Wheelchair Accessible Activities in Sydney

Sydney, the vibrant capital of New South Wales, is a city that welcomes all visitors with open arms, including those who use wheelchairs. From its iconic landmarks to beautiful parks and cultural hotspots, Sydney offers a wide range of wheelchair-accessible activities. Here’s a guide to some of the best experiences this stunning city has to offer.

Visit Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo, perched on the stunning shores of Sydney Harbour, is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families alike. Spanning 28 hectares, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of over 4,000 animals from around the world. What makes Taronga Zoo particularly special is its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that all visitors, including those using wheelchairs, can enjoy a seamless and engaging experience.

There are a number of disabled car parking spaces located on the ground floor of the carpark which has ramp access. There is also a drop-off Taxi rank nearby the front entrance.

All paths are bitumen and many that traverse the Zoo are reasonably level, however some paths linking the various levels within the Zoo are steep.

Visitors with limited mobility are still able to traverse the entire Zoo with a number of elevators and ramps located around the site, indicated on the Zoo map found here.

More than 95% of their animal displays are wheelchair viewable. Accessible amenities are: all food outlets, shops, shows and presentations are wheelchair accessible, and all new developments since 2001 have been fitted with elevators.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are located at the north and south entrances, at the Food Market, outside the Function Centre and at the Concert Lawns.

Taronga Zoo offers free entry to carers or essential companions of those with disabilities. They accept the national Companion Card.

To find out more about their accessibility go here.

To find out more about ticket prices, opening hours and other information go here.

Cruise the Harbour

One of the best ways to see Sydney is from the water. Many harbour cruise companies offer wheelchair-accessible vessels. Enjoy a leisurely cruise around Sydney Harbour, taking in the sights such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Fort Denison. It’s a relaxing and picturesque way to experience the city’s beauty.

Accessible cruises, include:

Captain Cook Cruises

1 hour Vivid Light Festival Sydney Harbour Cruise

Sydney Harbour Cruise with buffet dinner

Journey Beyond Cruise

Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise with BBQ Lunch

Two Hour Sunset Harbour Cruise with 3 course Dinner

Sydney Harbour Experience Cruise

**Please make sure to call each cruise company before booking to ensure they can meet your unique accessibility requirements

See here for Have Wheelchair Will Travel’s account of Captain’s Cook Cruise around Sydney Harbour and his account of Journey Beyond Sydney Cruise.

Stroll Through Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a lively precinct filled with attractions, restaurants, and shops, all designed with accessibility in mind. The wide, smooth pathways make it easy to navigate, and many of the restaurants and cafes offer accessible dining options.

See here and here for more information on accessibility on the darling harbour.

The nearby SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo are also wheelchair-friendly and perfect for family outings.

See here for accessibility at the Aquarium and here for accessibility at the zoo.

Participate in Adaptive Sports

For those looking for a bit more adventure, Sydney offers various adaptive sports programs. Wheelchair basketball, rugby, and tennis are popular, with facilities and clubs across the city providing opportunities to join in. Sydney Olympic Park is a hub for many of these activities, with top-notch accessible facilities.

Use this search engine to find an adaptive sport and recreation activities in NSW/ACT.

See here for other options.