Australia Awaits – Accessible and Unforgettable
Australia is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from the iconic red center to the vibrant, accessible coastal cities. The good news? Traveling Down Under has never been easier for people with diverse mobility, sensory, or intellectual access needs. More attractions, hotels, and public spaces are embracing universal design principles, making the trip of a lifetime truly possible for everyone.
At AccessibleOz, we are passionate about unlocking this incredible country for you. We don’t just book trips; we craft fully accessible itineraries tailored to your specific needs, ensuring peace of mind from the moment you land. We handle the crucial details like confirming chair clearances, transfer vehicle lifts, and service animal provisions so you can focus purely on the adventure.
Ready to see what’s possible? Here are 18 of the most accessible, bucket-list-worthy activities you can experience across Australia.
Accessible City & Coastal Experiences: Urban Wonders
Discover Australia’s thriving, modern cities, where accessibility is seamlessly integrated into world-class cultural and coastal experiences.
1. Story Bridge Climb – Brisbane
Brisbane is officially home to a world-first in inclusive tourism. As of April 2025, the iconic Story Bridge Adventure Climb has become the first bridge climb experience in the world designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
Thanks to the use of a motorised stair-climber wheelchair, participants with mobility requirements can now join the guided bridge climb from Howard Smith Wharves to the top of the Story Bridge. The chair has been developed with advanced technology and the highest safety standards, offering smooth incline transitions, ergonomic comfort, and built-in safety features.
This major milestone in inclusive travel was made possible by the collaboration between Tourism operator John “Sharpey” Sharpe, Box Wheelchairs founder Mike Box, and Professional wheelchair moto-cross rider Timothy Lachlan, who played a hands-on role in testing and refining the equipment
Read more about this experience Here
2. Sydney Opera House Tour – New South Wales
The Experience: Stand inside one of the world’s most recognizable architectural marvels. Beyond the iconic sails, the interior is a hub of world-class performances. Take a guided tour to uncover the history and secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Access Factor: Accessibility is exceptional. The Opera House offers ramp access at key entry points, accessible seating in all main venues, and lift access to every public area. For a richer experience, ask us about pre-booking their outstanding audio-descriptive tours or Auslan (sign language) tours upon request. It’s a truly inclusive cultural gateway.
See our Sydney Itinerary Here
3. Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens – Victoria
The Experience: Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in 38 hectares of beautifully curated gardens. It’s a sensory paradise of native and exotic flora, offering a peaceful retreat just moments from the CBD.
The Access Factor: The gardens boast an extensive network of flat, paved paths that weave through the key sections, making them easy to navigate for mobility aids. There are numerous accessible toilets scattered throughout and specific sections, like the Guilfoyle’s Volcano, are designed with accessible routes. It’s guaranteed beauty without barriers.
See our Melbourne Intinerary Here
4. Perth’s Elizabeth Quay – Western Australia
The Experience: A stunning waterfront precinct on the Swan River, offering dazzling modern architecture, public art installations, and a variety of accessible dining options. Catch a ferry or simply enjoy the sunshine.
The Access Factor: The Quay was built with accessibility in mind. It features wide, flat, slip-resistant promenades throughout. Lift access is provided to the spectacular pedestrian bridge, and the adjacent ferry terminals are designed for easy boarding. Its central location also makes it highly accessible via Perth’s accessible public transport.
See more Accessible activities available in Western Australia! We have tested and tried:
- Kununurra (Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle)
- Broome (Horizontal Falls, Air Kimberley Buccaneer Explorer, Cygnet Pearl Farm, Bali Hai Resort, Cable Beach Resort)
- Coral Coast (Ningaloo Whale Sharks Swim, Kalbarri Skywalk, Monkey Mia)
- Pinnacles Desert Experience
Read the Full Blog Here
5. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon & Kuranda – Queensland
The Experience: Located right on the Cairns Esplanade, this massive saltwater swimming pool offers a safe and stunning way to enjoy the tropical climate, complete with sandy edges and a relaxing atmosphere.
The Access Factor: This is a gold standard for public pools. It features a zero-depth entry (beach-style ramp) into the lagoon, which allows users of all mobility levels to enter the water comfortably and independently. Accessible toilets and change rooms are located right next to the pool, ensuring a seamless experience.
Read more about our Accessible Cairns Experiences Here
6. Gold Coast Beach Matting & Chair Hire – Queensland
The Experience: The ultimate Australian dream: feeling the sand between your toes and dipping into the Pacific Ocean. Traditionally challenging, this is now a reality on the Gold Coast.
The Access Factor: Specific beaches, including popular spots like Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach, regularly deploy Mobi-Mats (roll-out accessible pathways) that lead from the promenade right onto the sand. Many locations also offer beach wheelchairs for free hire, often including the specialized ‘Sandcruiser’ or ‘Waterwheels’ models that can enter the shallow surf. We can pre-book your chair rental to ensure availability!
Accessible Wildlife & Nature Adventures: The Great Outdoors
Witness Australia’s unique animals and breathtaking landscapes without the worry of rugged terrain.
