Sydney’s Botanic Garden is a true oasis right next to the bustle of the Sydney CBD with magnificent views of the harbour and Opera House. The Botanic Garden has wide pathways throughout, so rolling around it can be a real pleasure. Marvel at the amazing plant and animal life, stroll around the new Calyx exhibition centre and have a bite to eat at the restaurants or cafes, or visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

Step-free access

Accessible toilet

Accessible parking

Accessible cafe / restaurant / kiosk

Cinemas & Theatres

There are five main venues within the Sydney Opera House. The two largest - The Concert Hall and The Joan Sutherland Theatre, are both on the first floor. The three smaller venues; The Drama Theatre, The Playhouse, and The Studio are on the ground floor.

The Concert Hall and The Joan Sutherland Theatre are both accessed via a large lift from the ground floor, which can be reached through a passageway under the Monumental Steps, or directly from the Western Concourse. If you are coming from the lower ground level (with many bars and the car park), you take the same lift.

The Drama Theatre, The Playhouse, and The Studio are also accessed via the Monumental Steps, or more directly, through through the several pairs of automatic double glass doors that line the western side of the building, on the Western Concourse. Again, If you are coming from the lower ground level , you take the same lift.

There are accessible toilet facilities (with automatic doors) on every level, and also one backstage for the use of mobility impaired patrons of the two larger venues during intervals. There are 11 designated accessible parking spaces on Level 1 and 12 on Level 6 of the carpark. RMS permit is required.

Given the long cobbled approach to the building, there is also a courtesy shuttle bus service; Opera House staff are on hand to arrange transfers to the building via a wheelchair-accessible shuttle service from the taxi drop-off point.

Sydney Opera House

The Domain is the venue for large-scale events such as Opera in the Park during the Festival of Sydney in January and Carols by Candlelight in December each year.
The main part of the parkland takes in the peninsula on the eastern flank of the Royal Botanic Gardens, just next to Mrs Macquarie's Point.Domain is an accessible park on St Marys Road. There is step-free access into and around the park, which has a varying gradient throughout. There are accessible toilets but the cubicles are very small and barely provide enough room for a wheelchair. There are no restaurants or cafes nearby but when you enter the Botanic Garden you will find some indoor and outdoor venues. Picnic areas can be found on site.
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

The Domain

Hyde Park is a great city park that covers two blocks in the heart of the city.  It is only one block up from the main shopping area of the Pitt Street Mall and is a good spot to take some lunch and escape all the hustle and bustle.  The park is accessible and has good paths throughout for a wheelchair. Hyde Park offers step-free access from entrances on College Street and Elizabeth Street. The park is mostly of a gentle gradient, with some areas on a slight slope. There is a step running round the perimeter of every area of grass, which may mean they are inaccessible. There is a public toilet situated in the south-west corner of the park at Museum station. Accessible parking spots can be found in the carpark on Elizabeth Street.

Hyde Park


The Calyx is an accessible exhibit located in the Botanic Gardens. The venue was built around the site of the Arc Glasshouse, in the south western corner of the garden. Intelligent, sensitive architecture has replaced the Tropical Centre pyramid and foyer.
The Calyx is an integrated mix of indoor and outdoor areas, with the exhibitions changing on a regular basis, reinventing itself through emotively themed exhibitions. There is step-free access into and throughout the building. There is a small cafe located in The Calyx, but there are no accessible toilets. Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

The Calyx

The opera opens for a short period every summer and then packs away for the rest of the year (wheelchair access may vary year-on-year).
Those with disability are encouraged to book their seats though the dedicated phone line on (02) 9318 8300 or email ticketing@opera-australia.org.au
There is a dedicated access lift as well as accessible amenities. Site maps indicating these facilities as well as access drop-off points, and a seating plan showing accessible seating, are available on the website. The opera is surrounded by cafes, bistros and restaurants where you can eat before the opera begins. There are approximately 200 metered parking spaces on Mrs Macquaries Road, although this is likely to be a highly congested area post the event. Alternative metered parking is available on Hospital Road and Macquarie Street, which are also within rolling distance of the venue. The Domain Car Park is the closest undercover car park available.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour


The public toilets located at Opera Kitchen are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Located near the entrance furthest away from the Opera House, the unisex facilities do not require an MLAK key to use. Designated parking spots can be found at the opera carpark.

Opera Kitchen Toilet

St James is accessible to wheelchair users. Step-free access is gained via a lift from the Elizabeth Street entrance at the edge of Hyde Park. There are lifts and gentle ramps to take wheelchair users to the platforms. A portable boarding ramp onto the train is available and there is also an accessible unisex toilet in the station.

St James Station

Martin Place Station is accessible to wheelchair users. Step-free access is gained via a lift between Phillip Street and Macquarie Street - not all entrances are step-free. There are lifts down to the platform and a portable boarding ramp onto the train. There is also an accessible unisex toilet in the station.

Martin Place Station

Sydney Botanical Gardens - Information Booth is accessible; located just inside the Art Gallery Road entrance. The manned booth has leaflets and maps on helping you to navigate a step-free path through the gardens.

