Things to do, places to go. Accessible days out

Summer holidays. Six (or more!) long weeks of no school run, endless snack requests, and the constant background hum of “I’m bored.” A family day out can break the monotony, but if we’re being honest when you have disability in the family, this comes
with its own set of hurdles; checking wheelchair access, wondering if sensory needs are catered for, if the Companion Card will be accepted, or if there’s a quiet spot to retreat to when it all gets too intense.

That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. This guide pulls together accessible family day-out ideas across Australia.* We can’t stop the meltdowns or turn down the sun, but at least you won’t be short on inspiration.

• Please check the venues to ensure that your individual accessibility requirements are catered for.

NSW

SYDNEY ZOO – Bungarribee

This newer zoo in Western Sydney is built for accessibility, with flat pathways (no stairs in the entire zoo!), accessible amenities, and inclusive signage. They also offer sensory maps and social stories on request. It’s not too massive, so it’s manageable for kids with fatigue or sensory overwhelm. sydneyzoo.com

AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM – Sydney CBD

They always run diverse program of interactive workshops during the school holidays, and keep an eye out for quiet times and sensory-friendly mornings. And of course, dinosaurs are always a hit. For wheelchair users there are ramps throughout the exhibitions and two lifts to take you between all floors. All doors are automatic. australian.museum

PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL – Parkes – January school holidays

It might sound unlikely, but this regional festival is surprisingly inclusive. There’s a dedicated accessible viewing area and inclusive activities for kids, which makes it a good pick for music-loving families. parkeselvisfestival.com.au

SCENIC WORLD – Blue Mountains

The Skyway and Cableway rides are wheelchair accessible, and the staff are trained in disability inclusion. The boardwalk rainforest walk is also accessible. For a calmer experience, go early to avoid crowds and heat. scenicworld.com.au

MUSEUM OF FIRE – Penrith

This is kid heaven with fire trucks galore and a strong focus on interactive learning. Many exhibits are at wheelchair height and touch-friendly. All computers are fitted out for accessibility access, with touch screens and switch adapted mice with trackballs. It’s air conditioned, a manageable size, and has easy parking. museumoffire.net

VIC

SCIENCEWORKS – Spotswood

Interactive, sensory-rich exhibits make this a hit for kids and teens, with plenty of hands-on fun. It’s fully wheelchair accessible and social scripts and maps of high and low sensory spaces are available for neurodivergent visitors. You can even borrow a sensory bag containing earmuffs, fidget tools and a communication card.

It can get busy, so early morning or later in the afternoon is quieter, and the planetarium is perfect for some calm downtime. museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Fed Square

Perfect for film-loving or tech-curious kids and teens, ACMI is wheelchair accessible, with visual stories and sensory maps available. School holiday workshops and hands-on digital exhibits often make it a bonus creative space to explore. Plus, if you have a gaming fan in the family, the awesome Game Worlds exhibition is running until February. acmi.net.au

BIG GOOSE – Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula

A working farm with animal encounters, tractor rides, and a splash park. Paths are wide and accessible, and staff are happy to accommodate specific needs if contacted in advance. thebiggoose.com.au

GEELONG ADVENTURE PARK

The waterpark is well set up for wheelchair users, with accessible parking, family changing areas, accessible toilets, and Companion Card entry pricing. Some rides aren’t suitable for all mobility needs, but the lazy river and water play areas are inclusive wins. There is also provision for those who may find waiting in long lines difficult. adventurepark.com.au/water-park

ARTPLAY – Birrarung Marr, Melbourne

ArtPlay offers creative programs specifically designed with, for and by children and families. Children
(from babies to 13 years) collaborate with artists to express themselves in a playful exchange. They sometimes have workshops run by neurodivergent artists or in collaboration with disability-led organisations. School holiday sessions book fast, but they’re usually free or low-cost and specifically designed to be inclusive.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay

QLD

KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY & SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY – Cairns

A stunning, slow-paced sensory experience with full wheelchair access.

