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Inclusive Communities

11 June 2024

Discover Melbourne: Accessible & Wheelchair-friendly Attractions

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its cultural diversity, world-class dining, and dynamic arts scene. However, beyond its cosmopolitan allure, Melbourne is also a city that prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Melbourne offers a range of accessible attractions and activities that ensure everyone can enjoy the city’s unique charm. Here’s a guide to some of the best accessible places and things to do in Melbourne.

Federation Square

Federation Square, located in the heart of Melbourne, is a hub of cultural and social activity. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring the city. The square is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators, ensuring easy navigation. The Melbourne Visitor Centre, located here, offers information and services to help plan your accessible adventures around the city.

Federation Square is home to the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which houses an extensive collection of Australian art. The gallery is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Additionally, tactile tours and sign language interpreters are available upon request, enhancing the experience for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Spanning 94 acres, the gardens are a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty. The main paths are wide and well-maintained, making them accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Accessible restrooms and parking spaces are also available.

For an enhanced experience, the Gardens provide the “Seeing Eye Garden,” a sensory garden designed for visitors with visual impairments. This area features fragrant plants and textured surfaces, allowing for a multi-sensory experience.

royal botanic garden melbourne

Melbourne Museum and IMAX Theatre

Located in Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum is a must-visit for history and science enthusiasts. The museum is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms. Exhibits are designed to be interactive and engaging for visitors of all abilities.

Adjacent to the museum is the IMAX Theatre, which offers an accessible cinematic experience. The theatre is equipped with wheelchair spaces, and audio description and captioning devices are available for select films.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market, affectionately known as “Vic Market,” is a bustling marketplace that has been serving Melburnians for over 140 years. The market is largely accessible, with wide aisles and ramps. However, some areas, particularly in the older sections, may have uneven surfaces.

The market offers an abundance of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs. For those with visual impairments, guided tours are available, providing a rich, descriptive experience of the market’s offerings.

victoria market

Accessible Public Transport

Melbourne’s public transport system is designed with accessibility in mind. The city’s trams, trains, and buses offer various features to accommodate passengers with disability. Low-floor trams and accessible tram stops are available on many routes, and all trains have designated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Additionally, most train stations are equipped with lifts or ramps.

The iconic City Circle Tram, which provides a free tour of the central business district, is partially accessible with low-floor trams operating on the route. This service is a fantastic way to see the city’s major attractions, including the Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, and Parliament House.

Southbank and South Wharf

The Southbank and South Wharf precincts offer a scenic riverside experience with plenty of accessible amenities. The wide, flat promenades along the Yarra River are perfect for leisurely strolls, and there are numerous dining options with accessible seating.

Southbank is also home to the Melbourne Arts Precinct, including the Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International). Both venues are fully accessible, with ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms. The NGV International offers tactile tours and audio guides for visitors with visual impairments.

Eureka Skydeck

For breathtaking views of Melbourne, visit the Eureka Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. The Skydeck is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps. The Edge Experience, a glass cube that extends from the building, is also accessible for wheelchair users, providing a thrilling experience with a spectacular view.

eureka tower skydeck

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo, located in Parkville, is a favourite destination for families and animal lovers. The zoo is committed to accessibility, with most exhibits and pathways designed to be wheelchair-friendly. Accessible restrooms and parking are available, and the zoo offers complimentary wheelchair hire.

The zoo also provides sensory maps and social scripts to help visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities plan their visit. Additionally, the “Zoo Twilights” summer concert series includes accessible seating and facilities.

Sports and Entertainment Venues

Melbourne is a city passionate about sports, and its major venues are designed to be inclusive. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, and Marvel Stadium all offer accessible seating, restrooms, and amenities. These venues provide hearing loops and offer companion card programs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the excitement of Melbourne’s sports and entertainment events.

Melbourne’s commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can experience the city’s rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere. From serene gardens and bustling markets to world-class museums and thrilling viewpoints, Melbourne offers a wealth of accessible attractions and activities. Whether you’re exploring the city for the first time or rediscovering its charm, you’ll find that Melbourne is a city that welcomes all.

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