Sydney Botanical Gardens - Information Booth

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a green oasis nestled on Sydney Harbour. Home to world leading plant science and stunning horticultural displays. Royal Botanic Gardens is an accessible park and garden. There is step-free access via the Art Gallery Road and Circular Quay entrances. The accessible entrances are Morshead Gate, Victoria Lodge Gate, Yurong Gate, Opera House Gate (via Sydney Opera House forecourt), Queen Elizabeth II Gate (via Sydney Opera House forecourt), Conservatorium Gate and Government House Gate.
If you're visiting The Calyx, the nearest accessible gates are Woolloomooloo Gate or Government House Gate. Parts of the gardens may be inaccessible due to sets of stairs. The Botanic Garden provides several accessible cafes and restaurants. Accessible toilets can be found in Palm Grove Centre, the Mare and Foal Lawn near Farm Cove and in the Calyx. 
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Gallery presents fine international and Australian art in one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. It displays modern and contemporary works in expansive, light-filled spaces. It is largely accessible to wheelchair users. There is a dramatic semicircular ramp to the right of the front stone steps providing access into the building and there are ramps inside providing access to the various exhibits. Lifts provide access to the various floors and down to the gallery cafe and gift shop. Most tables in Chiswick, the gallery restaurant, are also accessible. There are also unisex toilets on site. Parts of the research library and archive are not accessible. There are two disabled parking spaces at front of the Gallery, two at rear.

Art Gallery Of New South Wales

Located in the shadow of the Sydney Opera House, the Opera Kitchen is an accessible restaurant and bar. Lifts at the Opera House itself provide access down to the venue, which has ramps throughout the premises to enable wheelchair access to all parts of the seating area. There are also unisex toilets.

Opera Kitchen

The Pavilion is an accessible fine dining restaurant located in the corner of Domain park on Art Gallery Road. Step-free access is available upon entry and throughout the venue, which has plenty of accessible seating both inside and outside. There is an accessible toilet on site.
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

The Pavilion Restaurant

Nestled in the middle of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, this is an accessible restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine. There is a cafe on the lower level with outdoor seating, which is separate from this restaurant above. The venue itself doesn’t have accessible toilets, put accessible toilets are located opposite the restaurant front door, only 5 meters away.
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant

Palm House is an accessible indoor venue located in the Botanic Gardens. It was erected in 1876 and is the oldest glasshouse in New South Wales. Sheltered from the weather and full of natural light, the Palm House is ideal for exhibitions, garden weddings or corporate launches.
Palm House offers step-free access into and throughout the venue. There are no accessible toilets on site but you can find accessible toilets within the Botanic Garden. Cafes and restaurants are also situated in the Botanic Garden.
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

Palm House

St. Georges is an accessible open-air cinema located in the Botanic Gardens. The cinema runs for a few months every summer and then packs away for the rest of the year. Wheelchair access is available to the front row of the grandstand, the restaurant and bar, and there are toilet facilities. Please book your tickets as usual through Ticketmaster, on 136 100 or at the website. Once you have made your booking, please email them for assistance on the night. There is no wheelchair access to the corporate deck, and prams are not permitted in the grandstand. 
Designated bays are provided near The Royal Botanic Garden Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

St.George open air cinema

An accessible Cafe in the middle of the Botanic Gardens, underneath the (more expensive) Botanic Restaurant. 

The Botanic Gardens Café is set within lush garden surrounds and overhanging trees, overlooking the duck pond.

The café offers fresh light meals including gourmet sandwiches, salads, baked goods and great coffee.

Plenty of outdoor seating set in beautiful surrounding gardens. Also quite a lot of accessible indoor seating if it's bad weather.

Botanic Gardens Cafe

Separate and accessible Men's and Women's toilets 

Botanical Garden Accessible Toilets

A hard pathway enabling access to Wooloomooloo from the Domain/Art Gallery area via a road bridge with a lift at the end, 

Wooloomooloo/domain Pathway

The Australian Museum offers permanent galleries including the popular Dinosaurs exhibit, temporary and touring exhibitions; and has a collection of more than 18 million objects spanning culture and natural history.

The Australian Museum is fully accessible to visitors using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The main entrance features a ramp with no steps, ensuring easy access for disabled individuals and wheelchair users. Inside, two elevators connect all floors, allowing seamless navigation throughout the building. While most exhibition areas are step-free, the Westpac Long Gallery on the G floor includes some steps. The UG level houses a dining area that can also be accessed via a ramp or elevator. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on every floor, enhancing convenience for visitors. Although the museum does not have a dedicated parking lot, the nearest parking is located at 70 Riley St, Darlinghurst. 

Australian Museum

Two spaces with drop curb directly outside National Art Gallery.  

On-street accessible parking

The State Library of New South Wales is a historic and iconic cultural institution in Sydney. It houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and exhibits, offering a space for learning and exploration. The library is also a hub for research, events, and community engagement.

