Wheelchair accessibility is an essential element of creating more inclusive and diverse communities. In Adelaide, increased awareness of the importance of accessibility and a growing number of venues that cater for wheelchairs have made the city a great place to live or to visit for wheelchair users. We have found fifteen great places to eat, drink, learn, play and explore.
Wheelchair Accessibility for People With Disabilities
For people that use a wheelchair for mobility, accessibility is a crucial element in ensuring that they can be active and independent members of society. Around 190,000 Australians use a wheelchair, but many venues don’t cater for them in terms of entry, bathroom access and more. It is vital that communities work hard to ensure as many areas as possible are accessible for wheelchair users so that no one has to be left out.
The Importance of Accessibility for People With a Disability
There are multiple ways in which accessibility is important for people with a disability, improving not only their lives but the wellbeing of their entire community.
1. Increases quality of life
An active, social and varied lifestyle is beneficial to anyone, including people living with a disability. When a person is ostracised from society through an inability to access communal venues, it can dramatically impact how much they can enjoy and get out of life.
2. Creates more independence
Living independently, or with a greater degree of independence, is a common goal for people living with all sorts of disabilities. Independence fosters feelings of accomplishment, improves confidence and self-esteem, and boosts self-reliance. When people with a disability have easy access to different venues in their neighbourhood and beyond, they can independently visit places such as shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, civic centres, gyms, and more.
3. Improves mental health
Humans are naturally social beings, and it is vital that we connect with others for our mental health and overall wellbeing. Staying at home and not seeing a wide range of people can have negative impacts on our mental health. Additionally, the frustrations caused by a lack of accessibility or by constantly needing to ask for assistance and access can lead to feelings of despair and depression for people with a disability. When accessibility is simple and easy, it makes maintaining good social connections and a positive mindset much easier.
4. Supports safety and assistance
When people with a disability are able to access their communities safely, they are more likely to receive assistance when needed. For example, an older wheelchair user who visits her local grocery store weekly will have a friendly relationship with the owner of the shop. If she fails to visit for a couple of weeks, or if she seems unusually tired or unwell, he may be able to ask if she needs assistance or informs a council worker that she may need some help. These kinds of incidental relationships can save lives.
5. Raises awareness and understanding
When people with a disability feel unable or unwilling to get out into society, it has a negative impact on everyone. The richness and diversity of our communities cannot be seen and understood if certain members of that community are not in public view. When people with a disability are out and about, engaging in activities and being active members of social groups, it raises awareness of different types of disability. When people see and know other people with a disability, they are more likely to be compassionate and caring towards them. They are also more likely to consider people with a disability when planning and operating their own businesses, community spaces, events and more.
How Is Accessibility Changing in Adelaide?
The State Government of South Australia have launched a program called Inclusive SA, which is designed to improve access and inclusion for those living with a disability. One of the key pillars of the plan is Accessible Communities, increasing accessibility to all public and community infrastructure, transport, services, information, sport and recreation.
Since the launch of the program in November 2020, many venues have made changes to their structure to improve accessibility for people living with a disability, especially people using a wheelchair.
Inclusive SA has prioritised the involvement of disabled people in the community. To achieve this, they have a range of actions to complete, including:
- Developing an event toolkit to promote accessible and inclusive practices for State authorities in community events
- Running disability access and inclusion awareness training for arts organisations, cultural institutions, sporting organisations and clubs
- Exploring opportunities to increase the involvement of children with disability in sports and cultural activities.
Wheelchair Accessible Venues and Activities in Adelaide
If you live in Adelaide or you are visiting from elsewhere and you want to enjoy wheelchair accessible venues and activities, there are a range of options available to you. The city has made significant improvements in recent years to create a more accessible transport system, accessible accommodation, and a variety of wheelchair accessible attractions.
Indoor Wheelchair Accessible Venues
Looking for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or a weekend in and around Adelaide? There are lots of indoor wheelchair accessible venues across the city, offering everything from a taste of culture and history to special interest entertainment.
1. Art Gallery of South Australia
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The Art Gallery of South Australia boasts one of the largest art museum collections in Australia, with approximately 47,000 works of art from Australia, Europe, North America and Asia. General entry to the gallery is free, with charges for specific exhibitions.
All areas of the Gallery are accessible by wheelchair, with lift and ramp access to different levels. Disability toilets are located inside the front entrance (near the Information Desk) and on the Courtyard Level (next to the cloakroom). There are three areas with parking for people with disabilities around the gallery.
2. South Australia Museum
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The South Australia Museum is a fantastic place to visit if you love natural history and cultural collections. There are a number of different galleries in the museum, showcasing Aboriginal artefacts, Megafauna, Fossils, Ancient Egyptians, Pacific Cultures and more. Entry to the museum is free.
The Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. There is a recharge point for electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs in the North foyer. Accessible toilets are located on the ground floor in the northeast corner of the Museum, accessed through the World Mammals Gallery.
3. MOD.
MOD. is an interactive public science space, operated by the University of South Australia. For people who love science and technology, MOD. is a favourite attraction. Entry to MOD. is free.
