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Canberra’s Calling: Active and Accessible Attractions in Australia's Capital
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items As a Canberra local who hosts lots of interstate international visitors, I know that Canberra is more than just 3 hours from Sydney, the snow and the beach. Here's the familiy's favourite list of places to showcase the best of Canberra. I've included an assessment of accessibility based on my experience pushing and occasionally hauling wheelcheels around many of these places, along with section dedicated...
Sections
4
Outdoors
Museums and Galleries
For the Kids
Canberra Accessibility Reviews
Outdoors
Canberra is the driest city in the driest continent in the world. Make the most of the clear skies and sunny days by exploring the outdoors.
Mt Ainslie is often our first stop after picking up people from the bus stop or airport. During the day, it offers great views over the city which helps orient newcomers. By night the reflections of old and new Parliament House on Lake Burley Griffin are fantastic. ♿️ Parking ✅. Views✅. Hill Walks❌.
Mount Ainslie Lookout | VisitCanberra
The spot to see a wide range of native animals in their natural habitat. ♿️: Parking ✅. Walks ✅. Toilets ✅.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Great fun! Would you believe my friends and I scooted around Canberra in chicken costumes? ♿️: ❌. While the scooters aren't disability friendly, most of the paths around the lake are wheelchair friendly, if occasionally bumpy.
Scooter around the Lake | VisitCanberra
Discover why Canberra is called the bush capital. We use black mountain as a training place for longer hiking trips. ♿️: ❌. Walking tracks are uneven and often narrow.
Black Mountain | VisitCanberra
Get up close to native and other animals. You can pay extra to feed them, and can even stay the night looking out on the zoo enclosures. ♿️: Parking ✅. Toilets ✅ although it may be a long trek to them. Paths ✅ if bumpy. Visibility ✅ for most of the enclosures.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Each area in Australia has a different indigenous population with its own culture and stories. Every visitor to Australia should get to know more about at least one. Disclaimer: I haven't personally done this one.
Experience Aboriginal culture in Canberra
One of the best spots to reliably see kangaroos that are free to come and go as they please. ♿️: 🤞. Paths are bumpy, a little steep, and the kangaroos are not always close to the formed paths. However, most of the times we have been there they have ...
Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve
See a wide variety of Australian native plants within a small space. ♿️: Parking ✅. Walks 🤞. There is one paved accessible path. Others can be uneven and steep. Motorised wheelchairs and scooters for hire. Toilets ✅, but there might be a long trek t...
Australian National Botanic Gardens
A lovely spacious gallery. The exhibits change regularly, so it's worth seeing what's on. The site has excellent information about accessibility on its website, including the quietest times to visit. ♿️. Parking ✅, Toilets not checked. Navigation ✅. ...
Visit
Museums and Galleries
Some of the best Museums and Galleries in Canberra.
Even if you are not a history or war buff (aka my husband) the Australian War Memorial is worth a visit, or even two as the exhibits are thought provoking with a lot to digest. ♿️: Parking ✅. Toilets - not reviewed. Navigation ✅ - wide paths and spac... There generally there are few stairs and alternatives to most. Restaurant ✅ although it a bit of a trip to it from the War Memorial itself. Gift shop ❌ - during renovations the gift space was cramped and difficult to navigate.
Australian War Memorial
A sometimes eclectic collection of Australiana, the building housing the National Museum is a work of art that is worth exploring even if you don't go inside. ♿️: Parking ✅, Toilets - not checked. Navigation ✅. Restaurant ✅
National Museum of Australia
Always intended as a temporary house for the nation's parliament, Old Parliament House is now a museum. ♿️: Parking ✅. Navigating 🤞. There are plush carpets and stairs, but alternative wheelchair routes for most areas.
Museum Of Australian Democracy At Old Parliament House
For the Kids
The most fun for kids of all ages.
Great fun for big and little kids. The National Arboretum is a lovely place to visit with great walks and food. Our kids and their cousins really enjoy the playground. ♿️. Parking ✅, Although the path from the main parking area is quite steep. Toilet...
National Arboretum Playground
Science made fun. Questacon was my kids favourite place to visit. Ask my now adult son where people should go in Canberra, and it's Questacon. With activities to suit a variety of ages and abilities, it's a must for kids of all ages. ♿️. Parking ✅. Navigation ✅. Built around a spiral staircase and with lift access, navigation around most areas is easy, although it can vary by exhibit. Activities ✅🤞. While not every activities is accessible, there are wide range of activities and interactive exhibits that are designed with accessibility in mind. Cafe ✅ - although it can be crowded. Companion Card ✅.
Questacon
Freshly made Hot Cinnamon Donuts, ideally served with a hot chocolate, are the perfect way to warm up on a cool day. They are the most common donuts in Australia. ♿️: May not be suitable for diabetics or people with swallowing difficulties.
Hot Cinnamon Donuts | Donut King
After a busy day, stop for a sweet treat. This is our favourite treat for a hot summer's day. The only problem is deciding which flavoured icecream or gelato to choose.
Best Gelato in Australia | Gelato Messina
Canberra Accessibility Reviews
Reviews from people with a disability about Canberra's attractions.
GetAboutAble helps people find disability friendly travel options. Check out their recommendations for places to stay and things to do. ♿️: ✅
Capital beauty | Canberra inclusive and accessible | GetAboutAble
A review of the National Arboretum from a wheelchair user.
Leanne's Wheel Life — Accessibility Reviews
Yasmin Gray, a Canberra local and wheelchair user, describes her perfect wheelchair friendly day.
A perfect day in Canberra: insights from an accessible tourism expert
Visit Canberra’s Accessible sites.
Wheelchair-friendly weekend away in Canberra
A review of adult and child friendly accessible activities.
Wheelchair Accessibility Activities Canberra | Have Wheelchair Will Travel