Get out and about and enjoy your new found freedom by visiting the big city. We’ve compiled a list of the best accessible sight seeing spots that everyone in the family can enjoy across Sydney and Melbourne’s iconic attractions.
Sydney
Living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world makes sightseeing a calendar highlight. Here are a few places you can take your loved ones with disability on your next free weekend.
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Attraction |
Description |
Accessibility |
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Sydney Tower Eye |
The Sydney Tower Eye has been a highlight of the Sydney skyline for the past 30 years and stands 250 meters above street level. Guests are treated have 360° views Sydney, making it a scenic experience to visit. The Sydney Tower Eye is fully wheelchair accessible and has extensive wheelchair facilities throughout the attraction, including lifts and shallow ramped walkways. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Universal Access Toilets, Accessible Seating. |
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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.
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SEA Life Aquarium |
Discover an amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Aquarium in Sydney. This attraction is accessible in an effort to ensure every Australian can experience the wonder of what’s under the water. The aquarium offers free ‘Escape the Noise’ kits including noise-reducing ear plugs and noise-reducing ear muffs and ‘Xtra Eyes’ kits to support visitors that have visual impairments. |
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WILD LIFE Sydney |
Pat a Koala and visit other furry friends at Wild Life Sydney Zoo. This wildlife park assists people with disability to make the most of their visit. The zoo offers free ‘Escape the Noise’ kits including noise-reducing ear plugs and noise-reducing ear muffs and ‘Xtra Eyes’ kits to support visitors that have visual impairments. |
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Manly Beach |
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. If you’re looking to have some fun down on the sand, beach wheelchairs are free to borrow from the Manly Surf Pavilion. There is also ramp access from the Surf Club. |
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SCG |
Celebrate your favourite team with a visit to the Sydney Cricket Ground. The SCG is wheelchair accessible, with universal access for all areas. If you’re looking to learn a bit more about the iconic sports ground, there are SCG tours that can be tailored to meet the needs of people with disability. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Universal Access Toilets, Accessible Seating, Tailored Guided Tours. |
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Blue Mountains |
Visit the scenic Blue Mountains, home of the 3 sisters, on an accessible tour. Hosted by Australia In Style, their Wheelchair Tour is created especially for people who prefer minimal walking or are wheelchair users. Tour the site and see spectacular views with your local guide that lets you set the pace of the tour. |
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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Hot Air Balloon Over Melbourne |
What better way to see the city than from 2500ft up? Global Ballooning operates Australia’s first disability-friendly hot-air balloon, with flights carrying people of all abilities over the city. The basket has specially designed seating and seatbelts, and a door that allows access without climbing over the basket edge. |
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Eureka Skydeck |
This landmark is not for the faint hearted! The Eureka Skydeck is not only the southern hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful views in all of Australia. The best part is the Eureka Skydeck is that it is an accessible experience, welcoming people with physical disabilities and mental health conditions. Their website features a range of Access Keys, which showcases their accessibility depending on the type of tour you choose. This includes a sensory guide in each of the areas. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Universal Access Toilets, Sensory Guide, Access Keys. |
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Melbourne Cricket Ground |
Titling itself the sports capital of the world, visiting the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a must. Wheelchair seating is available in all stands, and the G Train Mobility Shuttle Service is a free and accessible transport option for those looking to catch public transport to the grounds for a major event. Pickups are from Richmond Station, Jolimont Station, and also from the accessible parking area. There are a number of universal access toilets and facilities throughout the stadium. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Shuttle Services, Universal Access Toilets. |
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Phillip Island |
Visit the iconic Philip Island to catch a glimpse of the Penguin Parade. There is ramp access, complimentary buggy service if required, interpretative displays at wheelchair eye height and accessible amenities. Assistance animals are welcomed, and those who feel the cold or have difficulty with temperature regulation can make a booking for the Skybox, an enclosed elevated viewing tower between the two stands of the Penguin Parade. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Buggy Service, Assistance Animals Allowed, Temperature Regulation Facilities. |
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ScienceWorks Museum |
Scienceworks is your go-to Melbourne destination for curious minds of all ages. This museum is great for families of loved ones with autism, as it caters to the needs of those on the spectrum. Enjoy the attractions such as the Lightning Room and Planetarium by guiding yourself with the Sensory Map provided on the website. The map highlights low sensory and high sensory areas, making your day at the museum a fun time for all. |
Wheelchair Accessible, Universal Access Toilets, Sensory Maps. |
Make the most of your freedom and visit some amazing sights in your own backyard. Show us your highlights by tagging us on social media or hashtag #LiveBig in your post.
References:
https://www.australia.com/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/best-accessible-attractions.html
