Blog Update: Accessible Perth: Sam’s City Guide to Stadiums, Hotels, Parks, Zoos, and Rottnest Island (WA Style!)

Hello, fellow explorers! Sam here, and I’ve officially swapped the remote outback roads for the bustling, accessible pathways of Perth and its surrounding coastal areas! After the incredible successes and vital reality checks of our regional mission in the Kimberley and Mandurah, I’ve established my base here to tackle a completely different kind of challenge: urban accessibility.

Perth is a city that has invested heavily in modern, inclusive infrastructure, making it a fantastic destination for accessible travellers. This segment of the Accessible Frontiers mission focuses on the essential accessible and inclusive experiences: checking into premier accessible hotels, verifying access at major tourist icons like Optus Stadium and Perth Zoo, and of course testing the ferry and pathways of the famed Rottnest Island.

From rolling through the stunning trails of Kings Park to inspecting some of the city’s top hotel chains (like Duxton and Ramada), I’m here to give you the verified truth on how easily you can navigate WA’s capital. Let’s dive into what makes Perth a prime accessible holiday destination!

1. Perth’s Green Heart: Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Ready to roll through Kings Park? Contact our team to build your accessible itinerary here.

2. World-Class Accessible Experiences: Optus Stadium

The sheer scale and accessibility of Optus Stadium left a massive impression! Arguably one of the most technologically advanced and beautiful sports and entertainment venues in the world, this destination offers far more than just sporting events it offers world-class accessible experiences. Sam noted that the entire stadium was massive and extremely wheelchair accessible.

The Guided Stadium Tour

The standard guided stadium tour is fully committed to a “fans first” standard, prioritizing universal access throughout the venue.

• Full Wheelchair Access: The tour offers wheelchair and pram access throughout the entire journey, utilising the venue’s 12 accessible lifts to reach all levels.

• Behind the Scenes: You can roll smoothly through the vast Media Centre, the high-tech Locker Rooms, the exclusive Coaches’ Room, and enjoy spectacular views from the various lounges. Sam noted the tour involved walking (or rolling!) about 2km in total with plenty of stops and confirmed there were lots of WA toilets on the way.

The VERTIGO Challenge: Australia’s Most Accessible Rooftop Adventure

Optus Stadium is also home to VERTIGO, one of Australia’s most thrilling adventure experiences. This pioneering adventure invites guests to traverse a 10-metre platform extending 42 metres beyond the edge of the stadium roof!

• Pioneering Wheelchair Accessibility: Optus Stadium proudly stands as the first major stadium in Australia to offer rooftop adventures accessible to people of all abilities.

• The Thrill: New safety equipment and custom harnesses have been installed to allow wheelchair users to experience the thrill of being suspended over the edge of the field.

• Access & Note: A dedicated lift system transports guests from Level 5 directly to the rooftop, and accessible pathways lead to the viewing areas. However, participants will need assistance from their carers to get out of their wheelchair before the experience.

• Booking Essential: Wheelchair users and guests with accessibility needs must contact THE OZONE directly when booking to ensure their specific requirements are safely and professionally accommodated, but AccessibleOz can look after this for you!

Love the look of Optus Stadium? Contact us today to book for 2026 here.

3. Up Close with Wildlife: Perth Zoo – Exceptionally Accessible Zoo!

Located just minutes from the Perth CBD in South Perth, Perth Zoo offers a captivating journey through the world’s habitats. As one of the world’s most highly regarded conservation zoos, it provides close encounters with native and exotic animals, all set within lush, beautifully manicured gardens. The zoo is actively involved in breeding and conservation programs, making every visit a contribution to protecting wildlife.

Commitment to Wheelchair Accessibility

Perth Zoo is renowned for being an exceptionally accessible attraction, ensuring that every visitor can comfortably enjoy the animal displays and grounds.

• Paved Pathways: The entire zoo layout is designed around wide, well-maintained, and paved pathways with minimal gradient, making it easy to navigate by wheelchair or mobility scooter.

• Accessible Facilities: Accessible toilets and ramps are provided at all key enclosures, viewing areas, and dining facilities.

• Mobility Hire: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for free hire (or a small fee for scooters) from the main reception upon arrival, though pre-booking is recommended.

• Designated Parking: Dedicated ACROD accessible parking bays are available close to the main entrance.

Sam’s Reality Check (Navigating the Terrain)

While the zoo aims for universal access, Sam noted a few critical points for fellow travellers:

• Terrain Warning: Despite the main paths being paved, some of the areas were quite gravelly and had uneven paths, with some inclines. Sam suggests that a manual wheelchair user may struggle with the gradient and terrain in certain sections, so renting a mobility scooter may be advisable for full confidence and comfort. AccessibleOz can help organise all of the equipment you need!

Perth Zoo offers a truly inclusive and inspiring day out, ensuring all guests can connect with the natural world in comfort. Chat to our team today to book your adventure here.

4. Rottnest Island Accessible Escape: SeaLink Ferry to Rottnest Island

Begin your journey to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) with SeaLink, the fast, frequent, and friendly ferry service connecting Fremantle and Perth to Western Australia’s car-free paradise. Rottnest is famous for its pristine turquoise bays, world-class snorkelling, and the iconic, smiling Quokka, making it the only place on earth where you can easily snap a selfie with the world’s happiest marsupial!

