Heat-Safe Accessible Outings in Townsville | Summer Disability Supports

North Queensland summers are intense. For people living with disability, chronic illness, mobility challenges or sensory differences, heat can turn a simple outing into a serious health risk.

This guide focuses on heat-safe, accessible outings in Townsville that still support NDIS and aged care goals, without exposing participants or support workers to unnecessary risk.

In this guide

• Best times to go out during summer
• Heat-safe, accessible places around Townsville
• What to pack and monitor in hot weather
• How Just Better Care Townsville adapts and supports during summer

1. Timing Is Everything: Plan Around the Heat

In summer, time of day is your most important safety tool.

Best times for outdoor activities

• Early morning: Sunrise to around 8:00–8:30 am
• Late afternoon / early evening: From 4:00–4:30 pm onwards

Times to avoid

• 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, especially for people with:
  • Heart or lung conditions
  • Medications affecting hydration or temperature regulation
  • A history of heat stress, stroke or seizures

How we adjust support schedules

• Outdoor activities shifted to early morning or late afternoon
• Indoor, air-conditioned supports during peak heat
• Earlier or later community access shifts where possible

2. Heat-Safe Accessible Places in Townsville

Foreshore and riverside walks (short visits only)

The Strand (selected sections)

• Fully paved and mostly flat
• Benches and shaded areas along the way
• Best enjoyed in short sections rather than the full 2.2 km
• Suitable for gentle movement and sensory breaks

Jezzine Barracks

• Coastal breezes reduce heat impact
• Shade structures, seating and grassed areas

Ross River and Riverway paths

• Tree cover and river breezes
• Easy to pair with shaded seating or playground viewing

Tip: Always plan loops or exit points so outings can be shortened if the heat increases.

Shaded parks and gardens

Queens Gardens, Anderson Gardens and The Palmetum

• Mature trees and natural shade
• Level or gently sloping paths
• Benches throughout for frequent rest stops

Rossiter Park, Riverway parklands and riverside areas

• Large shade trees and covered picnic areas
• BBQ shelters provide cool rest zones

In summer, parks work best as “walk a little, sit a lot” spaces.

Air-conditioned, low-effort venues

On extreme heat days, indoor venues are often the safest option.

• Museum of Tropical Queensland – fully accessible, flexible visit options
• Perc Tucker Regional Gallery – smaller, quieter and air-conditioned
• Townsville Citylibraries (Flinders, Aitkenvale, Riverway) – calm, cool spaces
• Shopping centres (Castletown, Stockland, Willows) – indoor walking, seating and amenities

3. Hydration, Sun Protection and Heat Safety

Hydration

• Bring more water than expected for participants and workers
• Encourage small, regular sips
• Check plans for reduced thirst awareness or fluid restrictions

Sun protection

• Broad-brimmed hats or neck-protective caps
• SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied every two hours
• Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Sunglasses if tolerated

Medication and seizure considerations

Heat can lower seizure thresholds, interact with medications and increase dizziness, confusion and fatigue.

• Follow individual health and seizure management plans
• Monitor closely for early warning signs
• Stop activities early if someone seems unwell

Recognising heat stress

• Headache, dizziness or nausea
• Hot, flushed or unusually sweaty skin
• Confusion, irritability or behavioural changes
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat

If symptoms appear:

1. Stop the activity immediately
2. Move to shade or air-conditioning
3. Encourage cool fluids if safe
4. Apply cool cloths to neck, forehead and underarms
5. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen

4. Ready-Made Heat-Safe Outing Ideas

Option A: Cool-Edge Morning

• 7:30 am – Pick-up
• 8:00 am – Short Strand or river walk
• 8:20 am – Shade, water and snack
• 9:00 am – Return home

Option B: Indoor-Focused Day

• 10:00 am – Library visit
• 11:00 am – Shopping centre café
• 12:00 pm – Short indoor walk with rest stops
• 12:30 pm – Home for lunch and rest

Option C: Split Day

• 8:00 am – Short garden or riverside visit
• 9:00 am – Museum or gallery
• 10:30 am – Cold drink and debrief
• 11:00 am – Home

5. How Just Better Care Townsville Supports Clients in Summer

• Timing: Outdoor activities early or late in the day
• Environment: Indoor supports during peak heat
• Pacing: More breaks and shorter outings
• Expectations: Safety over distance or duration

A successful summer day might be one short walk, a library visit or a brief community outing followed by rest.