The cableway can be slowed or stopped to allow for easy, stress-free access onto and off the Skyrail gondolas, with assistance from a friendly Skyrail operator. skyrail.com.au

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM AND SPARKLAB – Brisbane

Fully wheelchair accessible and air- conditioned – a blessing in a Queensland summer. SparkLab offers sensory-friendly sessions in its interactive science zone, with ear defenders available and plenty of hands-on exhibits for kids who learn by doing. It does get busy so very early or late sessions might be quieter. museumofbrisbane.com.au/

COBB+CO MUSEUM – Toowoomba

A low-key winner with hands-on exhibits, old-fashioned transport displays, and a calm, structured layout. Its quiet regional location makes it ideal for sensory-sensitive kids. Plus they provide sensory kits, sensory sessions in the school holidays and a sensory-friendly map. museum.qld. gov.au/cobb-and-co

MON REPOS TURTLE CENTRE – Bargara/Bundaberg

From November to March, you can witness turtles nesting or hatching – an incredible and often quiet experience. The visitor centre is fully accessible, with paved paths to the beach and limited beach wheelchair access. Night tours are low- light and calm, ideal for kids who thrive in structured but gentle environments. Bookings are essential. parks.qld.gov. au/parks/mon-repos/attractions/mon-repos-turtle-centre

BUNDABERG BOTANIC GARDENS & HINKLER HALL OF AVIATION

This combination appeals to a wide age range. The gardens are peaceful and accessible, with smooth paths, a miniature train ride that’s wheelchair-friendly, and duck ponds. Hinkler Hall offers interactive displays, accessible toilets, and is Companion Card-friendly. Being mostly indoors and air-conditioned, it’s calmer than a big city museum. bundaberg.qld. gov.au/Community/Things-to-see- and-do/Hinkler-Hall-of-Aviation

WA

WA MUSEUM BOOLA BARDIP – (Perth)

Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts, accessible toilets, and quiet zones. Sensory maps and visual stories are available
for neurodivergent visitors. It’s massive, modern, and air-conditioned – perfect for a full day out in summer – visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip

PERTH ZOO

Wide, flat paths, accessible enclosures, clear signage, and Companion Card acceptance make it a solid all-rounder. Social stories and sensory kits are available on request. Mornings are quieter, and a calm native garden loop offers a great spot to regroup. perthzoo.wa.gov.au/

SCITECH – West Perth

An interactive indoor STEM space with tactile exhibits, calm zones, and occasional quiet sessions for neurodivergent
kids. Fully wheelchair accessible, air- conditioned, and staffed by friendly, adaptable team members. scitech.org.au

KWINANA ADVENTURE PARK

Completely fenced and fully inclusive, with a splash pad, all-abilities swings, accessible BBQs, water fountains, and lots of shade. One of the best-designed inclusive parks in the country – perfect for mixed-ability siblings or groups. kwinana.wa.gov.au/ city-life/facilities-and-public-spaces/the-adventure-park

SA

MOD. AT UNISA – Adelaide

This futuristic science and art museum is designed for young people between 15 & 25. Fully wheelchair accessible, low cost (often free), and thoughtfully laid out for neurodivergent visitors, it’s literally and metaphorically cool. Lighting is low and calming, and while some exhibits are interactive, the overall vibe is more chill than chaotic. Social stories, sensory toys, sensory maps and headphones are all on hand for visitors. mod.org.au/

ADELAIDE ZOO

Flat pathways, accessible enclosures, and Companion Card acceptance make this a solid choice. Zoo maps consider sensory needs. Mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid school holiday crowds, and a quiet garden with shaded rest zones offers a good regroup spot. adelaidezoo.com.au

SA MUSEUM & ART GALLERY– (North Terrace, Adelaide)

Accessible and air-conditioned, both spaces offer tactile exhibits in the Discovery Centre and occasional quiet sessions during school holidays. Noise- reducing headphones can be borrowed, and social stories are available online. Sensory backpacks are available for loan upon request at the front desk. Each backpack contains a pair of noise cancelling headphones, a soft toy, a fidget toy, and some communication cards. samuseum.sa.gov.au

WHYALLA FORESHORE & JETTY

The jetty has a fully accessible loop design with guard rails and wide pathways, ideal for prams and wheelchairs. The adjacent splash pad is inclusive, and you can spot dolphins from the jetty or enjoy shaded grass for picnics. whyalla.com/whyallajetty

PORT LINCOLN RAILWAY MUSEUM & MINIATURE RAILWAY

A low-key regional gem run by welcoming volunteers. Flat paths and sensory- friendly train rides make it great for train enthusiasts or for a slower, structured day out. eprps.org.au

MONARTO SAFARI PARK– Murray Bridge

One of the world’s largest open-range zoos, surprisingly accessible with wheelchair- friendly shuttle buses and viewing platforms with ramps. Wide open spaces, minimal visual clutter, and a calm sensory experience – but plan toilet stops, as they’re spaced out. Also, note that assistance animals are not allowed at the park due to animal management and biosecurity quarantine requirements. monartosafari.com.au

NT

MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY – Darwin

Wheelchair accessible throughout and air-conditioned – essential in a Darwin summer. Usually quieter than capital-city museums, it’s calm, open, and relaxed.

