Wheelchair-friendly weekend away in Canberra

Looking for a memorable holiday where wheelchairs are part of the adventure? Many of Canberra’s famed attractions – indoors and outside – are accessible for those using wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, and other mobility support. Here’s a guide to what to do in the great outdoors, see in the great indoors, and feast on during your trip to Canberra. 

Cockington Green Gardens, a fascinating display of meticulously handcrafted miniature buildings, has easy access to parking and wide pathways. Beautiful any time of year, ask staff to open the side entry if steps are difficult. 

Head back outdoors to get wild at the National Zoo & Aquarium. Meet giraffes, meerkats, lions, monkeys, and penguins. Or take in the wondrous underwater realm of creatures in the aquarium. Use the handy accessible pathways and ramps but note there are some sloped and gravel paths. Little ones will love the Adventure Land playground which includes a wheelchair accessible playhouse and two fully harnessed swings. Staff are accessibility aware and can provide visitors with advice on the zoo’s layout and features. 

The National Arboretum Canberra hosts a variety of attractions, including forests that carry rare and endangered trees that are over a century old, a collection of delicate bonsai, stunning panoramic views across Canberra and modern, contemporary architecture. There are ample disabled car parking spaces available across the National Arboretum, as well as free wheelchair hire which need to be booked in advance via email. Smooth, wide pathways weave throughout the National Arboretum connecting key attractions such as the Pod Playground, forests, and café.

If you have young ones looking for adventure and fun, explore the Boundless Playground – a completely accessible, state-of-the-art creation – at Lake Burley Griffin. It has easy car parking and great toilet facilities.

At the magnificent National Museum of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the range of changing exhibitions will keep you returning time and again. This insightful learning experience showcasing the stories of Australia for all ages has accessible parking options available at the main entrance. The Museum also offers free wheelchair, scooter and stroller hire from the information desk.

Within the walls of the National Gallery of Australia, explore the world-class art exhibitions at your leisure. The Gallery is privileged to host the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world. Disabled parking is available in the undercover car park, and once inside, easy to navigate via lifts and ramps. Mobile scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire at the cloakroom. The Sculpture Garden features flat, wide pathways.

This guide was written with advice and assistance by Getaboutable and Have Wheelchair Will Travel. Explore their sites for more handy tips and tricks on how to make the most of your trip to Canberra.