MOD. is fully accessible for those using a wheelchair, with ramps and lifts located on all levels. There are accessible toilets on the ground level and level one, as well as a multi-access suite with comfortable seating and quiet spaces.
4. Melba’s Chocolate and Confectionery Factory
Located just forty minutes from the city in the Adelaide Hills, Melba’s Chocolate and Confectionery Factory is a heritage listed working factory that is open to the public. Producing a range of treats including chocolate, liquorice, fudge, nougat and lollies, it’s a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth! Entry is free.
The factory offers a ramp and disabled toilets. For those in large wheelchairs, they can arrange entrance through a side door.
5. National Motor Museum
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If you’re a wheelchair user who loves cars, you need to visit the National Motor Museum in the Adelaide Hills. The museum is an international centre for the collection, research, preservation, education and display of Australian road transport history. Entry is $17.50, or $14.50 for concession cardholders.
The National Motor Museum caters for people using a wheelchair and disabled parking is available on site.
Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Venues
If you’re a wheelchair user who loves exploring the outdoors and getting out in nature, Adelaide and South Australia offer many options.
6. Anstey Hill Recreation Park
National Parks are important natural resources that everyone should be able to enjoy. Adelaide is Australia’s only National Park City, and there are many beautiful parks close to the city to explore. There is no cost to enter these national parks.
Anstey Hill Recreation Park in the northeast of the city offers accessible access that is ideal for wheelchair users. Enter at Gate 1 near Ellis Cottage for accessible parking and two options for accessible toilets. There is a walking loop in the park that features a hard-packed gravel surface, suitable for wheelchair use. Along the route, there are also three accessible picnic areas.
7. Adelaide Zoo
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Adelaide Zoo has been entertaining people in Adelaide for generations. Home to more than 2,500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, the zoo is a fun day out for people of all ages.
The zoo has disabled toilets on site, accessible drinking fountains, and provides ramps and railings for disability access. There are a number of disabled car parks close to the main entrance. The Wisteria Restaurant, Fig Tree Café and the Zoo Shop are all wheelchair accessible.
8. Adelaide Botanic Garden
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For nature lovers, a visit to this oasis in the centre of the city is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The Adelaide Botanic Garden features over 50 hectares of historic gardens and lovingly restored heritage buildings.
The Adelaide Botanic Garden actively welcomes people with access needs and is free to enter. Accessible parking spaces are available within all 4-hour parking zones and are free of charge for people displaying a disability parking permit. It is easy to access and navigate, with paved and bitumen paths running throughout the Garden.
9. Barossa Farmers Market
For wheelchair users who love food and trying new recipes, a visit to the Barossa Farmers Market is perfect. Open every Saturday morning from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, the market offers the best of fresh, seasonal, artisan-made Barossa food.
The location offers disabled parking spaces and the entire market space caters for people who use a wheelchair. The market is free to enter.
10. Mintaro Maze
Located just out of Adelaide is South Australia’s living hedge maze. Mintaro Maze was planted by the Morris Family in 1995. It’s a fun way to “get lost” and enjoy the scenery, as well as the gift shop and café on site. Admission is $15.
The maze is able to be navigated via wheelchair and there are accessible toilets on site.
Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
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Planning a special dinner out, a relaxed Sunday morning brunch, or a drink with friends in Adelaide? If you’re a wheelchair user, it’s important you know which venues are going to be able to cater for your needs. Fortunately, there are lots of great places to eat and drink in Adelaide which are wheelchair accessible.
11. Coal Cellar + Grill
For a special night out with some amazing food, visit Coal Cellar + Grill. With a focus on South Australian produce, the modern grill menu is full of delicious options including seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes. The restaurant is completely wheelchair accessible.
12. Erato Teppanyaki
If you love Japanese cuisine, you will love dinner at Erato Teppanyaki. The restaurant is set in a former bank with high ceilings, marble and gold. There are a range of set menus, including ones catering for vegetarians and those with dietary requirements. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
13. Cumbia Bar and Kitchen
Cumbia Bar and Kitchen offers authentic South American cuisine, including an extensive tapas menu. Located at the Adelaide Central Market, it’s a favourite spot for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Take a group of friends and share delicious morsels and Latin music! The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
14. Paradiso Café & Cocktail Bar
Paradiso Café & Cocktail Bar offers something for everyone, with bottomless brunch menus, specials, happy hour and Sunday lunch. With a Mediterranean menu and a range of artisan desserts, the location features breathtaking views of the nearby parkland. They actively welcome people with access needs.
15. Peter Rabbit
A whimsical garden cafe & bar in Adelaide’s west, Peter Rabbit offers an all-day brunch and long lunch menu. They actively welcome people with access needs. The menu includes tasty seasonal local produce and offers food that is gluten free, lactose free, vegan and vegetarian.
If you are a wheelchair user, there’s no reason why you should have to miss out on fun social activities and the chance to enjoy everything that the city of Adelaide has to offer. With more places offering access for people living with a disability and a heightened awareness of why accessibility is vital for wellbeing, we hope you enjoy these wheelchair accessible venues and the many others available.
Need some assistance with care for yourself or your loved one? Find out how Homage can help!
