Written by Sheree Strange, Travel Without Limits, September 18, 2024
Australia is a big country, and exploring all of it can feel overwhelming if you’re on a tight budget. Luckily, there are many amazing accessible experiences that won’t break the bank across all the states and territories.
Western Australia
Bask on the beach
The beautiful beaches of Western Australia are less crowded than their East Coast counterparts, with free services and support available for visitors with disabilities.
The beach at Hillary’s Boat Harbour has been developed with accessibility in mind. There is permanent beach matting leading to the water at the swimming cove, and an accessible fishing platform at the northern end of the harbour. If you’re approaching from the water, or heading out that way, a Universal Floating Pontoon allows for easy boarding and disembarking. Two free beach wheelchairs are available for use.
Sorrento Beach, also in Perth’s northern suburbs, has a beach wheelchair and all-terrain walker free to use on a first-come-first-serve basis (no bookings required). Park at the convenient accessible parking, and make your way around on the firm sand with gentle gradient, or stick to the barrier-free paths. There is a Changing Places facility at Sorrento, accessible with an MLAK key.
Get back to nature
National Parks throughout Western Australia have step-free paths and viewing decks, allowing you to get close to nature without sacrificing accessibility.
In Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, take in spectacular views on the Cape to Cape Track, with a 3.5km path from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock lookout. The sealed grade 1 track is suitable for visitors using mobility aids, and there is seating en route if you’d like to rest and take it all in. Entry is free.
Take it up a notch with the incredible Valley of the Giants treetop walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The 600m path is suspended 40m above the forest floor, with incredible unique views from accessible vantage points. There are complimentary wheelchairs available for visitors with limited mobility, as well as designated parking and accessible bathrooms.
Peer into the past
The newly-renovated National ANZAC Centre in Albany offers an award-winning experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. The museum uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. All areas, including outdoor pathways and interiors, are step-free. There is designated parking and a wheelchair accessible bathroom available. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, with concessions available for cardholders and children. Companion Cards are accepted. Group tours of 10+ people also attract a lower rate.
While you’re there, wander around the grounds and take in the Princess Royal Fortress Convoy Walk & Lookout. You’ll see original gun batteries, large coastal gun defences and the barracks where officers lived and worked. If you’re lucky you may even catch a traditional gun salute! Entry is free, with gold coin donations encouraged.
Queensland
Befriend the wildlife
Queenslanders are a friendly bunch – and we’re not just talking about the humans. There are plenty of opportunities to befriend the wildlife of the Sunshine State (just be sure to do so safely and under supervision). If your budget doesn’t stretch to an all-day ticket to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or you don’t have a full day in your itinerary to spare, you can pop along to the daily Lorikeet Feedings for free. At 8am and 4pm, the beautiful birds descend on the flat and paved Lorikeet Arena and feast on the seed provided right from your hands. You can watch from a short distance behind a low fence (height of 630mm to allow unobstructed views), or you can get in there and feed them yourself for a gold coin donation.
Frolic in the forest
If your holiday takes you to Far North Queensland, you’ll want to take full advantage of your proximity to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. The Wet Tropics are 80 million years older than the Amazon, and home to staggering biodiversity in flora and fauna. You can experience a section of it for free at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which has the best exhibition of tropical plants in Australia. Most areas are fully accessible (though some paths in the Flecker Gardens are not suitable for wheelchair users), and there is a helpful accessibility map available on the local government website, along with details about free walking and bird-watching tours.
Check out what’s on
Queensland has a fabulous range of events and festivals that are free to attend. Before you depart, check what’s on at your destination.
- Blues on Broadbeach: four huge days of music across multiple stages within the Broadbeach precinct, 16-19 May 2024.
- Cooly Rocks On: a celebration of the music and motors of yesteryear in Coolangatta, 5-9 June 2024.
- Childers Festival: the only festival in Queensland that (temporarily) shuts down a highway for street performers and food and market stalls, 25-28 July 2024.
- Brisbane Festival: a colourful cultural festival that lights up the capital city, September 2024.
- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: four blooming big weekends to celebrate Spring, 13 September-7 October 2024.
New South Wales
Make a (beach) day of it
Many tourists head straight for the big-name beaches of Bondi and Coogee, but there’s a lot more accessible fun to be had on a budget at Manly Beach. Take one of Sydney’s accessible ferries across to Manly, and spend the day on the scenic foreshore. If you want to take a dip, head to the Queenscliff Rockpool (widened ramp access from the beach and modified pool stairs) or borrow a beach wheelchair from the Manly Life Saving Club and get out on the sand. Rinse off at the accessible showers, then wheel or wander along the flat paved paths of the beachfront promenade. Kids will have a wonderful time at the North Steyne Major inclusive playground, with a pod swing, carousel, sensory play boards, and a Butterfly see-saw to cater to all abilities.
