There has never been a better time to holiday here at home in Australia. Rediscover the diverse and intriguing experiences our own states and territories have to offer. There are accessible activities and natural wonders just waiting to be explored anew.
New South Wales
Sydney
In Sydney, visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, an indoor aquatic maze that’s home to boundless sea-dwelling creatures. Look up and watch as giant stingrays tumble and turn, or see a toothy smile from one of the resident sharks. There are over 700 species on display. Take your aquarium experience to the next level with private dining on-site for your evening meal. The tables are a decent height to accommodate a wheelchair. While the set meal might push the budget a little, the underwater ambience gives a feeling of calm that’s surely worth a fortune.
Check ticket availability on the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website.
You don’t have to meander through large crowds of theatre-goers to explore the Sydney Opera House. During the day, duck under the sails for the Sydney Opera House Mobility Access Tour, which has been designed for guests with limited mobility. Auslan interpreters are available by request. In a new, immersive digital experience, watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, and learn about the history and future of this world-famous building. From the sweeping sails to the soaring cathedral interiors, a tour here will change your perspective on this iconic venue.
Check ticket availability on the Sydney Opera House website.
Catch the ferry from Sydney’s Circular Quay across the harbour to Manly, where it’s a leisurely roll through the concourse to Manly Beach. There you’ll find an accessible coastal walk (no stairs) that leads you all the way to Shelley Beach. If you need a rest stop, there’s a stand-alone spacious and modern accessible bathroom about half-way along. Dotted around Manly you’ll also find drinking stations where you can refill your own drinking bottles with filtered water. Make a day of it by using one of the electric barbecues at the grassy reserve adjacent to Shelley Beach; they are free to use, and perfect for a family picnic.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains – just a 90-minute drive west of Sydney – has a string of quaint villages that wind to the top of the mountains, before dropping gently to lush valleys and sleepy rural towns.
Tread Lightly Eco Tours specialises in interpretive ecological experiences in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area, including fully-guided bush walks and 4WD eco tours. The professional guides have extensive knowledge of geology, native fauna and flora, Indigenous culture, astronomy, and venomous creatures to watch out for. There are great photo opportunities all around the ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and deep canyons of the World Heritage area – though you might forget to pull out your phone with the fresh air and the beauty of this magical place. Tread Lightly Eco Tours offer accessible experiences for travellers with limited mobility, and a foldable wheelchair to help you get around. They also have supports available for people who have vision or hearing impairments, by request.
For more information, visit the Tread Lightly Eco Tours website.
Port Stephens
Three hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is renowned for crystal clear ocean waters, pristine beaches, and a laidback lifestyle. The port is much larger than Sydney Harbour, with ambient little coves, inlets, and wide-open spaces to enjoy. In season, whale watching has become a favourite pastime for residents and visitors alike. Many of the sightseeing boats have ramps to allow people who use wheelchairs or have low mobility to board with ease.
Also in the Newcastle Shire, near Stockton Beach, there are amazing sand dunes that curve and dip to the sea. Explore them with Sand Dune Adventures, a company that offers safe and comfortable outdoor experiences for visitors with low mobility. Quad biking is an accessible and inclusive activity, made possible with just a few minor adjustments to the rig.
For more information and ticket availability, visit the Sand Dune Adventures website.
Cuddly koalas can be found at home among the gum trees at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Following the devastating bushfires of 2019/20, Port Stephens Council opened this safe space to rehabilitate and protect Australia’s precious wildlife. The sanctuary’s Sky Walk is accessible, and great for visitors who are using wheelchairs (there’s a small ramp that may require some assistance, then it’s free wheelin’ all the way). Look up into the trees and see koalas in their natural habitat. The Story Walk also has good paths for visitors to observe a selection of brilliant sculptures. Through artistic sculptural representation, they tell the stories of the koalas, their behaviours, and their homes. You also have the option to stay overnight in one of four glamping tents. Two of them are accessible, with plenty of space, a ramp to enter, a roll-in bathroom, and a verandah to view the lush greenery and wildlife.
