14 Wheelchair Accessible Urban Venues and Activities in Perth

Perth is the capital of the largest state in Australia, boasting an impressive array of natural wonders and urban attractions. With fabulous dining options, family-friendly attractions and activities, stunning beaches and over 3000 hours of sunshine a year, Perth has everything you and your loved ones need for an incredible holiday or day out. There was a time when people with physical disabilities and mobility challenges missed out on many of the sites a city like Perth has to offer. The range of accessible and inclusive venues and activities has improved drastically in recent years, so there is no reason to miss out. If you or a loved one lives with a disability, read on to find out some of the best activities to enjoy for your next day out in Perth.

The Importance of Accessibility and Inclusion for People with Disabilities

Many Australians live with one or more disabilities at some stage of their lives. Living with a disability can impact how you live your life in many ways, depending on your unique situation and the type of disability you have. Disability can impact your mobility due to physical limitations or the need for mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters. Some people with disability also experience communication access barriers, such as inaccessible wayfinding tools and street signs. Other people with sensory disabilities like vision or hearing impairments face barriers to independently navigating public spaces and locating venues for activities. 

No one deserves to miss out on all the joys of life due to a disability. As a society, it is our responsibility to ensure equitable access and inclusion for all people in our community. This includes inclusive and accessible education, employment opportunities, physical access to public spaces and appropriate housing, and access to urban venues and social activities. Access and inclusion is no longer an optional factor, but human right that businesses, governments and individuals must work together to uphold. Without adequate accessibility and inclusive practices, people with disability are at greater risk of isolation, discrimination, and poor social, emotional and physical health and wellbeing. 

How is Accessibility Changing in Perth?

Perth is home to around 2.6 million people and welcomes around 2.2 million interstate and international visitors each year. Approximately one in five Australians lives with one or more disabilities. In the City of Perth, over 95,000 residents reported having a disability, though this number may be higher due to reporting issues. Access not only benefits people with disability but with all of their friends, family members, caregivers, colleagues and service providers, many people in Perth benefit from greater accessibility and inclusion.

The City of Perth is responsible for overseeing the delivery of programs to improve access for people with disability in the region. One key piece of policy that guides this work is the City of Perth’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2021-2025. This four-year plan is the latest iteration of the local government’s efforts to create inclusive, equitable experiences for all its residents regardless of ability. Note that if you require a printed or accessible version of this plan, you can request one by contacting the City of Perth at (08) 9461 3333.

Perth’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan outlines key priority areas and strategies to improve inclusion and access for people with disability who live, work, study or visit Perth. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for people with disability as well as their loved ones and caregivers. The Plan outlines several projects and activities they will carry out over four years to achieve their goals for greater access and inclusion. The key objectives of the plan are as follows.

1. All people have equitable access to City services and events.
2. All people have equitable access to buildings and facilities.
3. All people have equitable access to information.
4. All people have equitable levels and quality of service.
5. All people have equitable opportunities to make complaints.
6. All people have opportunities to participate in public consultation.
7. All people have opportunities to obtain and maintain employment.
8. Develop an organisation that is passionate about access and inclusion.

To reach these objectives, the City of Perth is working hard to make meaningful changes to their municipality to ensure people with disability can enjoy it to the fullest. This includes making changes to events, venues, restaurants, green spaces, retail outlets and other public spaces to ensure people who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid can enjoy all the city has to offer. Some of the actions the City of Perth is taking to improve physical accessibility for people who use mobility aids are as follows.

• Use of kerb ramps, tactile indicators and audible crossing signals.
• Provision of major public buildings, arcades, post offices and most churches, and theatres that are accessible.
• Accessible public toilet provision throughout the central city district.
• Provision of assistive equipment hires at some public venues.
• Accessible parking spaces.
• Taxi User Subsidy Scheme to offer an affordable and accessible alternative to public transport.
• Citiplace Community Centre. An accessible, central city hub for older people and people with disabilities to access social support, essential services, excellent facilities and information. This central hub is a great place for people with disabilities to go for assistance or advice when planning a day out in Perth.

Accessibility and inclusion in Perth have come a long way, so there has never been a better time to get out and explore all the city has to offer. Here are just some of the wheelchair-accessible venues and activities you can enjoy with your loved ones.

Wheelchair Accessible Venues and Activities in Perth 

Indoor Wheelchair Accessible Venues in Perth

Accessible Cinemas in Perth

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Nothing makes for a fun day out better than a trip to the cinema. Grab your loved ones and settle in with your popcorn or choc top and enjoy the latest offerings at the following cinemas with disability access features.

1. Grand Cinemas, Armadale

Located on the corner of Jull Street and Third Road Armadale, just 200m from Armadale Train Station. Grand Cinemas offer fun for the whole family, with competitive prices and discounts available for seniors and companion card holders. Grand Cinemas offer assistance for hearing impaired customers, sensory-friendly sessions for people with autism and other sensory needs, and wheelchair access via lift. 

Cost: Tickets start from $10. Companion card holders are entitled to concession rates, and their companion or caregiver receives free entry.

2. Ace Cinemas, Midland

Located at 274 Great Eastern Hwy, Midland WA 6056, inside the Midland Gate shopping centre. Ace Cinemas offer closed caption screenings, hearing assistance and wheelchair accessibility. They also offer sensory-friendly screenings and companion card discounts.

