We regret to inform you that NNA Direct Support Services is closing due to a new company direction.
A heartfelt thank you to our participants, business partners, and employees for your support and dedication.
Last year, we were looking into some of Brisbane’s most accessible activities to do in winter and highlighted accessibility considerations for the activities.
So, before summer ends, we want to share some of Sydney’s most accessible activities that you can do.
Sydney Opera House
So, before summer ends, we want to share some of Sydney’s most accessible activities that you can do.
Starting with the most obvious attraction of Sydney, the Sydney Opera House. This unique architecture is a must when out and about in Sydney. The area around the Opera House is open and flat and inside you’ll find escalators, lifts and ramps. The building also has accessible bathrooms on the ground level.
Royal Botanical Gardens
If you wander away from the Harbour, you’ll find yourself in the Royal Botanical Gardens. This is a beautiful spot to see some of Australia’s native plants and wildlife. You may even be lucky enough to see some local birds like the kookaburra or cockatoo. Most pathways are easy to walk on and are wheelchair friendly, but please note that some areas are a bit steep.
Beaches
There are two great beach options, one being a close ferry ride away from the above destinations. On Sydney’s north shore, you’ll find Manly beach and is accessible via the ferry from Circular Quay. You’ll go past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and will take between 30 to 40 minutes. Before you arrive, you can book a beach wheelchair from Manly Surf Lifesaving Club.
Next, is the iconic Bondi beach. Every Thursday and Saturday, from 8:30am to 2pm, mobility matting is out at the northern end of the beach. They have a couple of beach wheelchairs available too and you can book one by emailing or calling ahead.
Museum of Contemporary Art
We believe that art is for everyone and offer free access support to reduce barriers to all our programs and events.
If you’re wanting to find a cool place indoors, we’d recommend the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). The MCA works to connect people with disability with contemporary art. The museum offers the Bella Program which provides creative programs for adults with disability and access considerations.
The MCA also runs free Auslan and audio described tours led by Artist Educators at the museum.
Blue Mountains
Feel like a day trip? By travelling with Australia In Style, you can take a day trip out to the Blue Mountains. They have designed the ‘No Steps’ tour for anyone with restricted/limited mobility. Whether that be wheelchairs, support/walking sticks or walkers. Situated within one of UNESCO’s World Heritage-listed regions, the Blue Mountains have amazing scenic views.
Getting around Sydney
There are various options when it comes to transport in Sydney.
As we have mentioned, you can catch the ferry as all vessels are accessible. But please note there are some older-style wharves that are not. You can use Trip Planner to work out your journey as it highlights the accessible wharves.
If you are looking to venture far and wide you could look at catching the train. To ensure you are able to board all Sydney and Intercity trains, please check that your wheelchair or mobility device meets Transport NSW’s mobility aid specifications.
Not looking to travel too far beyond the city? You can look at catching the light rail. There are either ramps or lifts to get to and from the platform and staff can assist. You can check the accessibility facilities here.
If you and/or your travel buddy drive and hold a valid permit, you have access to free designated parking. Here is a list of mobility parking in the Sydney city centre, as well as a map.
Travel training
For anyone living in the Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Strathfield Local Government Areas, there is a free travel training service that can help anyone use public transport. This service is for:
The service is offered in group learning sessions and as individual support with the aim to increase user’s independence.
Other access maps
Sydney CBD and Circular Quay access map - City of Sydney
Manly CBD access map - Manly Council
Sydney Opera House venue access maps - Sydney Opera House
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney accessibility - Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
NNA Direct Support Service acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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