For more information and availability, visit the Port Stephens government website.
Finally, while you’re in the region, head to the Tilligerry Habitat Walkway. This flora and fauna reserve along the foreshore of Tanilba Bay makes for easy walking or wheeling, with gravel paths and boardwalks.
For more information, visit the Tilligerry Habitat website.
Victoria
Melbourne
Melbourne is as well known for its world-class restaurants and captivating museums, as it is for its edgy street art and live music scene.
Throughout its history, Melbourne has been home to its fair share of colourful characters, including a few infamous villains and criminals. If you’d like to dive into the city’s checkered past, visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, centrally located on Russell Street. As with all institutions of this kind, the experience can be confronting, so be sure to do your research before you book your visit. The Gaol itself is partially wheelchair accessible. About 80% of the museum information signage can be found on the ground floor, displayed on the walls and in the cells. Entry to the cells can be quite narrow, and may not accommodate some wheelchairs. Unfortunately, the building’s heritage status does not allow the installation of lifts or ramps. Guests are encouraged to ask about the Virtual Reality goggles that will allow them to experience more of the space.
For more information, visit the Old Melbourne Gaol website.
In the city centre, the Australian Centre for Moving Images (ACMI) has inclusivity in its DNA. This institution was created to celebrate film, television and gaming exhibits, screenings, and special events. Its centrepiece exhibition, The Story Of The Moving Image, is suitable for visitors of all abilities. They offer Relaxed Visits, a time set aside before the venue opens to the general public, for visitors with ASD, sensory sensitivities, or anyone who would benefit from a quieter experience. They also offer a quiet room, and a space for anyone who finds themselves overwhelmed. Hearing loops are available and guide companion animals are welcome.
For more information and to book a session, visit the ACMI website.
Werribee Open Range Zoo is a 30-minute drive south-west of Melbourne. Inclusive and accessible, the zoo has an easy-to-follow pathway system perfect for wheelchairs and strollers. There’s also a Changing Places facility, equipped with extra features such as a tracking hoist, full-sized change table, and additional space to circulate. There are four wheelchair-accessible Safari busses, and each bus can accommodate two standard wheelchairs or one electric wheelchair. The Off Road Safaris use a 12-seater vehicle that can accommodate a person in a wheelchair if they can transfer across to a seat. Ramp access to the busses is also available. With the plethora of accessibility accommodations, every visitor can enjoy a comfortable visit.
For more information and current ticket availability, visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo website.
Phillip Island
With native wildlife, coastal trails, and sandy beaches, Phillip Island is the perfect escape, just two hours’ drive from Melbourne. This island’s popularity has a lot to do with its most famous residents: the world’s smallest penguins. These locals waddle home from the ocean to their burrows every evening, just after sunset. There are plenty of tours each night that will take you to the best spots to see them. We recommend the boardwalks and viewing platforms along Summerland Beach. The visitor information website has plenty of information about accessibility accommodations, including mobility maps, Changing Places locations, and where you can hire All-Terrain wheelchairs.
For more information, visit the Phillip Island Visitor Information website.
Yarra Ranges National Park
There’s a lovely time to be had at the lush rainforest of the Yarra Ranges National Park, approximately three hours’ drive from Melbourne. The park is vast and best appreciated from a scenic car journey. The Yarra Ranges National Park visitor guide will show you the best route to take. If you want to get out of the car and into nature, the Rainforest Gallery canopy walk is a short and invigorating option. There are two paths available: one is not accessible, but the other can be accessed easily. Stop at the lookout and breathe in the fresh air while taking in the incredible view.
For more information, visit the Do The Yarra Valley website. Find out more about the state’s other national parks through Parks Victoria.