7. Australia Zoo – Sunshine Coast, Queensland
The Experience: Australia Zoo, the home of the Crocodile Hunter on the Sunshine Coast, is an enormous, action-packed wildlife destination. While its sheer size offers an incredible experience, it also means a big focus on making the vast park navigable and enjoyable for every guest. The zoo is a leader in ensuring accessibility goes hand-in-hand with conservation and fun.
The Access Factor: Australia Zoo’s commitment to accessibility is evident in the design of the park and the various services available to assist visitors with a range of needs.
The entire park is planned with smooth, wide paths to accommodate all mobility aids:
- 100% Wheelchair Accessible: The zoo is fully accessible, including ramps and an elevator to the Crikey Cafe and designated viewing areas in the Crocoseum.
- Mobility Aid Hire:
- Wheelchair Hire is available for a daily fee (pensioner discount offered).
- Motorised Scooter Hire is also available for a daily fee (weight limit applies, pre-booking is strongly recommended due to limited numbers).
- Internal Shuttle Access: The free Safari Shuttle and buses running throughout the zoo are wheelchair accessible, making it easy to cover the long distances of the park.
- Accessible Bathrooms: The zoo provides accessible toilet facilities, including a fully equipped Changing Places facility for high-support needs.
The zoo offers thoughtful considerations for support workers and guests with sensory or cognitive needs.
Australia Zoo is committed to the spirit of its founders by providing a wild, welcoming, and entirely accessible adventure for everyone who steps through the gates.
8. Phillip Island Penguin Parade – Victoria
The Experience: Every sunset, hundreds of adorable Little Penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows. It is a magical, must-see natural phenomenon.
The Access Factor: Penguin viewing is highly regulated for wildlife safety, which thankfully translates to excellent visitor infrastructure. The main viewing area is connected to the visitor center by paved pathways, and there are dedicated accessible viewing platforms available. Accessible parking and facilities are also close by. We ensure you get priority booking for the accessible viewing deck.
See our recent blog with a highlight on Phillip Island Here
9. Accessible Great Barrier Reef Tours – Queensland
The Experience: Snorkel, dive, or simply view the dazzling underwater world of the largest coral reef system on Earth from a comfortable, stable platform.
The Access Factor: While not all operators are accessible, select high-quality pontoon operators offer specially equipped trips. These pontoons often feature stable ramps for boarding, accessible bathrooms, and even specialized equipment like submersible chairs or guided ‘in-water’ experiences designed for limited mobility. Let us match you with a certified accessible operator.
10. Paved Walks in the Daintree Rainforest – Queensland
The Experience: Step into the ancient, lush world of the Daintree, the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet, and soak in the vibrant, dense canopy and unique ecosystems.
The Access Factor: Locations like the Marrdja Botanical Walk are renowned for their accessibility. They feature elevated, flat, and wide boardwalks made from treated timber, allowing for a smooth and safe passage through the rainforest without encountering roots, mud, or steep inclines. This design ensures that the wonders of the rainforest are accessible to all, providing a truly immersive experience.
Read more about our Far North Queensland Accessible Tours Here
11. Monarto Safari Park – Adelaide, South Australia
The Experience: Monarto Safari Park in South Australia isn’t a traditional zoo; it’s the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa. The park is vast—covering over 1,500 hectares—and its focus is on conservation, giving animals huge tracts of land to roam. This unique setup means the visitor experience relies heavily on excellent infrastructure, which has been designed with accessibility at its core.
100% Step-Free Access: The Visitor Centre, all major viewing platforms, and key walking tracks are designed with step-free access using ramps and level pathways.
The Zu-loop Bus Fleet: The majority of the hop-on/hop-off Zu-loop buses are wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to travel across the vast park with ease.
New Accessible Safari Truck: Thanks to a partnership with Variety SA, the park has a bespoke “Variety SA on Safari” vehicle, which can accommodate up to five wheelchairs, ensuring guests with complex mobility needs can enjoy special safari tours.
High-Quality Paths: While some walking paths are compacted quarry sand/rubble, they are generally wide, relatively flat, and consistent in width to support wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Changing Places Facility: The new Visitor Centre is equipped with a Changing Places facility, providing high-support restroom amenities (e.g., adult-sized change tables and hoists).
Accessible Icons of the Red Center: Desert Majesty
Experience the spiritual heart of Australia—the Northern Territory—where modern accessibility meets ancient culture.
12. Uluru Base Walk (Partial) & Sunset Viewing – Northern Territory
The Experience: Witness the spectacular, spiritual monolith of Uluru as the desert sun transforms its colors from deep ochre to fiery red and violet. This is the heart of Australia.
The Access Factor: Seeing Uluru is entirely accessible. The main Uluru Sunset and Sunrise viewing areas are paved and have accessible parking and facilities. Furthermore, a section of the 10.6 km base walk—the Mala Walk (about 1.5 km)—is fully sealed and wheelchair accessible, allowing you to get up close and personal with the rock’s immense scale and cultural significance.
Our wonderful Sam just finished travelling NT and it blew her away with its commitment to accessible travel.
Read it all Here
13. Kings Canyon Viewing Platforms – Northern Territory
The Experience: An essential stop near Uluru, Kings Canyon offers dramatic 300-metre high sandstone walls and breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park.