Cost: Concession tickets from $16.50. Caregivers can gain free entry using a companion card when accompanying an eligible cardholder.

3. Hoyts Garden City

Located on Almondbury Rd, Booragoon WA 6154, inside the Westfield Booragoon shopping precinct. Hoys Garden City offers closed caption screenings, hearing assistance and wheelchair accessibility. They also offer sensory-friendly screenings and companion card discounts.

Cost: Tickets start from $17.00. Caregivers can gain free entry using a companion card when accompanying an eligible cardholder.

4. Millennium Cinemas, Fremantle

Located at 29 Collie St, Fremantle WA 6160. Millennium Cinemas in Fremantle offers closed caption screenings, hearing assistance and wheelchair accessibility.

Cost: Tickets start from $17.00. Caregivers can gain free entry using a companion card when accompanying an eligible cardholder.

Accessible Dining in Perth: Wheelchair Accessible Bars, Cafes and Restaurants

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Dining out is one of the great joys in life. Relax with a beverage while your favourite foods are chef-made and hand-delivered to your table. Luckily, with more dining venues offering better disability access, going out for a meal with your loved ones has never been easier.

5. Sapore Espresso

Located at 4/275 Belmont Avenue, Cloverdale. Sapore Espresso has accessible parking right across the road, flat level entry and an accessible bathroom. Their friendly staff are happy to assist you and their kitchen provides delicious brunch staples and creative menu items for everyone to enjoy.

Cost: Brunch items from $6.00 – $24.00

6. Cafe Elixir

Located at 3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo. Accessible parking adjacent to this cafe. Level entry access and accessible bathrooms. Accessible seating options indoors or outdoors. Cafe Elixir is serving up 5 Senses coffee and a range of delicious menu items.

Cost: Menu items range from $9.90 – $26.90

7. Pitcher and Iron

Located at 1/23 Railway Parade, Subiaco. Bookings are required. Contact them on 08 6243 2075. Offers undercover accessible parking right next door to the cafe. Flat accessible entry, friendly staff. An accessible bathroom is outside next to the accessible car park for your convenience. Who doesn’t love waffles? The kitchen team at Pitcher and Iron are serving up an impressive array of hot and cold beverages, delicious waffles, and scoops of ice cream. Pitcher and Iron are perfect for your next brunch date.

Cost: Waffles ranging from $9 – $15.00

8. Cafe Mojo

Located at 16 Craig Street Mundaring. Perth, Western Australia. Offers accessible entry and bathroom. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and unwind whilst you and your loved ones enjoy a serene dining experience in the middle of the Perth Hills. 

Cost: Menu items ranging from $7.50 – $24.00

9. Amarettos Restaurant

Located at 11 Main Street Ellenbrook outside the shops at Ellenbrook. Perth. Offers plenty of accessible parking, an accessible entry and a spacious accessible bathroom. Amarettos is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner seatings. Lunch is available from 11 am – 3 pm, and dinner from 5 – 10 pm.

Cost: Mains ranging from $22.00 – $42.00

10. Sandalford Estate Restaurant

Located at 3210 West Swan Road Caversham, Perth and nestled amongst beautiful vineyards. Sandalford Estate Restaurant provides accessible parking, level entry and an accessible bathroom. 

Cost: Pizzas and main courses ranging from $26.00 – to $52.00

Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Venues in Perth

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With so many days of beautiful sunshine, getting outdoors in Perth with your loved ones is always a great idea. Perth offers a range of venues and activities to get you out and enjoy nature, interacting with local flora and fauna and making the most of Perth’s amazing wine regions, beaches and gardens.

11. Araluen Botanic Park

Considered one of Perth’s best-hidden gems, Araluen Botanic Park is located at 362 Croyden Rd, Roleystone, about 40 minutes drive from Perth’s Central Business District. Explore 59 hectares of native gardens, manicured landscapes and waterfalls. The park offers accessible entry, mobility equipment available for hire and mapped trails accessible by wheelchair or scooter.

Cost: Children enter for $5.00, and concession rates are $8.00

12. North Mindarie Walk Trail

This beautiful coastal walk is an 800m accessible trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Start your walk from the north side of Mindarie Marina, at the car park on Rosslare Promenade and ends at the car park outside Quinns Rocks Caravan Park. 

Cost: Free

13. Kwinana Adventure Park

This enormous adventure play park has something for the whole family to enjoy. Kwinana Adventure Park is divided into six zones, offering impressive accessibility features. Park in one of the four accessible parking bays to kick off your day. The park has a range of sensory play equipment, and its beautiful carousel offers two-seated carriages so carers can accompany their loved ones on board. In warmer months, take your loved ones to cool off at the splash pad, including accessible areas. 

Cost: Free

14. Perth Zoo

Located in South Perth, Perth Zoo came first for advocacy in disability services in 2015. The entire zoo is fully wheelchair accessible, offers ACROD parking, and has wheelchair-accessible drinking fountains to refresh and cool off. Bring the whole family for a fun day out visiting their collection of 171 species and more than 1300 individual animals. Stop to grab lunch at one of the Zoo’s eateries or bring a picnic to enjoy in their shaded BBQ areas.

Cost: Entry starts from $17.00 for children and $27.00 for concessions. Companion card holders are eligible for discounted entry, and one carer can accompany the eligible cardholder free of charge.

Need some assistance with care in Perth? Homage can help you or your loved one with companionship and mobility service!