MELBOURNE’S BEST ACCESSIBLE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCES
The upside-down river, Birrarung or just plain old Yarra, whatever you call Melbourne’s main waterway, it’s the perfect place to play.
Splash around with one of the fun accessible water activities. Immerse yourself in one of the eateries or bars along the river. Or dive into the arts at NGV International. It’s one of the best ways to experience Melbourne and so much of it is accessible to people with disabilities too.
Princes Bridge and Yarra Promenade
First port of call is Princes Bridge. Getting there is easy via Flinders Street Station or accessible platform super stops on St Kilda Road. This grand old structure offers spectacular views of the Yarra and its wide flat path is easy to navigate.
To really marvel at this bluestone beauty head down to the river either via lift or stairs with railing from Fed Square or the Arts Centre forecourt. There is also a set of stairs near Flinders Street Station. A ramped path near the gardens leads you there too.
Going under the bridge, head to Southbank Promenade. Wandering along this lively area, you’ll see many eateries, bars, and boats. Seating is dotted along the easy-to-traverse pathway. And an accessible public toilet is in the Southgate shopping centre food court.
Evan Walker Bridge leads you to the other side of the river where you’ll find even more bars and eateries. This pedestrian bridge is wide and is worth stopping on to take in even more stunning views.
Waterbikes Australia
Want a unique way to explore the Yarra River? Taking in Melbourne’s landmarks and iconic buildings, a Waterbikes Australia tour may be the perfect way to do it!
These inclusive adventures are for people of all ages and abilities. The waterbikes are low-impact and easy to operate. And with the crew from Waterbikes Australia creating a safe and supportive environment, you’ll take to it like a duck to water. Customised experiences for people with disabilities can be designed. For some participants, a tandem bike is the way to go. A support person sits at the front and steers. You will both need to pedal though!
The tour starts near the rowing sheds next to Princes Bridge. You can get there via a ramped path or stairs from St Kilda Road. There are also accessible parking spots along Boathouse Drive. A toilet block with an accessible toilet is near the car park.
GoBoat Australia
Row, row, row your boat… Be the captain of your own aquatic adventure with an electric picnic boat! With GoBoat Australia you can rent a boat, pack a picnic, and tour the Yarra all without a boat licence.
The boats are eco-friendly and easy to use. Shade is available and safety equipment is provided. Wheelchair users can be accommodated with the removal of the table in the centre of the boat. They can then be assisted by experienced staff to get on board.
Set sail from Southbank, close to the Evan Walker Bridge. The jetty is wide and flat but parts of it have no railing. You can get there by train from Flinders Street Station or park at Southgate shopping centre. There are accessible platform super stops on nearby Queens Bridge Street too. The closest toilets including an accessible one are across the river at Southgate.
Ponyfish Island
Melbourne is renowned for its hidden bars but Ponyfish Island is on another level when it comes to secret spots. Almost below water level, that is. Lurking below the Evan Walker Bridge, this is no troll. In fact, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a unique yet quintessential Melbourne experience.
Accessible only by descending stairs with a handrail from the pedestrian bridge, it has open air and undercover areas. Lounges, stools, and chairs offer a range of seating. And despite its small size, it’s quite spacious too.
Beer, wine, or spirits, they’ve got you covered, but it’s the cocktails that are worth going down for. The ‘Kakadu Plum Fizz’ has vodka infused with native ingredients. And the addition of mango creates a twist on the classic martini. Or try a cocktail to share such as the ‘Lychee Pop’ with elderflower liqueur and pomegranate popping pearls. Food consists of traditional and gourmet pizzas. Dips, cheese, and bar snacks are also on the menu.
Riverland Bar
Tucked away on the banks of the Yarra, lies Riverland, Melbourne’s urban beer garden. Situated in the historic Federation Wharf vaults just below Fed Square, this is a secret spot worth discovering.
The classic and signature cocktails are perfect for after-work drinks. Delicious sharing plates include leek arancini and lamb skewers. For lunch or dinner, the range of burgers is the go-to, and the pizzas are perfect too.
A glass lift from Fed Square takes you there. There are shady spots in summer, and outdoor heaters keep you warm in winter. And a grassy undercover area has ramp access. There’s a mix of seating and an accessible toilet is located in the beautiful bluestone vault.
Getting there is easy with Flinders Street Station and accessible platform stops on nearby St Kilda Road.
