Now that we’ve passed the Christmas period and the crowds it brings to popular locations, we thought we’d put together a state-by-state guide of some of the accessible fun and inclusive activities you can get involved in this summer.
With the help of the NDIS own list (available here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/4121-summer-fun) there’s no shortage of inclusive fun to be had around the country.
Starting with the classic Gold Coast Theme Parks, let’s dive in and see what’s on offer, but first it’s worth mentioning that Guests who produce their Companion Card are entitled to 1 free of charge companion so that their companion can provide attendant care support during their visit to any of the three major parks below.
In addition, guests who produce a Carer’s Card (or similar) issued by relevant State or Commonwealth authorities will be entitled to a discounted admission rate.
All three theme parks also offer parking for guests with disabilities and a wheelchair hire service. Many rides and attractions are accessible by wheelchair.
The Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld websites suggest that guests with any special needs should visit Guest Services upon arrival for assistance in planning their day.
Warner Bros. Movie World:
Please refer to the Movie World Safety & Accessibility guide for more information and head to their website for the complete rundown: https://movieworld.com.au/park-info/accessibility
Sea World
For more information download the Sea World Safety and Accessibility Guide, Attractions Sensory Guide or contact their Guest Services team on (07) 5588 2178. Head to their website for details: https://seaworld.com.au/park-info/accessibility
Dreamworld
Dreamworld’s website offers a handy description of each ride at the park that include guidelines for disabled guests and carer responsibilities:
You can contact their Guest Services team prior to your visit for help preparing on (07) 5588 1111 or by using the contact us page.
Now, here’s a look at the NDIS’ list of other accessible fun to be found around the country:
Canberra
- Boundless – The Centenary of Canberra National Playground – Canberra’s first all abilities playground provides hours of fun for children to explore.
- National Zoo and Aquarium – The National Zoo in Canberra is family and accessible friendly fun with a well-marked accessible circuit around the zoo.
New South Wales
- Access-friendly walking tracks – The warmer weather is the perfect time to explore the tree lined, wheelchair-accessible walking tracks on the fringes of Sydney.
- Livvi’s Place, Port Macquarie – Livvi’s Place is the place to be on a hot summers day where you can cool off in a water play area and check out the view in the wheelchair accessible pirate ship.
Queensland
- Surfers Paradise Beach – One of Australia’s most iconic beaches, Surfers Paradise is now accessible to everyone with beach matting and Mobi-Chairs available this summer.
- Pioneer Park, Landsborough – This all abilities playground featuring a multi-sensory playground is designed with children of all abilities in mind.
South Australia
- Hendrie Street Reserve Inclusive Playground, Park Holme – Located in the city of Marion, this playground features accessible play equipment such as an Expression swing and multi-station ramp.
- Seacliff Beach – The first beach in South Australia to roll out beach matting that allows easy access to the water’s edge with a wheelchair ramp and beach mats available for use.
- Onkaparinga River Recreation Park – Located in Adelaide’s northern suburbs this park features a 3km Wetlands Trail Loop that is wheelchair friendly.
Tasmania
- Dru Point Playground, Margate – Dru Point park is a favourite for locals with BBQ facilities, shaded spaces and an all access swing.
- Access Friendly Tasmanian Parks – Explore Tasmania’s famous landscape using TrailRiders (all-terrain wheelchairs) that are available at Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and Mount Field national parks.
Victoria
- Brimbank Playspace, Keilor East – This play space is full of nature inspired obstacles and objects to climb and discover.
- Assistive Technology Zone at the State Library of Victoria – Book worms will be thrilled to take in their favourites in the new Assistive Technology Zone that features screen readers, text to speech and magnification devices.
- All-terrain wheelchairs – are now available in some of Victoria’s top parks such as the Grampians and Dandenong Ranges National Park.
- Mt Martha Beach, Mornington Peninsula – is a popular spot to enjoy Melbourne’s bay. It offers accessible beach matting, toilets and Mobi-Chair.
Western Australia
- Sienna Wood Shipwreck Park, Hilbert – Sail upon the SS Shipwreck for hours of fun. The playground features wide paths that are perfect for exploring as well as an all abilities seat and several swings.
- Walpole-Nornalup National Park – The park is famous for its Karri and Red Tingle Trees and they can be enjoyed on the wheelchair accessible Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
- Rockingham foreshore, Perth – The pristine foreshore offers beach access matting, making it the ideal place to visit this summer.
Australia-wide
- Look up more accessible beaches around Australia.
This is not a complete and definitive guide of accessible fun, rather some ideas to get you excited for getting out and about during summer. As usual, we suggest you contact any location you plan on attending to ensure it is suitable for you or your family’s needs.
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