Queensland
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Fitzroy Island is a 45-minute scoot across the water from Cairns by boat. While the accommodation on the island is easily accessible, with boardwalks and a lift to access rooms, the island does have large areas of rough terrain that aren’t always wheelchair-friendly – just something to bear in mind! Fitzroy Island’s biggest drawcard is the beach, with calm, silky waters and an accessible turtle rehabilitation centre.
For more information, visit the Fitzroy Island website.
The natural glamourpuss island of the tropical north, Green Island, is a 45-minute ‘fast’ catamaran ride from Cairns, making it great for day-trips or an overnight stay. If you want to go all-out, take a helicopter ride and look over the stunning natural environment from on-high. Green Island has a wheelchair friendly jetty, and a boardwalk that extends from the resort through the rainforest-centre of the island to the beach on the southern side. For the more mobile, there is also snorkelling and reef walking to try.
For more information, visit the Green Island website.
The world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree, is so beautiful and lush that it served as inspiration for the visually stunning film Avatar. World Heritage-listed for its biodiversity, it’s home to 663 animal species, 230 butterfly species, and more than 2,800 different types of plants – most of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The gateway to the Daintree Rainforest is Mossman Gorge. The Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks – conducted by the local Kuku Yalanji people – takes you on a guided walk along private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams. While this is not a wheelchair accessible experience, tours can be adapted for blind or low-vision visitors.
For more information, visit the Mossman Gorge website.
Four hours’ drive south-west of Cairns, via the Atherton Tablelands, is the Undara Experience – a property that sits within the Undara Volcanic National Park, on the lands of the Ewamian People. Here, you’ll find the world’s oldest and longest lava tubes, as well as restored train carriages that double as accommodation for visitors. There’s an accessible train carriage with ramp access, and an open plan bathroom with a shower chair. Ramps are also provided to access common areas, where guests can enjoy a drink from the bar, a delicious dinner, or an outdoor movie by the fire. The Undara Lava Tubes were formed 190,000 years ago, when the lava flowed 160km across the landscape; the outside cooled, while the molten centre continued moving. The result is a series of tubes and caverns containing pockets of lush rainforest growth. You can only enjoy this precious ecosystem on a tour. If you have a mobility restriction, contact Undara Experience prior to your arrival to arrange a guided tour of Road Cave, which has ramp and chair-lift access.
For more information and current ticket availability, visit the Undara Experience website.
Gold Coast
Australia’s golden playground, the Gold Coast, has upped the ante in recent years, making significant changes to its accessibility and inclusiveness. For beach access, there are accessible viewing platforms, beach matting, and beach wheelchairs. There’s also convenient mobility maps, which provide accessibility information like locations for Changing Places facilities and power points to recharge electric mobility devices around the city. Discover vibrant beachside neighbourhoods, booming culinary and arts scenes, and lots of opportunities to shop. Plenty of activities, parks, and playgrounds ensure people of all ages and abilities can safely enjoy themselves!
For more information, visit the Destination Gold Coast website.
Head for the hills to experience the refreshing sights, sounds, and tastes of the Gold Coast Hinterland. The eco-friendly family-run O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has been there for over a hundred years. This enduring retreat still offers the same fresh and natural experience, but now with better amenities, and two accessible rooms available for accommodation. For nature-lovers, there are two accessible walks. The Treetop Walk crosses nine suspension bridges; it’s a wonderful sensory-friendly option, with bird songs (and maybe the squeals of excited participants) the only sounds for miles around. Given that the property is located in the glorious and deliciously named Lamington National Park, it would be almost rude not to scoff down a big fluffy lamington for afternoon tea.
For more information, visit the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat website.
Sunshine Coast
Home to the Irwin family, Queensland’s Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast is where you’ll find an abundance of native animals. The zoo is at Beerwah, on Steve Irwin Way, about one hours’ drive from Brisbane. Families can feed the animals, watch a crocodile feeding show, and see birds of prey interact with their keepers. Getting around in a wheelchair is easy, with good paths, and most enclosures have glass at an appropriate height for seated viewing. There is a Changing Places facility on the property, too. The more adventurous can get up close and personal for photos with some of the smaller animals; keep an eye out for their carers roaming around throughout the day. Don’t forget to stop at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, just adjacent to the park entry. This world-class facility treats on average 5,500 sick and injured animals each year.