Waterslide Bar
Inspired by Melbourne’s love affair with the Yarra River, Waterslide Bar is a luxurious bar in the heart of the Southbank precinct. Upon entering via lift from Southgate, you’ll see the circular bar with its lit-up pyramid of bottles. Velvet lounges, stools, cosy booths and chairs offer a range of seating. There are window seats too. Big wide doors open to the terrace, which offers spectacular views of the river and city.
Shared plates like lamb ribs, cheeseburger wontons, veggie sliders and pizzas make it the perfect spot for a pre-theatre snack. But it’s the cocktails that are its signature. The ‘Sucker Punch’ does just that to your tastebuds with whiskey and cinnamon-infused Campari. And you can’t go past the ‘Antidote’ made up of gin, ginseng, and pepperberry.
Easy to move around in, there’s an accessible toilet right outside in the Southgate shopping centre. There are accessible parking spots in the Southgate car park. Accessible platform super stops are nearby on St Kilda Road.
Arbory Afloat
Melbourne’s seasonal floating bar and restaurant, Arbory Afloat, is where the Yarra meets the Med. Channelling a Euro beach club vibe, this fun spot is right on the river, and it’s fully accessible.
A ramp with a railing from Flinders Walk leads you to the main deck. There’s a range of seating from stools, chairs and couches too. There are seats in the shade or the sun, and there’s also an accessible toilet.
Taking its inspiration from Spain, there are seafood platters and wood-fired pizzas on the menu. Octopus with paprika and lemon, and savoury churros with cheesy dipping sauce are the perfect snacks. And there are cocktails served in jugs to share like the rose sangria and the Pimm’s with seasonal fruit. Non-alcoholic cocktails are available too.
Right next to Flinders Street Station, there are also accessible platform super stops on St Kilda Road nearby.
Hero ACMI
Ever thought of going to a restaurant just for its desserts? When chef Philippa Sibley, the ‘Queen of Desserts’ makes them, you do. Black forest semifreddo with cherries. Tiramisu. Crème caramel with raisins. If sweets aren’t your thing, Hero ACMI does delicious savoury meals too. The Greek bagel and tarama is the perfect snack or starter. And the swordfish with roasted bone sauce is also delicious.
The series of unique dining zones, both functional and beautiful, that make up Hero ACMI are an accessible ideal. Calm and spacious, there’s lots of room between tables. A range of seating whether at the bar, the dining area, or outside is available too. And there’s an accessible toilet in the ACMI foyer nearby. The space is flexible and perfect for a coffee, pre-film snack, or intimate dining.
Located in Fed Square, just up from the Yarra, you can enter through ACMI from Flinders Street or from the outdoor terrace in Fed Square. Flinders Street Station and accessible platform super stops are on St Kilda Road.
The Deck Restaurant
Get on board The Deck, with its modern European cuisine and dazzling views of the river and city. Try the charcuterie for a starter and the steak with pepper sauce for a main. And leave room for tiramisu for dessert. Whether it’s pre- or post-theatre dining, lunch or dinner, it caters for all.
Arrive via lift in the Southgate shopping centre. Brasserie-style décor creates a sophisticated atmosphere. There are stools at the bar and tables are a good height for wheelchairs. Try and get a spot on the large terrace outside to make the most of the views.
Take the lift to an accessible toilet one floor below. Accessible parking spots in the Southgate car park and accessible platform super stops are nearby on St Kilda Road.
NGV International
Approaching NGV International, it’s hard not to touch its iconic water wall entrance. Housing contemporary and classic collections, this is Melbourne’s premier art destination. The large, level gallery spaces are a breeze to get around for people with disabilities. The garden on the ground level is easy to navigate too.
There’s lift access to each floor, with ramps and escalators throughout the building. And wayfinding signage that includes Braille and raised letters. Accessible toilets are on three levels. Book ahead to use the free wheelchairs or mobility scooter. Companion card holders get the concession rate, plus a complimentary ticket. Carer card holders also enjoy concession prices.
There are various experiences and resources for people with sensory disabilities. These include relaxed sessions, social stories, sensory maps, and art-making resources. Audio-described or Auslan-interpreted tours are also available. Service animals are welcome too.
Accessible platform super stops are directly outside on St Kilda Road. Paid accessible parking is available at the Arts Centre and Australian Ballet Centre Car Park.