Appreciate some art
Across New South Wales, you have plenty of opportunities for art appreciation, with many museums offering free or discounted admission. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is the shining jewel in the art scene’s crown, welcoming over one million visitors each year. Admission is free, and the galleries are open 10am-5pm daily (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). The venue is designed for universal access, with barrier-free entrances and navigation throughout. There are both accessible bathrooms and a Changing Places facility available for use. Additional aids and supports are available for people with low vision or colour vision deficiency, people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, and people with sensory sensitivities. Everyone gets an opportunity to fully appreciate the art on display.
Go big before you go home
No trip around Australia is complete without checking one or two Big Things off your bucket list. There are several you can visit across New South Wales, including: the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour; the Big Merino in Goulburn; the Big Prawn in Ballina; the Big Potato in Robertson; and the Big Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri. Most of these sculptures are free to see, and can be accessed by vehicle or on foot and/or wheel. You can purchase a souvenir or a themed meal at each, or simply snap a photo for your scrapbook for a free memento.
Northern Territory
See the sun set
Darwin, the territory’s capital, has endless excellent spots to catch a truly stunning sunset. Access at some of the more popular spots, like Mindil Beach, can be challenging, but there are plenty of alternatives. Cullen Bay Beach has an accessible path that runs parallel to the sandy beach, with unobstructed views as the sun goes down. The Darwin Waterfront also has step-free access across a single level, designated parking, accessible bathrooms, and a Mobi-Mat down to the water until 6pm.
Go chasing waterfalls
The Northern Territory has a reputation for being dry and dusty, but the picturesque waterfalls prove that it’s undeserved. Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park (150km south of Darwin) has everything you need for a low-cost day trip. There’s plenty of undercover seating in accessible paved areas, a wheelchair accessible viewing platform, gas barbecues for lunch (or the Wangi Falls Cafe if you’d prefer lunch made for you), and two access points to take a dip (including one by ramp). The falls are closed to swimming during the wet season (October-March), but that’s when they’re flowing fastest, which looks fantastic in photos.
Meander around the markets
The Northern Territory has some of the best local markets in Australia. Each has its own community flavour, but you’ll always find amazing bargains. The Parap Markets (8am-2pm every Saturday, whatever the weather) has incredible Asian cuisine on offer, as well as arts and crafts. Head down early to Rapid Creek Markets (7am-2pm Saturday and Sunday, year-round), and you’ll get the best pick of fresh produce to fuel you for your whole trip. The Nightcliff Sunday Markets (8am-2pm) is the best spot to pick up a unique gift with a wide range of crafts and plants, or treat yourself to a reflexology massage, or simply relax in the shade and enjoy free entertainment by local artists.
South Australia
Try a tipple
No trip to South Australia is complete without trying a tipple in the world-renowned wine region. You needn’t shell out big bucks to have a taste of some of the best wines in the world, as cellar door experiences are usually very reasonably priced. The fully-accessible ArtWine Estate tasting experience is just $25 per person, which gets you six fresh and vibrant wines plus a small Adelaide Hills cheese tasting plate and delicious house-roasted almonds.
Check out a church
Adelaide is the City of Churches, and there are many architectural wonders to behold. St Peter’s Cathedral is a landmark in the city, and free to visit. Worshippers can attend morning or evening services, and sight-seers are welcomed across the middle of the day (check opening hours close to your visit, as they are subject to change for events). The main body of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible unisex bathroom and designated parking.
Indulge your sweet tooth
Chocaholics rejoice! Haigh’s Chocolates offers free tours of its factory in Parkside, and it’s a must-do for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can choose whether to take a guided tour, or make your own way around, to see the chocolatiers in action. Watch the chocolate frogs (the best chocolate frogs in the world), truffles, and bars roll off the production line, and – if you’re lucky – score some chocolate seconds. You don’t need to book, so it’s a flexible option to fill a gap in your itinerary. Access to the factory is challenging for people using mobility aids, so it’s best to check in with staff at the Visitor’s Centre; if a tour doesn’t suit your needs, you can still pick up some delicious goodies from the accessible souvenir shop.
Victoria
Give the Great Ocean Road a go
If you’re driving your own vehicle, or you’ve arranged for an accessible car rental, you can spend a lovely day or two heading down the Great Ocean Road. Take your time travelling from surf haven Torquay to the charming town of Allansford, and make the most of every opportunity to stop and check out the postcard-worthy views. Gaze out at the 12 Apostles, let the kids burn off some energy at the inclusive Port Campbell Playground, and savour the sensory haven of Stevensons Falls, all for free. There’s plenty of accessible accommodation en route, too, if you’re looking for somewhere to spend the night.
