Sydney, with its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, beckons travelers from around the globe. While planning a day trip, accessibility is key to ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, embarking on a wheelchair accessible day trip in Sydney promises unforgettable moments and delightful discoveries. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through accessible attractions, eateries, and essential preparations for a seamless adventure.

First Stop: Sydney Aquarium:

Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is an underwater journey of amazing discovery with nine extraordinary themed zones. Meander through the Jurassic Seas, Sydney Harbour and Dugong Island, then, immerse yourself in the underwater world of Shark Valley, the majestic ocean tunnel walk-through, next visit the penguins on Macquarie Island and end with the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef zone.

They have extensive wheelchair access facilities throughout the attraction, including ramps and accessible toilets. Please note, however, there are some steep ramps that may need extra assistance and part of the attraction is floating and attached to the wharf so the ground may be slightly uneven depending on tide times.

Some secondary, behind-the-scenes experiences may be unsuitable for a person who uses a wheelchair.

Wheelchairs are available to hire for free from guest services on arrival on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be booked or reserved ahead of time.

SEA LIFE Sydney offers free entry to carers or essential companions of those with disabilities. We accept the national companion card.

For more information regarding accessibility go here.

For ticket information, closing and opening times and contact information go here.

Second Stop: Café Sydney for Lunch

Cafe Sydney is a quintessentially Sydney dining experience, capturing the essence of the harbour city with unparalleled views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from its rooftop location at Customs House.

Their undercover terrace is fully wheelchair accessible and offers closer views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. With blankets, and really good heaters, this is a cosy experience not to be missed in winter!

The restaurant is on level 5, and has an escalator to take you up to the entrance. From there you will have a wheelchair lift helping you get up about 8 or 9 steps. Max weight is 180kilos. From there you can get to the terrace or the main inside dining. Unfortunately, the main inside dining room has 2 extra steps and no ramp.

They have a wheelchair accessible bathroom on level 5 and accessible parking at Gateway Wilsons Car Park. This is about 60m from the restaurant, otherwise down the side street, Lofters Lane, there is an area that a person in a wheelchair can be dropped off safely with plenty of time.

You can take a virtual tour of the restaurant here.

Find out more about the restaurant and to make a booking go here.

Third Stop: Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Discover the wonders of Australian wildlife at Wild Life Sydney Zoo. Get up close to native creatures in the heart of Darling Harbour, Sydney.

The zoo is wheelchair accessible throughout the attraction. There are ramps connecting each level so care should always be taken. Part of the attraction has low lighting so please mind your step at all times. Kangaroo Walkabout’s outdoor area has uneven ground so please be mindful of this and what your step at all times.

Wheelchairs may be borrowed from the admissions area if required.

Some secondary, behind the scenes experiences may be unsuitable for person who uses a wheelchair.

There are accessible toilets available for your convenience which are located at the beginning of the attraction before you enter and in the middle of the attraction.

They offer free entry to carers or essential companions of those with disabilities.

The closest public car parks to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is Wilson Parking – Darling Car Park or Wilson Parking – 383 Kent St Car Park, both approximately 500m from the attraction entrance.

To find out more about their accessibility go here or call them on 1800 195 650.

To book a ticket or find out more general information go to their website here.

Fourth Stop: Dinner at The Ternary

With dazzling views of the Sydney City skyline, The Ternary brings an air of casual sophistication. Our unique style and personality allows our guests to experience three distinct offerings; the Grill Kitchen, the Asian Kitchen and the Wine Bar, in one inviting, social and harmonious open space.

When you arrive to the hotel, there is an elevator to go up to the restaurant that is on level 1. There are no steps from the entrance to the restaurant.

There is an accessible bathroom in the bar area, right next to the restaurant.

They offer accessible parking, behind the boom-gate, a few meters from the entrance, 2-3hrs $45 and no booking available.

When you book make sure to note that you need wheelchair accessibility so they can make sure to get you a spacious table.

To make a booking call them on 02-9934 000 or visit their website here for more information.

Fifth Stop: Chinese Garden of Friendship

Step into a world where nature and culture intertwine effortlessly. The Chinese Garden of Friendship offers a serene escape from the bustling city, where you can wander along meandering pathways adorned with intricate pavilions, peaceful ponds, and lush flora. Each step reveals a new vista, a new moment of awe-inspiring beauty.

Pathways and pavilions in the lower garden are accessible for wheelchairs and prams; however steps and rocky pathways make the upper part of the garden difficult to access. The closest passenger drop-off point to the garden is on Harbour Street.

The Chinese Garden has a fully upgraded accessible toilet.

To find out more information and to book, go here.

What to Prepare?

Make sure to prepare for your trip! Below is a rough guide for you to follow, however there will be things that you need to prepare specifically for your needs. Try to write these down and organise them in advance to have everything perfect for your trip, and to avoid unnecessary stressors.

Look at guide below ↓ ↓ ↓

2 Week's Prior to Day-Trip:

Verify parking options at each location
A support worker to push you around on your chair and to drive you to the different locations
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (if you do not have a vehicle you can drive and need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, have a look at our vehicles here, we would love to support you on your day out!)
Disability Parking Permit
Make sure your chair is in good working condition and that you have essential back ups for your mobility device e.g. batteries, power bank, crutches, waterproof covering for your wheelchair, visibiliity LED lights just in case it becomes dark etc.
Book reservations at your breakfast, lunch and dinner venues. Whilst doing this confirm all of your unique accessibility requirements, e.g. steps, accessible bathroom, corridor space etc.
Call each activity and confirm your unique accessibility requirements, their location, opening hours and prices
Look up and view the day trip route on your maps and print the map off or download it onto your phone
Check weather and consider any potential impact on outdoor activities. (do this a few times leading up to trip and organise a plan b if its predicted to be bad weather!)
While Sydney strives to be accessible, unforeseen circumstances may arise. Have a backup plan and alternative attractions in mind in case any locations are inaccessible or overcrowded.

2 Day's Prior to Day-Trip:

Check weather and organise essentials for changing weather conditions; e.g. an umbrella, extra layers, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, a waterproof jacket etc.
Water bottle
Confirm bookings and details with support worker, accessible vehicle hire company, restaurants and activities
Collate back ups for your mobility device
Personal Comfort and Supplies e.g. snacks and first aid kit
Emergency contacts
Your ID, Insurance information and any other medical documentation you need
A camera or smart phone for photos and binoculars
A reusable bag for any items you purchase along the way
Ensure your phone is fully charged
Download relevant apps for navigation, accessibility information and communication
Download copies of reservations

A Wheelchair Accessible Day Trip In Sydney