Parts of Australia previously off limits to some are set to benefit from plans to make beaches and national parks more accessible for people in wheelchairs and those living with complex disabilities.
Shane Hryhorec, who thought the beach was no longer a place for him when he broke his neck in a swimming accident in 2007, has been working to improve accessibility.
He said local governments often told him they did not have the money for upgrades.
"We've seen local Rotaries, the local communities having to rattle tins to donate money to making beaches accessible," he told AAP.
"The beach is for everyone ... unfortunately that's been off limits for many people with disabilities."
But locals and tourists alike could soon benefit from changes to help them access Australia's iconic natural environment.
Social Services and NDIS Minister Amanda Rishworth will announce funding worth $17.1 million across four years during a visit to far north Queensland on Tuesday.
"We are significantly broadening the types of accessible infrastructure and amenities that will be built across Australia, providing access - for the first time for many - to national parks, beaches and play spaces," she said.
“People with disability have the same rights to be included in our communities, to access the spaces we gather in, and to experience our beautiful natural environment."
The money could go towards all-terrain wheelchairs, paths and other infrastructure designed to help people access the water or park trails and expanding existing assistance such as specialty matting to help wheelchair users traverse the sand.
Some beaches already have accessible beach matting and wheelchairs including Queensland's Palm Cove Beach, where Ms Rishworth is due to announce the funding injection, and Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Others include Sorrento Beach in WA, NSW's iconic Bondi Beach, and Henley Beach in Adelaide's east - all listed among dozens of others around Australia on a beach directory kept by Mr Hryhorec's charity Accessible Beaches.
Promoting accessible tourism sites will also form part of the scheme.
State and territory governments will be eligible for funding to design, develop and deliver projects.
Mr Hryhorec said the excuses he often heard for why beaches were not more accessible would soon be obsolete.
"Any local government that chooses not to make the change and tap into this funding means that they do not care about inclusion, or people with disabilities specifically, on beaches," he said.