Look in at the library
Bookworm or not, you’re sure to find something of interest at the State Library Victoria. The building holds more than two million books, as well as museum-worthy exhibitions (such as Ned Kelly’s armour), free events and workshops, cafes and afternoon teas, and more. Access is excellent throughout, with lifts to all levels, complimentary wheelchairs to borrow, assistive technology workstations, reading assistance tools, and hearing loops. There’s even a designated Access & Inclusion Librarian, available to assist visitors with disabilities and connect them to resources. Best of all, aside from the occasional ticketed event, it’s all completely free.
Have fun at Federation Square
Free live music, outdoor cinema screenings, festivals, installations, exhibitions, meditation and tai chi – what more could you ask for? Federation Square is a hub for the culture that makes Melbourne marvellous, and a gateway to the arts precinct of the city. It’s located directly across from Flinders Street Station, and ‘open’ 24 hours a day. A marked access path runs through the Square from Swanston Street, with lift access to the Atrium, the Edge, and the River Terrace. Recent upgrades have added a Changing Places facility and Hearing Loop technology for visitors.
Tasmania
Explore with your ears
One of our favourite accessibility apps, VacayIt, now offers free audio guides to many of Tasmania’s most popular attractions. Each guide provides a rich and detailed description of the full range of sensory experiences, from vibrant sunsets on the coast to the towering trees of Tasmania’s forests. VacayIt provides both audio files and complete transcripts, all completely compatible with assistive technology. You can cruise the Gordon River, taste something tantalising at Furneaux Distillery, explore the Bay of Fires, learn the rich history of Port Arthur, and so much more.
Take a TrailRider out for the day
Tasmania might be a small island, relatively speaking, but there’s lots of natural trails and wilderness to explore. The Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service provides a TrailRider, free of charge, to allow people to access areas previously unreachable without full mobility. Book the TrailRider ahead of time and collect it from the Mount Field National Park Visitor Centre when you arrive. One of the most magical experiences can be had on the Tall Trees loop, a 1km track that takes you around the tallest flowering plants in the world. The trees you’ll see there can reach 100m in height, and some have been growing since Abel Tasman first sighted Tasmania in 1642. If you’re travelling solo, or you’d prefer not to transfer to the TrailRider, there are other paths accessible for standard mobility equipment, like the Russell Falls track.
Peek in on the penguins
The Friends of Burnie Penguins volunteers offer visitors a free guided tour of the Little Fairy Penguin colony, and it’s a must for all animal lovers. You’ll get a close-up view of the penguin families at every stage of life, including the baby chicks lovingly reared by their adorable parents. The guides will explain the daily activities of their charges, answer any questions you might have, and help you get the best views and a few Insta-worthy photos (without flash). The Penguin Observation Centre is accessible via the city boardwalk, and the viewing area is level and suitable for wheelchairs. It’s best to arrive just before dusk as the penguins come ashore, every night from 1 October-31 March.
Australian Capital Territory
Learn the law of the land
Of course, the Australian Capital Territory is built around the nation’s capital, Canberra, the centre of our political system. Parliament House will be a fascinating experience for anyone who’s curious about the laws that govern our day-to-day lives and the history of our federal government. Entry is free, and the building is open year-round (9am-6pm on non-sitting days, 9am-5pm on days when parliament is sitting). The free Heart of the House guided tour will introduce visitors to the architecture and history of the building, and highlights of the political events that take place inside. All public areas are accessible, and there are complimentary wheelchairs available from the Information Desk in the Marble Foyer.
Contemplate and commemorate at the War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is perhaps not the cheeriest attraction in Canberra, but it’s still a fascinating and moving experience for visitors. The Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. Contemplate the sacrifice of soldiers, learn about the ceremonial customs of the Australian military, and look up information about your ancestors who served. Lift access is available between the Galleries, wheelchairs available for loan from the Information Desk, and there are video-guided Auslan tours of the Memorial available ($10 p.p.). Entry is free, though it is recommended that you pre-book your timed ticket online to guarantee entry. The Last Post Ceremony takes place at 4.30pm, with the last entry at 4.00pm.
Go (Cockington) Green!
Cockington Green is a quaint and quirky attraction on the outskirts of Canberra that will delight the whole family. A whole town of meticulously crafted miniature buildings is laid out across beautifully landscaped gardens, with lots of treasures to discover. Wide paved paths let you wander or wheel through with ease, and the displays are at a perfect viewing height. There’s a licensed Garden Cafe on site, free barbecues if you’d like to make your own lunch, and two gift shops to score a souvenir. An adult ticket is $25 at time of writing, but there are senior and family discounts available.