A highlight for kids is “Sweetheart,” the giant crocodile and low-key NT celebrity. The doors of MAGNT open at 9.00am on the first Friday of every month to offer a dedicated low sensory session. magnt.net.au

GEORGE BROWN DARWIN BOTANIC GARDENS

The Sensory Garden is designed for inclusive exploration, with textured paths, fragrant plants, and sound-based elements. While some broader garden paths are steep, the sensory section and main loop are fully wheelchair-friendly. nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/george-brown-darwin-botanic-gardens/what- to-see-and-do

PARAP POOL AQUATIC CENTRE – Darwin

A modern, accessible pool featuring hoist access, ramp entry, shaded toddler areas, and fully accessible change facilities including a Changing Places bathroom. darwin.nt.gov.au/community/community-facilities/parap-pool

TAS

TASMANIAN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY – Hobart

Fully accessible and air-conditioned, TMAG is beautifully curated with kids in mind. Sensory maps and visual stories are available. The ‘mystery’ and science-based galleries feature tactile exhibits, and quiet nooks and low-light zones are scattered throughout for calm exploration. tmag.tas.gov.au

BONORONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY – Brighton

Flat gravel paths, accessible facilities, and friendly staff make this a smaller, less overwhelming alternative to a zoo. Kids can hand-feed kangaroos and meet rescue animals in a calm, sensory-friendly setting. A lovely option is the Bonorong Night Tour – a group feeding tour with a guide just for your group. Group sizes are kept small to ensure every participant has plenty of opportunity to interact with the critters. bonorong.com.au

QVMAG (Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery) – Launceston

Wheelchair accessible and Companion Card-friendly, with calm, interactive exhibits including dinosaurs, natural history, and old machinery. Rarely crowded, and social stories are available online for preparation. qvmag.tas.gov.au

CATARACT GORGE FIRST BASIN – Launceston

Natural beauty meets accessibility with wheelchair-friendly paths, accessible toilets, and a free chairlift (with ramp access for smaller wheelchairs—check ahead). The area offers visual interest, shade, and plenty of space to move without sensory overload. launceston.tas.gov. au/Parks-Gardens-Active-Recreation/Parks-and-Gardens/Cataract-Gorge- Reserve-First-Basin

TASMAN PENINSULA DEVIL UNZOO

A ‘zoo without cages’ offering wildlife interactions with native species, wheelchair-friendly paths, and flexible entry for families needing extra time. Calm and natural, with plenty of visual variety but not loud or crowded, it’s a unique sensory-friendly experience. tasmaniandevilunzoo.com.au

ACT

QUESTACON – THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Fully wheelchair accessible with Companion Card acceptance, Questacon is legendary for its inclusive approach. Sensory maps, visual stories, and quiet spaces help visitors who may need support in its stimulating and active spaces. Start early and skip the earthquake simulator if your child is sensitive to noise or vibration. The “Mini Q” zone is perfect for younger kids. questacon.edu.au

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

Accessible, autism-friendly, and designed for calm exploration. Wide, open spaces with ramps and lifts, sensory kits, and visual stories help kids engage without feeling overwhelmed. Low lighting in many areas and space to move make it ideal for those sensitive to crowds or sensory input. The Museum offers quiet hours sessions on the first Tuesday of the month for visitors who prefer reduced noise and lighting and a quieter experience. nma.gov.au

NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM

Flat paths, sensory-friendly encounters, and a smaller scale make it a winner for families. Quieter tours and animal experiences can be booked. Mobility maps, accessible parking, and toilets are available, and the treehouse area is perfect for sensory-seeking kids. nationalzoo.com.au

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Wide-open galleries, peaceful atmosphere, and accessible toilets and paths. Quiet mornings or art activities are occasionally offered. Ideal for older kids or teens who enjoy visual learning and calming environments. portrait.gov.au