ONE DAY ACCESSIBLE MELBOURNE GUIDE
Subtle in its beauty, Melbourne is an arts, food and shopping lovers’ haven. Disabled-friendly, the city champions inclusivity with its accessible gallery spaces, rooftop bars, and stores. Here’s how to spend one magical day exploring it.
8am
Start at the west end of town at the awe-inspiring Higher Ground. Indulge in coffee and an avocado pretzel while taking in the industrial cool of this former power station. The ramped step-free entry leads to the spacious ground floor with mixed seating. There’s an accessible toilet there too. Elevated dining areas can be accessed via stairs with handrails. Southern Cross Station is close as are accessible platform super stops on Bourke Street.
Another option nearby is The Grain Store. Enter this unassuming cafe on Flinders Lane via a ramp. The blonde-wood interior has bench seats in front of cute, curtained windows and other seating too. The accessible toilet is in the building foyer and has an auto-operated door. Try the sweet peach or savoury bacon ricotta pancakes to fuel your day. Accessible platform super stops are metres away on Flinders Street.
9am
Get up close to stingrays, sharks, and seahorses at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. There are crocodiles penguins and tropical fish too. For a sensory experience, get your hands wet by touching sea stars in the discovery rockpools.
The oceanarium and 4D cinema are fully accessible but not all the experiences are. Check the website before you go to ensure your visit is smooth sailing. You can get to all floors either by lift or ramp and there’s seating available throughout. The café is easy to move around in, and you can bring your own food too. Accessible toilets are at the entrance and on each level. Free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Carer or Companion card holders enjoy complimentary entry. A social script can be downloaded via the aquarium’s Accessibility Guide. Noise-cancelling headphones are available and assistance animals are welcome. Getting there is easy with an accessible platform super stop out the front on Flinders Street.
10am
Celebrate Victoria’s diverse migrant community through shared storytelling at the Immigration Museum. With changing exhibitions, events, and workshops you can explore what connects us all as humans. A highlight is the accessible Tribute Garden public artwork. It features the names of immigrants who came from over 90 countries, from the 1800s to the present day.
Housed in a grand old building, all other areas of the museum are accessible and have lift or ramp access. There are accessible toilets on the ground and first floors. Complimentary wheelchairs and a mobility scooter are available. It’s a good idea to book ahead though.
Companion card holders can have their attendant enter for free. An autism-friendly museum, there are maps of sensory spaces, social scripts, and more. Exhibitions have tactile components to enhance visitors’ experience and service animals are welcome. There are two accessible entrances and an accessible platform super stop on Flinders Street.
12.00pm
Take a break at A25 Pizzeria in Little Collins Street. Serving Italian classics, the focaccia sandwiches with truffle mushroom, crumbed chicken or mortadella are a must-have. They‘re available gluten-free too. A wide step-free entry and lots of room between tables make it wheelchair accessible.
Or if you’re craving something brunchy, Rustica in the same building is a great spot for pastries, salads and rolls. Stools at the window let you watch the world go by and there are good-height tables and chairs to sit at too. Accessible toilets for both are via lift on the first floor of the Queen & Collins building. Accessible platform super stops are on Collins Street and Bourke Street.
2pm
Browse one of Melbourne’s fabulous fashion boutiques. Assembly Label creates modern clothing and lifestyle products from high-quality materials. Homewares and timeless apparel for women, men and kids, are all part of the range. The spacious store has a wide step-free entrance. The fitting rooms are large with removable stools inside. Close to Melbourne Central Station and accessible platform super stops on Swanston Street, it’s easy to get to on public transport. Accessible parking is also available in QV.
Shopping for accessories? At the Paris end of Collins Street, high above the treetops, sits a hidden gem. Melbourne institution Christine is a wonderland of jewellery, perfume and shoes. Designer bags, hats and sunglasses are part of the collection too. A pair of red lips at the ramped entrance of a heritage building lead the way. A lift or stairs with handrail takes you up to the second-floor entrance of this beautiful boutique. Antique cabinets, tables, and shelves display the wares at various heights. It’s spacious and easy to move around in too. Accessible platform super stops are right outside on Collins Street and Spring Street has a few accessible parking spots.
4pm
Connect with the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria at Koorie Heritage Trust. Showcasing present-day First Peoples’ art and artists, it has one of the largest collections of Koorie art and artefacts on permanent display. There are public programs and events, including lunchtime curator talks. Or enjoy a cultural experience walking tour along the Birrarung Marr (Yarra River).
Located in Fed Square, all three floors are accessed via stairs with handrails, escalators, or lift. There are accessible “djilawa” (toilets) on each floor too. The gallery space is light-filled with seating throughout. And the KHT shop just a few metres away, has an auto-entry door and lots of space to shop for gifts.
Accessible platform super stops are on St Kilda Road and Flinders Street Station is close by.
5pm
Whether it’s a play or musical, band or a stand-up comedy, these are some of the best spots for pre-show nibbles, and they’re all accessible! The theatres too, have disability-friendly features.
Seeing something in and around Arts Centre Melbourne? Specialists in pre-theatre dining, Italian bistro La Camera is a great option in Southbank. Reachable via lift and spacious, there’s an accessible toilet just outside in the shopping centre. Close to the Yarra River, a lift from Fed Square leads to Riverland Bar. This outdoor beer garden has lots of space and an accessible toilet in the bluestone bar.
With the Princess Theatre, Comedy Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre in the eastern end of town there are lots of restaurants to choose from. Serving regional food in the city, Farmer’s Daughters takes bookings from 5.30pm and provides lift access to all levels including the accessible toilet on Level 1. Whether you’re dining in the restaurant or garden lounge of Pepe’s Italian & Liquor it’s accessible, with space between tables, a range of seating and an accessible toilet at the back of the garden.
If you’re catching a gig at the Forum, a play at the Athenaeum Theatre, or a musical at the Regent Theatre these spots are close by. Enjoy a pre-show culinary experience at Japanese grill Robata. Entry is via a wide auto door, there’s a range of seating and an accessible toilet too. Award-winning Pascale Bar & Grill is pre-theatre perfection. Located within the QT Hotel, a lift takes you to this first-floor spacious spot. A well-lit accessible toilet is located on the same floor.
10pm
Need a nightcap? You’re spoilt for late night choices at the multi-level magnificence that is Her Melbourne. Thai BBQ canteen on level 3 BKK, serves Bangkok-inspired street food. Ground floor European restaurant and cocktail bar Her Bar is open from 11.30am until late. Music Room on the first floor is the perfect place to lounge, drink, and listen to DJs play tunes. And, Her Rooftop, the pinnacle of this vertical laneway, is a great place to have a drink and take in the incredible view of Melbourne. Entering the building via Drewery Lane, a lift takes you to all four levels. Accessible and ambulant toilets are on levels one and three and you can get there via lift or stairs with handrails. There is space between tables but all venues can get crowded. Melbourne Central Station is nearby and accessible platform super stops are on Swanston Street.