Perth is an easy place to explore when you know where to go. However, if you are unfamiliar with the city and require pram-friendly and wheelchair-friendly access, you can be forgiven for being a bit apprehensive about the prospect of getting around.
Thankfully, “The City of Light” boasts an impressive selection of outdoor spaces, museums, playgrounds, and cultural attractions that cater to visitors of all ages and abilities.
For those planning to visit Perth in the near future, this guide highlights the most accessible attractions. It will also outline what to expect upon your arrival, and provide tips on making the most of your day. Hopefully, you will find it a useful resource.
How Accessible and Wheelchair-Friendly is Perth?
You’ll be pleased to read that Perth is one of Australia’s easiest cities to explore with kids, prams, or mobility aids. Many public paths are wide and even, which makes them easy to navigate. At the same time, several newer developments around the city have been designed with accessibility in mind. This means it is quite easy to find accessible toilets, ramps, and lift access in most major destinations.
Public transportation is also helpful for families because buses have low floors, while trains have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and prams. Additionally, most stations, including Perth Station and Elizabeth Quay, are fitted with ramps and lifts. Likewise, car parks at many attractions also include ACROD bays close to entrances.
Perth also has several Changing Places toilets located throughout the metropolitan area. These facilities provide essential convenience for those who require an adult-sized change table, a ceiling hoist, and additional space for mobility.
Perth’s Most Accessible Attractions for Families, Prams, and Wheelchairs
In terms of specific tourist destinations, several notable attractions in Perth are both wheelchair- and pram-friendly. Some of the most popular ones you can go to are outlined below.
Several disability-related service providers can help you with the logistics involved in visiting them, such as transportation or support for social and community participation. Using a platform like Plan Hero can help finalise the arrangements.
1. Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Kings Park is one of the most accessible outdoor destinations in Western Australia. The main avenues are wide and open, while many paths are sealed, level, and easy to navigate with a pram or mobility aid. The park also features ramps throughout its 400 hectares, along with accessible toilets and clearly marked parking bays.
Probably the best place for families to enjoy the views is from Fraser Avenue. The lookouts there have even surfaces and railings. Kings Park also has family-friendly spots, including Synergy Parkland and the Lotterywest Family Area, which are relatively easy to visit. Additionally, the WA Botanic Garden accommodates gentle paths that are ideal for leisurely strolls.
Often, there are free events on in the park that provide fabulous entertainment. You can see what is currently scheduled here.
2. Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, with over 800,000 people visiting it every year.
The entire zoo has pram-friendly paths and level access throughout the grounds. This includes lifts at the Heritage Carousel Building. Similarly, other zones, such as the African Savannah, Australian Bushwalk, and Asian Rainforest, have all been designed for easy movement.
If needed, wheelchairs can be hired at the entrance. You’ll also find parent rooms and accessible toilets located near major hubs. The zoo train is suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
3. WA Museum Boola Bardip
This museum is one of Perth’s best indoor accessible attractions. What makes it such an attractive place to visit is that every level has lift access. The galleries also feature wide walkways with ample space for movement.
Thoughtfully, exhibits have been arranged so that you can view them from a seated height. You’ll also find accessible toilets on each floor, as well as calmer zones and quiet areas for sensory-friendly families to enjoy.
4. Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a fantastic waterfront precinct situated on the banks of the Swan River. It comprises the BHP Billiton Water Park, the island playground, promenades, wide open green spaces, public artwork, and several bars and restaurants.
For those with accessibility requirements, the walkways are wide and flat, which makes navigating them relatively straightforward. The pedestrian bridge is also pram-friendly and easy to navigate, and there are shaded areas near the water and a splash zone for kids.
All the ferry terminals have ramp access, and many cafés around the quay offer accessible seating and entrances.
5. Perth Mint, Art Gallery of WA, and Other Inner-City Attractions
If you want more accessible activities in the CBD, pencil in visits to the Art Gallery of WA, the State Library, the Perth Cultural Centre, and the Perth Mint into your itinerary.
All these locations have ramps, lifts, and accessible facilities. Additionally, most of them host school holiday programs that welcome all abilities.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Perth’s Accessible Attractions
To help you make the most of your visit to Perth, here is some useful information to consider when planning your trip.
The population of Greater Perth is around 2.35 million people. So, it can get busy here during rush hour, weekends, and school holidays. For this reason, from an accessibility perspective, you may want to plan your trip around avoiding these times.
Many attractions provide accessibility maps online. If you plan to visit one that does, it is a good idea to download it before you go. Doing this will give you a clear idea of how to move around once you arrive.
Additionally, many of them offer ACROD parking bays close to their entry points. Being aware of them before your visit will help shorten the time it takes to get there.
You might also find it useful if you save a screenshot of the attraction’s accessibility map on your phone. That way, you’ll always have a quick reference to it when a need arises.
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