For more information, visit the Australia Zoo website.
There are many amazing beaches along the Sunshine Coast to explore. One of the best ways to take them all in is via a 4WD experience, like the one run by Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours. These tours explore the sandy stretches of Rainbow Beach from Noosa, in an exhilarating full-day ride or private tour.
For full accessibility information and tour availability, visit the Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours website.
Brisbane
The capital of the Sunshine State is another Queensland destination that comes up trumps in the inclusivity and accessibility stakes.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) offers many options to assist patrons with specific needs. All theatres are equipped with Sennheiser Infra-Red Sound reinforcement for patrons with hearing impairments. There are also audio-described performances for patrons who are blind or have low vision, and Relaxed Performances for anyone who would benefit from a quieter environment. Information on wheelchair accessibility and seating is available in their comprehensive online guide.
For more information on what’s on and what’s accessible, visit the QPAC website.
For some Brisbane glamour, a stay at Vincent Crystalbrook offers comfort and convenience. Situated on the Brisbane waterfront, the hotel is sustainably led with a hint of modern sophistication. Formerly The Fantauzzo, this five-star hotel features 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fanauzzo and multiple on-site dining options. There are eight accessible rooms available on request; they have a barrier-free access route from the public entrance, extra space around the beds, and a roll-in shower with adjustable wand. The hotel also has a chair hoist to the rooftop pool deck, and service animals are welcome.
For more information, visit the Vincent Crystalbrook website.
Northern Territory
Uluru
Rich in both culture and beauty, Australia’s Red Centre is the spiritual heart of Australia. No visit to this region is complete without experiencing Aboriginal culture, the majesty of Kings Canyon (Watarrka), Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges, and the awe-inspiring Uluru.
There are many activities around Uluru to enjoy. Wheel around the base on compacted paths, and stop at viewing platforms (with ramp access) along the way. A visit to Uluru is also a great sensory experience, with bird songs, aromatic scents from native plants, and ancient rock art to discover.
Take in the scenery at a pace that suits you. For the wild ones, there are Trike Tours; these will require the rider to transfer from a wheelchair to the trike, and tolerate wearing a helmet. For a calmer experience, try one of the camel rides at sunrise.
Other extraordinary experiences include the Sounds Of Silence Dinner under the stars, and an installation that will light up your life: The Field of Light. 50,000 slender stems of “light” are planted in the earth. The installation is aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku by the locals, meaning ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in the Pitjantjatjara language.
The dot painting workshops at Voyages suit many abilities. Before you begin, a local Indigenous woman will demonstrate the process and give you unique insight into these works of art.
If you’re looking to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience, take an amazing helicopter ride over the Red Centre. It’s a view you’ll never forget.
To book the variety of tours and experiences in and around Uluru, visit the Voyages website.
Darwin
The Top End’s capital, Darwin, is delightfully flat with excellent footpaths, making it the perfect destination for people who require easy access to get around. With balmy nights and colourful characters, you’ll find everything from Asian food markets and crocodile encounters to open-air movies and sunset cruises.
Don’t leave Darwin without visiting the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to enjoy a market-stall dinner, taking in a spectacular sunset over the beach. In the morning, make your way to Parap & Nightcliff Markets for a breakfast laksa to mix in with the locals.
The Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory is where you can soak in the best of Indigenous art, the history of the multi-cultural population, and learn more about the infamous bombing of Darwin.
If you’re game, you can try the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove. This crocodile dive is the ultimate urban wildlife experience, and not for the faint of heart.
There really is activity for everyone in Darwin. Make sure you check with individual operators for information on how they can support your experience and accommodate your needs. And remember – never smile at a crocodile!