The Access Factor: While the challenging Rim Walk is inaccessible, the Kings Canyon Resort offers excellent paved and compacted access to various nearby viewing platforms. You can still appreciate the vast scale of the canyon and the stunning desert landscape without tackling the strenuous steps, making it an achievable bucket-list experience.
14. Walk Darwin, Walking Tour – Northern Territory
Walk Darwin offers heritage and cultural walking tours through the city, and they’ve clearly put thought into accessibility. Most of their tours take place on flat, paved paths with minimal to no stairs. They’re also able to adapt routes to avoid any uneven terrain or heat exposure, which is especially helpful in Darwin’s climate. Tours are relaxed in pace, and private bookings can even start from your hotel. You’ll want moderate fitness for these, as there’s limited seating, but the guides are experienced and very supportive.
15. Crococaurus Cove – Darwin, Northern Territory
Right in the middle of the city, Crocosaurus Cove brings you up close to Australia’s most iconic reptiles—including 5-metre saltwater crocs. Whether you’re watching from the edge or joining a supervised experience like the Big Croc Encounter or Whipray Feeding, the entire venue is wheelchair accessible. Paths are wide and level, and the team does a great job of explaining safety procedures and supporting guests throughout each activity. Even if you’re not going into the Cage of Death (which has age and physical requirements), it’s still an incredibly immersive and inclusive visit.
Accessible Arts, Culture, & Innovation
Australia’s cultural institutions are leaders in universal access, ensuring history and art are for everyone.
16. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Victoria
The Experience: Explore Australia’s oldest and most visited art gallery, home to an extensive collection of international and Australian art, with constantly rotating exhibitions.
The Access Factor: The NGV, like many major Australian museums and galleries, excels at access. It features ramps, spacious lifts, and accessible toilets on every level. They frequently offer sensory-friendly sessions and tools like large print guides or audio-description for specific exhibitions, making art appreciation a relaxed and inclusive experience.
17. Canberra’s Museums & Memorials – Canberra – Australian Capital Territory
The Experience: Australia’s capital is a treasure trove of national history, art, and governance, including the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia.
The Access Factor: As the national center, these institutions are designed to be fully accessible to all citizens and visitors. Expect ramps and lifts throughout, accessible seating at all viewing areas, dedicated accessible parking, and often loaner manual wheelchairs available upon request. They represent the gold standard in accessibility planning.
18. Gallery of Modern Art – Brisbane, Queensland
The Experience: Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) isn’t just a place to see art; it’s a dynamic, welcoming experience that’s central to the city’s cultural heart. Located in the beautiful Cultural Precinct by the river, GOMA provides an inspiring and expansive space that feels accessible and engaging, whether you’re a contemporary art enthusiast or just looking for a thoughtful day out.
What truly sets GOMA apart is its proactive and ongoing commitment to being an accessible and inclusive space for all visitors. This isn’t just about ramps and lifts; it’s about a range of thoughtful programs and services designed to remove barriers to engagement.
- Mobility Access: Both GOMA and the adjacent Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) offer full mobility impaired and wheelchair access throughout.
- Wheelchair Loan: Complimentary wheelchairs are available for loan from the Information Desk for use during your visit.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated accessible parking bays are available in the Cultural Centre car parks.
The real depth of GOMA’s commitment is seen in its tailored programs:
- Low Sensory Viewings: For visitors with sensory sensitivities, such as Autistic visitors, GOMA offers low-sensory/relaxed viewing times for major exhibitions, often outside of general opening hours, where sound and light levels are adjusted. Sensory Kits are also available for loan.
- Dedicated Tours:
- Auslan Interpreted Tours for the d/Deaf community.
- Audio-Described Tours with tactile components for visitors with low or no vision.
- Tours for visitors with hearing loss using assistive listening devices.
- Art and Dementia Program—a participant-focused experience for visitors living with dementia and their care partners.
GOMA’s dedication to the ‘access factor’ means that it’s more than a gallery, it’s a genuine community space where everyone is invited to connect with art in a way that feels comfortable and supported. It truly lives up to its goal of inspiring visitors of all abilities.
The Key to Stress-Free Accessible Travel: Planning
While Australia is getting better, accessibility is rarely standard. It requires detailed, on-the-ground knowledge and thorough pre-booking to confirm everything from:
- Verified Accessible Accommodation: Ensuring clearances for mobility aids and confirmed grab rails/roll-in showers.
- Guaranteed Accessible Transfers: Booking vehicles with certified lifts or ramps for airport and city travel.
- Up-to-Date Tour Specifics: Verifying the accessibility of a specific viewing platform or restroom on the day with local providers.
This is where AccessibleOz steps in. We remove the guesswork and the stress from your journey. We have personally vetted accommodation, activities, and transport to ensure a seamless, truly accessible holiday experience, letting you focus only on making incredible memories.
Ready to Start Your Accessible Australian Adventure?
Don’t spend hours searching, calling, and worrying about accessibility details. Let our expert team craft your perfect, worry-free trip.
👉 To request a free, no-obligation consultation with an AccessibleOz travel specialist today, contact us below:
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