to share this frustration with my family, but reading your post was both helpful and comforting.
We are leaving in about a week, and thanks to you, I feel more prepared and encouraged. Your kindness and consideration mean the world to me. I will never forget your generosity.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart."
The reply I got was so heart-warming. The walk itself was beautiful enough, but it really made me feel good when I got her reply.
I guess that’s how we should all live, right? Being helpful to each other.
I was very grateful that I was able to provide something that would help someone like that!
Thank you!
Inspiring blog🧑🏼🦼🙏