South Australia
Adelaide
Adelaide is a compact city that is easy to get around and jam-packed with interesting experiences and hidden gems. With world-class festivals, easy access to beaches and nature, and more than 200 cellar doors all within an hours’ drive of the city, it’s easy to see why Adelaide is quickly becoming the lifestyle capital of Australia.
The Adelaide Central Market is brimming with local produce to take home and marvellous food to munch on. You can wheel around and delight in the sensory experience enhanced by BindiMaps, the essential app for indoor stimulation. The Market was the first retail environment in South Australia to introduce this technology. It’s a simple audio system to describe where users are and what’s around them. This improves accessibility, independence, and safety for customers.
Want to get lost? Two hours’ drive out of Adelaide in the Clare Valley is the Mintaro Maze, made up of manicured hedges with wide space and solid ground, that’s easy to navigate with a mobility aid.
Closer to the city centre, the Adelaide Zoo has an excellent reputation for providing care and facilities for accessibility and inclusiveness.
For more information and current ticket availability, visit the Adelaide Zoo website.
The Ghan is one of the great train journeys of the world, taking you from Darwin at the top of Australia all the way down to Adelaide. It’s perfect for travellers who want to slow down and take in the incredible scenery of Australia’s centre. The food in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant on board is delicious and the staff exceptionally attentive; they can also accommodate most dietary requirements. The Gold Access cabins are available to travellers with limited mobility, and there are attendants to help along the way. Moving between carriages is only possible with assistance and a push chair, so this experience is best suited to more mobile wheelchair users. It’s also worth noting that most of the complimentary tours are not wheelchair accessible, so it’s essential to do your research before you go. The Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise out of Catherine, or the Alice Springs Desert Park and barbecue dinner may be suitable for guests with some mobility and who can transfer from a wheelchair. It’s also worth checking out the helicopter rides available at some stops – they’re pricey, but incredible.
For more information and ticket availability, visit the Journey Beyond website. Call them on 13 21 47 to discuss your access needs.
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is the home of fine wines, historical villages, great food, and charming accommodation. And while you’re in that neck of the woods, book a cooking demonstration at The Farm Eatery and Experience Centre, or visit the Farmshop for exquisite ‘Maggie Beer made’ goodies. There are day tours from Adelaide, or you can drop in for lunch, but either way it’s best to book in advance.
To plan your visit, head to the Farm Eatery website, or find out more on the Visit Adelaide Hills website.
Limestone Coast
Peppered with geological wonders, celebrated wineries, and sumptuous produce, the Limestone Coast is ripe for an indulgent adventure. Stretching along the state’s south-eastern coast, it’s an ideal destination for a road trip from Adelaide, taking in coastal scenery, shiraz, and sinkholes along the way. On the Limestone Coast, make time to explore the Naracoorte Caves. Above ground, the park has some facilities accessible by wheelchair, including the Wonambi Fossil Centre and Bat Observation Centre. There’s also the Caves Cafe, Wirreanda Bunkhouse, and campground, which all have wheelchair accessible facilities. The Roof Top Loop Walk at the Naracoorte Caves provides access for people of all ages and abilities, with an opportunity to experience the underground world of the Caves. It is suitable for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids, and also people who have visual impairments.
For more information about what the coast has to offer, head to the Visit Limestone Coast website.
Tasmania
Reconnect and recharge on the island of Tasmania. Appreciate its history, untouched wilderness, spectacular mountains, friendly locals, and artisanal wine, food, and spirits. Home to just half a million people, Tasmania’s air is fresh, water clear, and wildlife curious. Better still, the island’s culture gives you space to pause, take a breath, and reconnect.
Hobart
Exploring Hobart is fun, but the area is rather hilly, so getting out and about requires some planning. Access is good at many of the major attractions, and you’ll have plenty of restaurants and accommodation options to choose from. In and around town, explore the delights of the architecture of Battery Point, a tour of Cascade Brewery, the wonderful collection of fine art in the Tasmania Museum & Art Gallery, the amazing views from the summit of Mt Wellington, the aromatic scents of the Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens, and the fastidious recreation of the Old Hobart Town Model Village in Richmond.
