10 Melbourne Destinations for Support Workers and their Clients

1. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a top Melbourne attraction, containing a vast collection of artworks from numerous eras and various styles. The Gallery is spread through two separate buildings – NGV International and NGV Australia. The NGV is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, lifts, and wheelchairs available for loan. Additionally, the gallery offers audio tours, tactile tours, and Auslan-interpreted programs, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors.

2. Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo provides an exciting experience for support workers and their clients to discover the 320+ animal species from around the world. The landscaped zoo offers sensory experiences, animal encounters, and keeper talks that are sure to delight visitors of all ages and abilities. Most paths and exhibits within the zoo are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible toilets available throughout. Support workers can take advantage of the International Day Pass, which allows free carer entry when accompanying a person with a disability.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria provides a perfect setting for a relaxing day out. The 38 hectares that make up the park offer a wide variety of flora and wildlife, as well as breathtaking landscapes and lakes. The gardens are highly accessible, with paved paths, ramps, and accessible restrooms available for visitors. Guided tours with a focus on sensory experiences, such as touch and smell, are also offered to enhance the visit for those with disabilities.

4. Scienceworks

Scienceworks is an interactive museum that encourages learning and exploration, with a strong focus on science and technology. Featuring hands-on exhibits, immersive multimedia displays, and captivating live shows, Scienceworks offers both an exciting and educational experience for people of all ages and abilities. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and provides a variety of accessible amenities, including tactile maps, accessible restrooms, and hearing loops. Support workers can also attend free of charge when accompanying a visitor with a disability.

5. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Dive into the underwater world at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium! The aquarium provides a unique experience for all visitors where they are able to discover countless marine species, from stingrays to colourful tropical fish within the 2.2 million-litre oceanarium. With wheelchair access, accessible restroom facilities, and free carer entry available, the aquarium ensures an inclusive and memorable visit.

6.  Eureka Skydeck

See Melbourne from a new height! With a visit to the Eureka Skydeck, positioned 88 stories high and offering extraordinary panoramic views of Melbourne. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Skydeck provides a thrilling vantage point for visitors of all abilities. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with lifts, ramps, and accessible restrooms available. Support workers can obtain free carer entry when accompanying a visitor with a disability.

7. Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum provides an unparalleled culturally educational experience. Visitors are able to immerse themselves within the vast array of exhibits including natural history, indigenous culture, and Australian history. The museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, offering ramps, lifts, hearing loops, and accessible restrooms. The museum regularly offers sensory-friendly quiet hours during which noise and lighting are lowered to cater to individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities. Support workers can also attend free of charge when accompanying a visitor with a disability.

8. Collingwood Children’s Farm

Collingwood Children’s Farm offers a delightful rural escape within Melbourne’s city limits, where support workers and clients can enjoy hands-on encounters with farm animals, stroll through the gardens or take part in daily farm activities. This family-friendly attraction is wheelchair accessible, and the staff are dedicated to providing a fun and inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities.

9.Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Indulge in a sweet treat at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie! Settled within the picturesque Yarra Valley, this tempting destination offers a huge assortment of handcrafted chocolates and ice creams. While having a taste test, visitors can watch and learn about the chocolate-making process through daily demonstrations. The venue is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, gently sloping paths, and accessible restrooms for visitors.

10. MCG Tours and Australian Sports Museum

Sports fans are sure to enjoy the MCG Tours and Australian Sports Museum. This venue offers behind-the-scenes experiences of the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The regularly held guided tours are wheelchair accessible, and providing lifts, ramps, as well as accessible restrooms for visitors.