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Traveling to Sydney Australia with a Disabled Child
Accessibility in Australia's Largest City
Sydney, Australia's largest metropolitan area is home to over four million people and sits on Australia's southeast coast. It's vast size and its eclectic lifestyle makes it the perfect spot for family vacations. From young children to older teens, your whole family will enjoy Sydney's attractions.
Located on Darling Harbor, the Sydney Aquarium is the areas number one attraction and one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is home to over eleven thousand animals and aquatic life. Exhibits include dangerous creatures and fish from several rivers and oceans. The aquarium is also hosts two touch aquariums which will be a big hit with both the kids and adults of the family. Along with the aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World is also situated on Darling Harbor and provides tons of family fun for all ages. It includes a butterfly habitat and features Australian native animals. Both facilities are handicap accessible, have wheelchair rentals available for those in need and handicap restrooms. Keep in mind though that Wildlife World is three levels and if wheelchair assistance is needed, there are ramps to go from one level to another. For more information on both facilities, visit www.myfun.com.au.
The Australian Museum will provide your children of all ages the perfect place to learn and explore. The museum offers several different tours for children and every weekend it hosts different hands on activities for kids. For your youngest children, Kidspace is designed for children five and under which provides learning through play opportunities. The museum is equipped with chair lifts and ramps to all levels of the building for those who use wheelchairs or other mobile devices. There is also a pick up and set down point located right outside of the museum for those who use mobility assistance. You can check out all of the fun adventures your children can have at the museum by visiting www.austmus.gov.au.
Luna Park located in the heart of Sydney not only has free admission, but also provides detailed information found at http://www.lunaparksydney.com/visitor_info/rides_games/index.html on which rides are open to those with disabilities depending on the type of disability the person or child has. There are height restrictions for the rides like most other amusement parks, but having knowing which rides are open to those with disabilities will make your trip more enjoyable. Take your family and kids through time and experience the Coney Island Midway style rides at Luna Park. Parties for children or for other occasions can also be held at the park, or have some family fun by playing the carnival type games. Since the park is in the heart of Sydney, it is easily accessible by public transportation, car, and is even in walking distance from some the areas major hotels.
If your children would enjoy the Sydney Aquarium, then they would surely enjoy Oceanworld in Manly as well. Oceanworld is home to a 110 meter viewing tunnel where the aquatic life can be viewed from all angles. It holds over 4.5 million liters of water and is accessible by car, ferry, Jetcat and bus. If you are traveling with a large group or family, then give the sleepover a try! Oceanworld offers sleepovers at the facility which includes a night tour of the sharks which is when they are most active and the kids will get dinner and breakfast on their adventure. Sunday mornings at the facility are especially fantastic, as it's when the Kids Club commences. For children five and older, they can spend the day feeding the lizards, cleaning the tanks and assist the animal keepers. Visit www.oceanworld.com.au for more information.
Lastly, if your family is craving a fun learning experience, then visit the Powerhouse museum in Sydney. Filled with science, space and interactive learning exhibits, the museum will provide hours of endless fun. If traveling with a disability or stroller, make sure to use the Harris Street entrance. Once inside, ramps and a glass wall lift are provided for those who cannot use the escalators. The glass wall lift is especially neat for children as it lets them view the museum as they are traveling up and down. Special toddler toilets are available for the smaller children and handicap restrooms are provided on the 5th level of the building across from the members lounge. If hungry while visiting, there is a child friendly cafe where you can purchase food or sit down and enjoy a meal that you brought with you. Across from the cafe is a playground where parents can sit and view their children playing and relax at the same time. For more information visit www.powerhousemuseum.com.
Sydney, while full of nightlife and different cultures for the adults traveling there, the downtown area includes several family fun spots that your children of all ages can enjoy. Sydney is also an accessible city with most buildings and attractions providing services for those with disabilities.
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