For more information and destination opening days, visit the Hobart Travel Centre website.
Port Arthur
One of Australia’s most infamous penal colonies, the Port Arthur Historic Site is about 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart. Around 12,000 convicts were transported and confined to this morbid historical site in 1830. Today, some of the site remains, including 30 crumbling sandstone buildings, the four-story penitentiary, and the imposing and spooky church. Not all buildings are wheelchair accessible, and the extensive site covers a range of terrain, some of which will not suit visitors who have a vision impairment. The Visitor Centre, cafe, 1830 restaurant, and Port Arthur Gallery are all accessible though, with accessible bathrooms at the Visitor Centre. Courtesy vehicle buggies provide a regular pick-up and drop-off service between 10:30am and 3:30pm daily.
Plan your visit at the Port Arthur visitor website.
MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art, known as MONA, is one of Australia’s most exciting and thought-provoking museums. Unusual pieces, confronting exhibits, and things of bold beauty are all housed here. Most of the building is wheelchair accessible; you can bring your own chair, or borrow one on site (no bookings, first in best dressed). There is a wonderful ferry journey up the Derwent River, but there are 99 steps up from the ferry to the museum with no lift, so if you require step-free access it’s best to make alternative plans. You can drive up yourself, or there’s a wheelchair accessible bus that departs from Brooke St Pier each day (be sure to book ahead of time).
For more information and tickets, visit the MONA website.
Bridestowe
In the scenic north-east of Tasmania, an hour’s drive from Launceston, step into the gorgeous Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm. Established 100 years ago, Bridestowe is one of the world’s largest commercial lavender farms. To see vast swathes of lavender growing in curved rows is a mighty sight. For visitors with low vision, the pure fresh air suffused with the aromatic scent of lavender is a sensory sensation. Some of the paths between the plantings are suitable for wheelchair access, as is the cafe and the shop. Bring your wallet, as you won’t be able to resist the lavender goodies!
Plan your visit on the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm website.
Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park, a 1.5 hour drive from Hobart, is home to incredible natural diversity, including cool mossy forests, fairy-like fern glens, primal stands of beech trees, bogs, glacial lakes, and rocky tarns. The stunted shrubs and conifers seem impervious to the cold weathers – tough little critters! There are excellent facilities in the park, with picnic spots and ample parking. Nearby, Russell Falls is arguably the most majestic waterfall in the state. The walk to the Falls is a cruisey 25-minute return trip, but allow time to stop and wonder at the boundless natural beauty. It’s the starting point for more challenging tracks, but it’s wonderful on its own (especially if you have mobility restrictions to consider). There’s a standalone disabled toilet on site, a restaurant, and a kiosk with plenty of souvenirs. Keep an eye out for the adorable pademelons, seriously cute short-tailed wallabies.
Plan your visit through the Parks Tasmania website.
ACT
Canberra
Take advantage of the great paths and mostly flat terrain in Canberra, the perfect city to walk or roll around. The paths around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, in the centre of the nation’s capital, wind past grand institutions, outdoor artwork, beautiful parks, and gardens. Make sure you factor in time to stop and visit along the way!
The National Gallery Australia (NGA) is a beautiful space to lose yourself. With revolving exhibitions, you can go back time and time again and always experience something different. The building has great accessibility, to boot. The Sensory Sunday experience offers guests a quieter time to take in the displays and participate in art-making activities.
Plan your visit and book tickets on the NGA website.
For a unique wildlife stay, look no further than Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Here, animal conservation comes first, and the Lodge provides sanctuary to some of the world’s most endangered animals, alongside a range of five-star accommodation options for travellers. Sleep in a luxurious African-inspired timber room, with nothing but a glass wall separating you from where the lion sleeps tonight. You could also book into the Giraffe Treehouse, and feed carrots over the balcony to resident giraffe Skye. There are also accessible African-inspired Lemur rooms, which sleeps two people.
