A fully accessible tropical escape
When the New Zealand chill sets in, Raymond Dufton knows exactly where to go — straight to the tropical warmth of Cairns and the comfort of the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre.
For Raymond, a 65-year-old rally driving enthusiast from Auckland who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2019, it’s the perfect mix of sunshine, hydrotherapy, and genuinely accessible accommodation.
“I come here to escape the winter back home!” says Raymond. “Plus the rehab is good, and it’s so easy to get around.”
Raymond’s checklist
- Fully accessible rooms (no need to bring your own hoist!)
- Hydrotherapy
- Adaptive exercise equipment
- Height-adjustable furniture
- Roll-in showers
- Close to all the sights
A home away from home
This is Raymond’s second stay at the Centre, which he first discovered while researching disability accommodation options online.
“I can’t really remember how I found out about it,” he laughs, “but I do know the Healthy Living Centre is why I came to Cairns.”
From the moment he arrived, Raymond was impressed by how simple and stress-free everything felt.
“It’s just all so nice and easy,” he explains. “When you travel, you find that lots of places have very different definitions of ‘accessible,’ but the Healthy Living Centre is legitimately accessible. I didn’t even have to bring some of my equipment, like a hoist, because they’ve got everything here.”
The Centre’s facilities are purpose-built for accessibility — with height-adjustable furniture, roll-in showers, and access to on-site allied health and rehabilitation services.
Warm water and wellness
During his previous visit, Raymond used the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike to keep up his usual exercise routine. This time, he’s taking advantage of the Centre’s hydrotherapy pool.
“I’m spending five days in the pool,” he says. “I can get more movement when I’m floating, and I’ve always loved the water. Plus, if you enjoy eating, you’ve got to try to get some exercise and wear things off somehow!”
Raymond’s two-bedroom apartment at the Healthy Living Centre provides plenty of space and comfort for everyone, including his two regular support workers who travel with him. The Centre also offers personal support services for those who require assistance during their stay.
Rehabilitation services
- Personal Support and In-Home Care
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise Physiology
- Hydrotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
Exploring beautiful Cairns
The Centre’s location makes exploring easy and enjoyable.
“Everything’s so close, and the area is all connected and flat, so we can roll along the Esplanade to see the sights and go out for meals,” says Raymond.
He’s already revisited the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway and is planning an accessible Great Barrier Reef adventure next.
Sunshine and support
Raymond funds his trips to Cairns himself and says it’s absolutely worth it.
“I definitely want to come back. Especially at this time of year — they call this winter, and it’s 26 degrees! We laugh at that.”
Would he recommend the Healthy Living Centre to others back home in New Zealand?
“Absolutely. Everyone’s so helpful and really know what they’re doing, so if you’re after some rehab and a bit of a holiday somewhere that’s genuinely accessible and has decent weather, this place ticks all the boxes.”
Plan your accessible Cairns getaway
The Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre offers modern, purpose-built disability accommodation in the heart of Cairns — complete with hydrotherapy, on-site therapy services, and easy access to tropical attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for rehabilitation, relaxation, or a bit of both, it’s the perfect place to recharge and enjoy Queensland’s year-round sunshine.