While the main entrance features several steps, a dedicated ramp on the right-hand side provides a wheelchair-friendly path to an elevator for entry. Inside, two elevators allow disabled and wheelchair users to access all floors, with no steps in any exhibition areas. Each level includes a disabled-access restroom, ensuring comfort and convenience. Although the library does not have its own parking, the nearest parking facility is located at Sydney Hospital. Overall, the library is highly accommodating for visitors with disabilities.

State Library of New South Wales

Large Venues

The Drama Theatre of the Sydney Opera House is on the ground floor level. It can be approached in one of two ways. Either through the main lift entrance underneath the Monumental Steps, or more directly, through the several pairs of automatic double glass doors that line the western side of the building.

Inside, are the three smaller theatres; The Drama Theatre, The Playhouse, and The Studio. Apart from the box office for these three theatres, there is a bar which also serves light food, ample seating, and the restaurant Midden, outside facing the western concourse.

There are two accessible toilets (with automatic doors) on this level. The main larger one by the lift up to the main box office and the larger theatres above, and a smaller toilet, much less used and hidden away between the Drama Theatre and the Playhouse.

Getting into the Drama Theatre is easy. The wide entry doors are close to the back row, with the wheelchair seating on either side, making it possible to move to your space at the very last minute, with the minimum of disruption.

Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre

The Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House is on the first floor. It is approached through the main lift entrance underneath the Monumental Steps (you will need to go through a security check). If you are coming from the lower ground level (with many bars and the car park), you take the same lift (once past security) to the first floor.

On the first floor, you turn right out of the main lift towards the main box office area. Here you will normally be greeted by an usher who will escort you down a corridor to another lift which takes you up another level to the main Concert Hall bar area.

Along the route, down this corridor, are two accessible toilets (with automatic doors).

When you arrive by lift up at the main bar area, it is a short distance, turning left to the wheelchair spaces at door 11 in the stalls, or a much longer distance, to the other side of the theatre to door 4 (if you want to make a quick exit after your show, it is definitely advisable to ask for door 11 spaces when booking).

If you are in the circle, you need to turn left out of the lift and continue straight on until you reach another lift to take you up another level (an usher will direct you because it can be confusing if crowded). There are more accessible toilets at the circle level.

Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

The Joan Sutherland Theatre of the Sydney Opera House is on the first floor. It is approached through the main lift entrance underneath the Monumental Steps (you will need to go through a security check). If you are coming from the lower ground level (with many bars and the car park), you take the same lift (once past security) to the first floor.

On the first floor, you turn right out of the main lift towards the main box office area. Here you will normally be greeted by an usher who will escort you towards a glass lift beyond the main steps up to the bar area.

Before taking the lift, you may want to use one of the two accessible toilets (with automatic doors) on this level. They are situated along the corridor to the Concert Hall (and your usher will show you).

When you arrive by lift up at the main bar area, it is a short distance, turning left to the wheelchair spaces at door 26 in the stalls, or a much longer distance, to the other side of the theatre to door 21 (if you want to make a quick exit after your show, it is definitely advisable to ask for door 26 spaces when booking).

Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre

Growing Friend's Nursery is a partially accessible plant shop located in the Botanic Gardens - next to the Maiden Theatre. There is step-free access into and around the shop, but loose soil on the ground may present problems for some wheelchair users. There are no accessible toilets on site but you can find accessible toilets within the Botanic Garden.
Accessible parking bays are provided near the Woolloomooloo Gate and outside the Art Gallery of NSW.

Growing Friend's Nursery

Bodhi is accessible for wheelchair users. A ramp provides step-free access from in front of St Mary’s Cathedral on College Street down to the venue. Some of Bodhi’s indoor and outdoor seating is inaccessible for wheelchair users, but the venue does have an accessible toilet.
The closest accessible toilets can be found in the Ensacon carpark on 2 Cathedral Street.

Bodhi Restaurant

Located on the ground floor of the gallery, Chiswick is an accessible restaurant. Entry to the gallery is partially accessible. You can't get to some of the tables.  However, there is still plenty of accessible seating and also an accessible unisex toilet. Outside tables are not available.
Two disabled parking spaces at front of the Gallery, two at rear.

Chiswick At The Gallery

Located next to the Macquarie Street entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Piccolo Me is an accessible outdoor cafe. Only accessible via the north side and the Gardens, the venue generously spaced outdoor seating. There is no toilet on site.

Piccolo Me Royal Botanic Gardens

Located at the edge of Hyde Park and next to the entrance to St James train station, Metro St James is an inaccessible cafe and restaurant. Steps around the perimeter of the property prevent wheelchair access and there is no portable ramp on site to assist.

Metro St James

Located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Maiden Theatre is an inaccessible venue for wheelchair users. There are steps preventing access at the theatre’s only entrance point and there is no portable ramp to assist with entry.

Maiden Theatre

Da Capo Courtyard Cafe is inaccessible due to a flight of steps at the entrance. However, there is an outside seating area which can be accessed by wheelchair.
The closest parking spots can be found in the carpark on Elizabeth Street.

In Royal Botanic GardensAccessible & Disability Friendly Places

25 fully accessible places

4 partially accessible places