Check availability on the Jamala Wildlife Lodge website.
Celebrate Australians in Hollywood at the National Film & Sound Archive Australia (NFSA). At this audiovisual archive, they are responsible for developing and preserving a national collection of film, television, sound, radio, video games, new media, and related artefacts. There are T switch loops available in the Arc cinema and the theatrette, and all areas of the NFSA are wheelchair accessible. Recognised assistance animals are also welcomed into the building.
For more information and current ticket availability, visit the NFSA website.
Western Australia
Shark Bay
World Heritage-listed Shark Bay is a sunny paradise of bays, inlets, and shallow waters. It’s mainly known for the bottlenose dolphins that visit, famous for their daily morning ritual of swimming into the shallows to be hand-fed a fish breakfast. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions offers a wheelchair with large inflatable wheels for visitors to use during dolphin feeding. Monkey Mia is also home to around 14,000 dugongs, humpback whales, green and loggerhead turtles.
Plan your adventure at the Visit Shark Bay website.
Margaret River
A 3.5-hour drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region is spectacular. On the way, you’ll pass through gorgeous diverse landscapes, from flat pastureland to coastal views, and swathes of vineyards producing amazing wine.
Enjoy luxury hospitality at Voyager Estate Winery & Restaurant. Just south of Margaret River town, the estate produces organically farmed wine and offers immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences for guests. There’s a designated drop-off point alongside the Cellar Door, providing entry to the building with less than 50m to traverse. While there are some cobblestone paths around the grounds, the venue is still accessible by wheelchair. The Estate can provide full service wine tastings and platters on table settings, plus full service restaurant dining and Terroir menu experience – all accessible and inclusive.
Plan your visit with the Voyager Estate Winery & Restaurant website.
Rottnest Island
Try thinking of Rottnest Island (Rotto to the locals) without conjuring up the gorgeous face of a quokka – it can’t be done! The famous marsupials can be spotted around the island, and during the cooler months (March to August) young joeys can be seen riding around in their mothers’ pouches. There are plenty of ferry services to take you there, departing from three different locations in Fremantle and Perth, all of which are accessible. There are also accessible accommodation options on the island itself, a Changing Places facility, and plenty of boardwalks that offer barrier-free routes for exploration. Animal lovers can pre-book a nature walk with introductions to all the animals and birds that call this beautiful island home.
Plan your visit via the Rottnest Island website.
Perth & Surrounds
Whiteman Park offers fun for all. A fabulous recreation and conservation reserve, 22km north of Perth in the Swan Valley, the park is known for its biodiversity. It’s home to 450 endemic plants and 120 vertebrate animals. Aside from the natural elements to explore and discover, there’s Pia’s Place – the all-abilities play space at Mussel Pool East. If you want to enjoy a tram ride, you can catch a heritage electric tram from the Village, as both tram stops at the Visitor Information Centre and Pia’s Place have accessible platforms. (Note that not all of the vintage trams in the fleet are accessible, due to their historical nature, so plan ahead if you need to ensure you can get on board.)
Find out more at the Whiteman Park website.
The only World Heritage listed building in Western Australia is Fremantle Gaol. It’s a popular attraction for history buffs and thrill seekers. Learn about the Gaol’s dark history from the 1850s, including the convict era of incarceration. Fascinating as it is, some of the tours (such as the tunnels) are not accessible for people with limited mobility. Visitors who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing do have access to AUSLAN handheld guides, though.
For more information and current ticket availability, visit the Fremantle Prison website.
Wherever you’re headed, it’s best to plan ahead and book your activities and experiences in advance. Contact venues and providers if you have any concerns about accessibility, as operators are able to provide specific advice about what would best suit your needs. Check their websites for tickets and availability to avoid disappointment on the day.
This feature was published in partnership with Tourism Australia. It appeared first in Travel Without Limits magazine – you can subscribe here.
