Accessible Sydney - Bucket-list attractions

From the iconic sails of the Opera House to the golden sands at Bondi Beach, visitors of all abilities can enjoy Sydney’s bucket-list attractions.  

Bondi Beach 

Millions of people visit the iconic Bondi Beach each year to lap up the sand and surf – and Sydney’s most famous beach is also it’s only accessible beach, with mobility mapping rolled out three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm (weather permitting) at the northern end ramp, near Wally Weekes pool.  

Accessible Bondi Beach - Credit: Waverly Council

Beach wheelchair available to book on Bondi Beach - Credit: Waverly Council

Two beach wheelchairs are available to book by calling or emailing ahead, as well as lockers on the promenade to store your wheelchair while you explore the sandy shores. Read more about the Access Bondi! initiative here. 

On the sand at Bondi with Australia in Style

On the sand at Bondi with Australia in Style

  • Getting there: Mobility parking bays are located on Queen Elizabeth Drive, near Bondi Pavilion and Ramsgate Ave. Bus stops on Campbell Pde are near the main entrance. 333 buses are accessible and frequently run between the city and the beach. 

  • Getting around: Bondi Park and promenade can be accessed from both the main entrance on Campbell Pde and from the northern end of the beach. The promenade provides level access to view the length of the beach. 

  • Accessible toilets: Accessible and ambulant toilets are located at the North Bondi amenities. While Bondi Beach Pavilion is being renovated, accessible toilets are in the temporary facilities behind Bondi Surf Club. 

 

Sydney Harbour Bridge 

You haven’t seen the sights of Sydney until you have beheld the majestic Harbour Bridge. Since 2018, glass lifts ascend the bridge from both shores, allowing level access to the 1.6km walkway across the giant ‘coathanger’. Enter the northern end at 9 Broughton St or the southern end from 96 Cumberland St. 

For many, climbing to the top is a must-do experience. BridgeClimb has installed hearing loops on the bridge and Auslan-guided tours are conducted approximately twice a month or upon demand, accompanied by an Australian Sign Language interpreter who will explain the commentary about Sydney and the bridge. Continuous handrails are provided for guidance. Many people with vision impairment have climbed the bridge, so call the operator to discuss your needs.  

Located at BridgeClimb, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitors Centre is accessible to all and features mobility access. 

  • Getting there: Enter the northern end at 9 Broughton St or the southern end from 96 Cumberland St. There is ticketed street parking at either end, and an accessible parking bay opposite the lift at Broughton Street. For those not travelling by car, take the train to Milsons Point and take the Ennis Rd exit, which is only 150m from the lifts at the northern end. 

  • Getting around: The walk across the bridge is on flat, paved terrain. Climbers of the bridge need to have a general level of health and fitness and the ability to climb independently. 

  • Accessible toilets: An accessible toilet is provided at BridgeClimb, adjacent to the cafe and gift shop. There is no toilet on the Harbour Bridge itself.  

 

Sydney Opera House 

The striking World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. An extensive program of opera, ballet, theatre and musical performances are hosted here each year. 

Sydney Opera House tour with Australia in Style

Outside the Sydney Opera House. Australia in Style (based in Sydney) offers wheelchair-accessible transport and tours

Learn more about the history and architecture inside the world's most recognisable sails with one of the many guided tours – there’s an accessible version available upon request, the Sydney Opera House Mobility Access Tour.  

If you are interested in catching a performance, halls and theatres have limited wheelchair-accessible seating – to ensure appropriate seating is allocated, advise of your requirements when booking. Audio description, open captioning and Auslan interpretation services are offered for select performances. Accessible performance dates and schedules are listed on the Accessible Performances page.   

Experience fine dining in one of the world's iconic buildings at one of Australia's most celebrated restaurants, Bennelong. The restaurant has one accessible level (Box Office foyer level) and is accessed via the Stage Door. 

  • Getting there: The Sydney Opera House is 500m from Circular Quay's transport hub, serviced by ferries, buses and trains. There is a free accessible shuttle bus that runs from Circular Quay to the street level entrance of the Sydney Opera House Western foyer (lift access inside). Pick up is from the pedestrian concourse, underneath the Cahill Expressway. Check the Sydney Opera House Access Guide for times. Accessible parking is available at nearby Wilson's Parking or on the Concourse near the Stage Door. 

  • Getting around: The Sydney Opera House has a public lift on the Harbour Bridge side of the building. This connects the three main levels: Lower Concourse, Street Level/Western Foyer Level and Main Box Office Level. 

  • Accessible toilets: Accessible toilets are available inside Western Foyers, inside the Box Office foyer and on ground level. The Concierge located at Stage Door (adjacent to the Concourse) will assist with these facilities. 

 

Sydney Tower Eye 

The 309-metre-tall Sydney Tower Eye offers such incredible 360-degree views of the city that, on a clear day, the vista stretches all the way to the Blue Mountains. 

The main observation area, which sits 250 metres above ground level, is fully accessible – meaning all can come and enjoy the panoramas, as well as the 4D Experience and a short film giving you a bird's-eye view of city, surf, harbour and ocean life.

Inside Sydney Tower Eye in Sydney City

Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney City

Accessible rates are available to eligible parties at the front desk, at 30% off the normal admission price. To receive this discount all guests must pre-book their spots online. Companion Cards are also accepted.  

  • Getting there: Enter Westfield Centre from Market Street and use the lifts to Level 5. The closest rail stations are St James and Town Hall, both less than a 5min walk away. 

  • Getting around: Sydney Tower Eye is fully wheelchair accessible and has extensive wheelchair facilities throughout the attraction, including lifts and shallow ramped walkways. Wheelchair users must book ahead for the Skywalk experience.  

  • Accessible toilets: There is an accessible toilet available. 

 

Barangaroo 

Barangaroo is the city’s newest – and most happening – waterside precinct. The former container terminal now hosts pretty parklands, boutique shopping, and trendy food and drink offerings.    

Wulugul Walk, which follows the 1836 foreshore, is relatively level and, like all dedicated pedestrian pathways in the reserve, is 3.8m wide. If you fancy a longer stroll, flat pathways connect the reserve all the way to the Sydney Opera House via Walsh Bay. All of the restaurants, cafes and shops in Barangaroo have on-grade access. 

Wulugul Walk in Barangaroo - Credit: Infrastructure NSW

Wulugul Walk in Barangaroo - Credit: Infrastructure NSW

  • Getting there: The closest bus stops are in Hickson Road, close to Towns Place, where there are also two accessible street parking bays. The restaurant and retail precinct is best accessed from Wynyard Station via the Wynyard Walk Tunnel. For more transport options, view Barangaroo’s Access Guide

  • Getting around: There are accessible entrances to Barangaroo Reserve from Towns Place, Hickson Road, Munn Street Reserve and Merriman Street. The best point of entry to the retail and dining precinct for those with accessibility requirements is from Kent Street, via the stairs or lift to Napoleon Plaza. 

  • Accessible toilets: In addition to the amenities within The Cutaway, other toilet facilities, including two ambulant and one accessible cubicle, are located near the Towns Place entrance.