Need a sensory fix? Check out these spaces
There are a growing number of places around Australia where you can take your child to fulfil their sensory needs. Here are a few for you to look into…
VICTORIA
WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM, PRESTON
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms are sensory-safe gyms, providing kids of all abilities a fun and motivating space to play and regulate on occupational therapist designed sensory equipment.
www.werockthespectrumaustralia.com
03 9042 3115
LIFEHOUSE CHURCH, WESTMEADOWS
Lifehouse in Melbourne’s northern suburbs is planning a dedicated space which will include soft play objects, lighting, sound and colour effects.
For updates: lifehouse.com.au/multi-sensory-room
SUNRAYSIA, MILDURA
In rural Mildura there is a sensory room in their short stay accommodation, which also has three independent units, outdoor play areas and a swimming pool.
www.srsinc.com.au/our-services/short-stay-accommodation/
MELBOURNE STORM @ AAMI PARK
Thanks to Variety Victoria, a boardroom is converted into a sensory room for a number of Melbourne Storm games, check online for when this is available.
FRANKSTON TOY LIBRARY, FRANKSTON
As well as a special needs lending section the library is in the process of building out a sensory room that will be available to local community groups.
www.frankstontoylibrary.org.au
03 9781 3900
MELBOURNE MUSEUM – THE CHILDREN’S GALLERY, CARLTON
While this is not specifically a dedicated sensory space, there are heaps of sensory related experiences on offer. The museum also has social stories available for families visiting the gallery.
museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/childrens-gallery
MESS MATTERS, MOORABBIN
Not a sensory room but at this fabulously fun, inclusive venue children are encouraged to get ‘messy’ and express themselves in an unstructured but supportive environment.
0468 331 116
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
AUTISM SA, ELIZABETH
Open since November 2018, phase one of this new sensory space provides a fully interactive experience through the synchronised use of a projector, LED lighting, a bubble machine, an LED ball pit, pulsating cushions, fans and aromatherapy.
08 8209 0300
BIG 4, RENMARK
A brand-new sensory room has just opened at this holiday park for use by families with a child or children on the autism spectrum. Designed in close consultation with an occupational therapist, a specialist autism teacher and ASD parents, the room has a variety of equipment for use and sensory activity boxes can be requested from reception.
www.big4renmark.com.au/play/sensory-room/
QUEENSLAND
GIVEABILITY, PARKWOOD VILLAGE, GOLD COAST
The multi-sensory room at Parkwood Village provides a safe environment for children to explore sensory stimulation.
www.giveability.com.au/multi-sensory-room/ | 0438 701 201
MARSDEN LIBRARY, MARSDEN
The Marsden Library’s sensory space is a hands-on environment for families and children of all abilities to have the opportunity to explore and learn together, using their senses. Families and children 0-12 are welcome to use the free equipment whenever they are visiting Marsden Library. Groups need to call to book.
07 3412 4180
RURAL LIFESTYLE OPTIONS AUSTRALIA, EMERALD HOUSE RESPITE RETREAT, BEAUDESERT
Emerald House Respite Retreat is home to a sensory room, which incorporates special lighting, music and sensory objects. Anyone who receives a service through Rural Lifestyle Options Australia is able to book the sensory room at no cost. People outside of the service can utilise this facility for a small fee.
GLADSTONE LIONS PARK, GLADSTONE
This inclusive park focuses sensory engagement with seven sections each based on a different sense. There’s a a sensory touch wall, adventure play area, water elements and a ‘cosy dome’ space for relaxing.
www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/lions-park-gladstone
NEW SOUTH WALES
CAREWAYS COMMUNITY SENSORY ROOM, HORSLEY
The CareWays Community Sensory Room is available for the whole community to use and is available during the week, after hours and on weekends. Charges are $33 per hour or $16.50 for half-hour sessions.
www.careways.org.au/sensory-room
02 4262 1918
TARKIDS SENSORY ROOM, MACARTHUR CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENTAL CLINIC, NARELLAN
Their sensory room has swings, climbing ropes, crash mats, climbing blocks, tunnels, ball pits, hammock, auditory input, imaging projectors, lights, balance beams and a trampoline. Clinicians adjust the equipment and activities in our sensory room to meet the needs of each child.
02 4648 0837
LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS, TUGGERAH, NEWCASTLE
The space contains an LED musical wall, 150 strand fibre optic curtain, soft items, aromatic items and more.
Call 02 4343 8834 or email [email protected]
CENTRAL COAST, KIDS DAY OUT, SENSORY WONDERLAND
In 2018 visitors to the event were able to discover and explore a magical world filled with illuminated colours, soft seating, calming sounds and aromatic scents. Keep an eye on the website to see if it will return in 2019. There was also a sensory chill out room provided by Ability Links.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ROCKY BAY SENSORY ROOM, MOSMAN PARK
Rocky Bay’s state of the art sensory room is designed to increase sensory stimulation, enabling people with disability to interact with and control their environment in a gentle and relaxing way.
The room is available to hire Monday to Friday.
www.rockybay.org.au/news/sensory-room-hire
08 9383 5183