The island itself is captivated by 63 pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise bays, offering a unique blend of nature and relaxation.

Accessible Ferry and Island Access

SeaLink is dedicated to making this quintessential WA experience accessible to all. Sam confirmed that the SeaLink service is very accessible, a great win for this island escape!

• Ferry Features: The modern vessels are equipped with accessible ramp facilities, designated wheelchair spaces, and accessible bathrooms onboard. SeaLink staff offer priority boarding to passengers using wheelchairs and mobility aids, ensuring a comfortable and seamless transition from the mainland to the island.

• On the Island: Rottnest is committed to being an accessible destination. Once on the island, the main settlement and paved pathways are largely wheelchair-friendly. Sam noted the clear pathways around the main restaurants, and confirmed that most eateries were wheelchair accessible.

• Further Exploration: Visitors can hire beach wheelchairs, electric scooters, and accessible Bayseeker buses to explore the beautiful coastal views and historical sites. Accessible shuttle bus services are also available to explore the island’s many remote bays.

• Sam’s Caveat: While the island is committed to access, Sam did not see any wheelchair beach mats during her visit. Beach lovers should note that accessing the sand directly may still be challenging.

• Booking Essential: To ensure a smooth journey, it is crucial to notify SeaLink staff of any accessibility requirements at the time of booking.

Ready for a Quokka selfie? Click here to book your fully supported, accessible Rottnest adventure!

5. Accommodation Check-In: From Retro Charm to Five-Star Luxury

After a day of exploring Perth’s vast parks and iconic venues, having a comfortable, reliably accessible base is non-negotiable. I took the opportunity to verify two very different accommodation options in the city a budget-friendly retro motel and a luxurious riverside hotel to provide options for every traveller.

Baileys Parkside Motel: Retro Vibe Meets East Perth Convenience

This East Perth gem delivers a charming retro vibe with practical convenience, located close to the Swan River and venues like Optus Stadium. The Baileys Parkside Motel is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay, specifically offering two Accessible Standard Queen rooms.

• Key Access Features: The motel features wheelchair access throughout its common areas and a dedicated accessible public toilet.

• Accessible Rooms: The specialised rooms are equipped with essential features like a roll-in shower (hobless/step-free recess), grab rails, and clear space around the bed and bathroom.

• Convenience: The location is highly accessible, featuring three designated wheelchair-accessible parking spaces.

Duxton Hotel Perth: 5-Star Riverside Elegance & Guaranteed Access

For travellers seeking a luxurious stay, the 5-star Duxton Hotel Perth offers an elegant retreat in the heart of the CBD, with stunning views of the Swan River and proximity to Elizabeth Quay. The Duxton belongs to the select group of barrier-free hotels in Perth committed to a high standard of accessibility.

• Accessibility: Accessibility extends throughout the public spaces, including the lobby, restaurant, and car park (with marked disabled parking spaces).

• Special Access Rooms: The hotel offers designated Special Access Rooms that feature wider doorways and ample space for easy maneuvering.

• Bathroom Features: The accessible bathrooms ensure safety and convenience, including complete wheel-in access (roll-in shower), along with a fold-away shower seat and fixed shower grab rails.

• Sam’s Crucial Note: The three accessible rooms at the Duxton are currently situated only on Level 1. While lifts ensure effortless travel to all floors, this is a vital detail to confirm when booking.

Ramada by Wyndham Perth, (VetroBlu) Scarborough 

Positioned perfectly in the vibrant heart of the Scarborough beachfront precinct, the Ramada by Wyndham Perth, (VetroBlu) Scarborough offers modern, self-contained apartment living with stunning coastal views. This is an ideal choice for extended stays and families looking for comfort and independence right on Perth’s spectacular Sunset Coast.

• Accredited Access: The Ramada VetroBlu has been independently accredited for accessibility.

• Dedicated Accessible Rooms: They offer a choice of wheelchair-accessible accommodation rooms, including an Accessible One-Bedroom Suite (with lowered kitchenettes) and an Accessible Two-Bedroom Apartment.

• Seamless Features: The main entrance, reception, and lifts are all step-free, and outdoor pathways are firm and smooth. Accessible bathrooms feature a hobless (roll-in) shower with a fold-down seat, fixed grab rails, and vanities that allow for wheel-under access.

Whether you prefer the unique charm and affordability of Baileys or the five-star luxury of the Duxton, Perth has quality accessible options verified and ready for your stay!

Perth Proves the Power of Inclusive Design

The Perth leg of the Accessible Frontiers mission was a resounding success, proving that Western Australia’s capital is genuinely committed to universal access. From the massive, fully accessible infrastructure of Optus Stadium to the beautiful, well-maintained paths of Kings Park, Perth offers accessible travellers a vast array of high-quality, barrier-free experiences. Even the island escape to Rottnest Island is readily managed by SeaLink’s accessible ferries and the island’s wide, paved pathways.

The most exciting takeaway is the diversity of options now available: Whether you need the verified pool hoist at a premier resort or the highly specific access details for a self-contained beachfront apartment, Sam has inspected and reported back.

Don’t let the logistics of complex hotel bookings or the worry of accessible island travel stop you.