Sydney
Take advantage of the free public transport in Sydney over the next few days and explore the city! Here are a few places you can take your loved ones with disability over the Easter weekend.
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Attraction |
Description |
Accessibility |
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Sydney Royal Easter Show |
Head to the Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park and spend a day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and you can not only see but also interact with beautiful farmyard animals, taste award-winning produce and experience a variety of exhibits. |
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Sydney Opera House |
The Sydney Opera House is one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. An architectural masterpiece meets one of the best theatres in the state, a visit to this landmark is a must. The Sydney Opera House has a range of inclusive performances for people of all ages and abilities. Check out the shows and exhibits on this Easter.
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Royal Botanical Gardens |
With fantastic views of the harbour and Opera House, the Royal Botanical Garden is a great place to escape the bustle of city life and relax. With wide pathways throughout, it’s easy to explore some of Australia’s plant and animal life, including an exploration of coastal environments at the Inside the Tide immersive exhibit. |
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Accessible Beaches |
A trip to Sydney isn’t complete without visiting one of the most iconic beaches, Manly Beach. From Manly, you can do the coastal walk to Shelly Beach which has no stairs and wide walkways, making it wheelchair accessible. Collaroy Beach is a surf beach that adjoins Narrabeen Beach forming a long stretch of coast. The beachfront area contains fun facilities for everyone, including people with mobility issues. Featuring Wheelchair Accessible picnic Areas, Ramp access to the beach and an accessible playground with sensory elements and liberty swing for wheelchair users. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Beach Wheelchair Hire.
Wheelchair Accessible, Beach and Submersible Wheelchair, Accessible Toilet
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Melbourne
Melbourne is bursting with fun and wonderful attractions for people of all abilities to enjoy. There are a number of sights to see, so here are a few of our suggestions for what to experience.
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Attraction |
Description |
Accessibility |
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Kids Day Out – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre |
Kids Day Out is a free event for families held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Good Friday, 15 April 2022. |
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National Gallery Victoria |
Check out Australia’s oldest and most visited museum! The National Gallery Victoria offers a range of resources and events to make you visit as easy and enjoyable as possible, with audio described exhibits and tours, sensory maps and activity sheets for selected exhibits can be accessed through the website. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Accessible Toilets, Auslan Tours, Audio Description, Relaxed Sessions |
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ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image |
Australia’s nation museum of screen culture, videogames and art, ACMI has interactive exhibits, like The Story of the Moving Image, exploring the history and future of moving image. ACMI also offer relaxed sessions, with sensory guides and dedicated quiet rooms, and audio described tours. |
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Phillip Island – Penguin Parade |
Visit the iconic Philip Island to catch a glimpse of the Penguin Parade. The site has a number of accessibility measures in place to ensure this is an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. Accessible-height counters and displays, ramp access and wide pathways leading to exclusive sensory and wheelchair access viewing areas. |
Other activities to look out for in your area…
- Cinemas have Audio description and Closed Caption shows available, with some participating cinemas running sensory friendly screenings on certain days.
- Museums and national galleries across the country also run relaxed sessions.
Heading out of the City?
Heading out of the city can be a great way to find quieter locations. Organisations like Autism Friendly Charter provide listings to accessible businesses and places near you, and many National Parks have accessible facilities. E.g. Parks Victoria provide information on parks with social scripts, accessible play areas, accessible canoe launchers and all abilities walks.
Make sure to search what may be available in your area…
Sensory-friendly Easter Egg Hunts
Here are some ideas and adaptations to make your Easter egg hunts at home accessible to all…
- Colour-code your Easter eggs by ability or participant to make sure everyone is included
- Swap chocolate eggs for sensory friendly toys or decorate some eggs at home to find
- Hide eggs at eye-level or stick clues to the walls at eye-level
- Use a familiar location for the hunt and create quiet spaces
Some Sensory friendly Easter Egg Hunts take place in the community.
Arts & Crafts
- There are plenty of resources available online to take advantage of, like these Easter colouring pages.
- You can find fake decorating eggs in shops and online that provide a less fragile surface. Use watercolours to decorate or create a more tactile decorating experience with foam stickers and jewels.
Baking
Some fun Easter recipes to give a try:
We hope you have a great time this Easter, whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home.
References:
https://activerehab.net.au/at-home-easter-ideas-for-special-needs-families/
https://www.abilityhacker.com/eight-fun-easter-hacks-for-kids-with-a-variety-of-abilities/
