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. 

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


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

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is accessible to wheelchair users. There is step-free access into the venue, to the changing rooms and to the cafe. The walkway to the entrance has a shallow incline to the reception area. The walkway is wide and accessible for wheelchair users and those using mobility aids. 

There are handrails on either side of the walkway and the floor is studded to prevent falls or slips. There is also one unisex family room and an accessible change room and bathroom facility at the centre. There is a 30cm blocked lip on the edge of the pool. You can find an inclined ramp at the shallow end of the pool for ease of accessibility for those that may find the 30cm blocked lip limits their access.

If required there is a mobility ladder and accessibility hoist situated in the shallow end of the 50-metre lap swimming pool. Please notify staff if you require assistance in accessing the pool with the aid of the hoist.

There is also a designated accessible parking space adjacent to the entrance and there is street parking available along Mrs Macquarie’s Road next to the centre.

The centre is seasonal and opens from 1 September to 30 April
Opening hours during the season are 
Monday–Sunday 6am–7pm (Non-daylight saving)
Monday–Sunday 6am–8pm (Daylight saving) 
Public holidays 7am- 7pm. 
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday 

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool

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 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

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

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

Otto Restaurant offers elegant Italian cuisine and tasting menus served in a stylish setting with a waterfront terrace. Otto is located at the end of the Woolloomooloo promenade.

The venue is quite spacious and accommodates wheelchair users, allowing them to enter and enjoy the fabulous dishes and dining experience. The entrance is at the same level as the promenade, forming a flat surface that makes it easy to access. The outdoor terrace connects directly with the Wharf, so you can simply walk in with your mobility device and ask for a table. The staff will ensure that they provide you with the most suitable seating. You can choose to sit outside or indoors, depending on your preference. While there is ample seating space, it is advisable to call ahead or make a reservation to inform them of your arrival and any specific needs you may have.

Accessible toilets can be found in the venue next door. The entrance is at the waterfront wharf level, and if you inform the staff, they will open the fire safety door for you and assist you through without any issues. You will need to cross two doors, one leading to the back of the aforementioned venue where the accessible toilets are located.

For parking, the nearest facility is Secure Parking, located at 1 Lincoln Crescent in Woolloomooloo

OTTO Ristorante

Two spaces with drop curb directly outside National Art Gallery.  

On-street accessible parking

Artspace Visual Arts Centre is an universally accessible space dedicated to the production and presentation of contemporary art in a critical context.  

 Situated on the waterfront between the escarpment of Potts Point and the Domain Hill.  The entrance to Artspace is easily accessible for wheelchairs, prams and buggies. There is lift access from the ground floor to the first and second floors in The Gunnery building.

Pedestrian access from the Art Gallery of New South Wales to Artspace is via public stairs next to the Ausgrid substation on Lincoln Crescent. Disabled access is via steep gradient behind the Art Gallery of New South Wales onto a pedestrian bridge to a lift on Bourke Street. If you wish to avoid steps, they recommend you come by car, taxi or bus.

Artspace has accessible restrooms in each floor that are easy to reach. At the back of the furthest art room on the ground floor you can find wide accessible toilets. In the first floor, after the lift you turn left and after the corridor you can find accessible toilets. Signs are provided.

Open Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Artspace is closed on Mondays and on the following public holidays: Easter Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day.

Admission to exhibitions and public programs is always free.

There is limited metered parking available at the entrance to Artspace on Cowper Wharf Road and at the rear of the building on Bland Street. The publicly accessible Domain Car Park is approximately a 10 minute walk from Artspace.

Other accessible toilets can be found at Wallamulla Park, Kings Cross Library & The Calyx.

Artspace

The Tilbury Hotel features tastefully decorated rooms that provide a comfortable stay, with modern amenities designed to cater to the needs of travelers and those enjoying a modern pub atmosphere. Its renovated decor maintains the charm of an old pub, complemented by an outdoor terrace inside the venue, which includes a small waterfall—creating a relaxing and peaceful environment on sunny days.

The hotel has a small step at the main entrance; we believe it is easily accessible but may present some challenges without assistance.

There is also a covered outdoor area at the front that connects to a shared pedestrian space with a wharf view. Inside, the spaces between tables are spacious, making mobility easy.

The venue offers accessible toilets that are quite spacious and easy to navigate, located right next to the indoor terrace.

The Tilbury Hotel

The Bells Hotel in Woolloomooloo is a popular spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and inviting outdoor area. the bar is partly accessible friendly. The entrance features a small bump but nothing to worry about. Even though you will be able to enter the venue, unfortunately, the restrooms aren’t fully accessible either; the ladies' room has a significant step to enter, while the male restroom is usable but narrow.

As for the counters, they aren’t too high, so if you need assistance, the friendly staff are always ready to lend a hand.. While table service isn’t typically offered, the staff is always willing to help, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything. Overall, while there are some accessibility concerns, the welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff make it a pleasant place to visit

Bells Hotel

Bar Woolloomoolloo welcomes guests to an impressive hotel situated on a historic wharf, seamlessly blending modern style with a calming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a work lunch, a productive workspace, or reminiscing with friends.

Located within the Ovolo Hotel complex, Bar Woolloomoolloo features wide automatic glass doors at its flat entrance. To access the bar on the first level, guests should continue further inside to find the lifts located on either side of the staircase. For those who prefer, a lift chair is also available on the right side of the stairs, conveniently located next to the restrooms.

Restrooms are located on the ground floor of the building, including accessible facilities that are well-equipped for users. Additional ambulant toilets can also be found on the premises.

The expansive space surrounding the wharf has been transformed into a hotel and bar on the first level, accommodating mobility devices for all guests.

At Bar Woolloomoolloo, guests can indulge in a selection of carefully portioned, bistro-inspired bar bites that highlight high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. Each dish is expertly prepared to satisfy cravings while enjoying time at the bar.

Bar Woolloomooloo

L'Expresso House is a small but very popular café located at the corner of the Woolloomooloo neighborhood, featuring charming decor inspired by the navy and sailors. The café entrance is flat, allowing mobility devices to access its cozy interior,  it might be a bit narrow and you will have to slowly turn into the right to get further. Inside, there are tables and chairs arranged closely together, leaving limited space to navigate.

We believe there is a chance to secure a nice spot if mobility aids are of manageable size. Our advice is to enjoy the outdoor tables or opt for takeaway, which you can order at the counter without issues. Although the counter is a bit high, the staff are happy to assist. You can always take a walk around the wharf afterward.

Please note that the café has no restrooms; the closest facilities can be found at the Ovolo precinct across the road.

L'Expresso House

Woolley Bay Hotel is a stunning Australian-style hotel inspired by old sailing traditions, spread across multiple levels. 

Inside the hotel, the layout is generally open and spacious, allowing for easy navigation in most areas. The hotel offers full accessibility for everyone, featuring a lift that provides seamless access to all levels of the venue, from the ground floor to the rooftop.

The ground floor includes an outdoor terrace and a flat entrance with wide thresholds, inviting everyone to enter and enjoy craft beer and pub specials while having a good time.

The second floor houses Artuor’s restaurant, which is elegant and infused with a touch of Italian romance. This floor also has an outdoor area; however, it is not accessible as it involves several steps leading down to the terrace level. Nonetheless, the lift allows you to reach the main dining area without any issues. The second floor provides breathtaking views, and the indoor and outdoor rooftop areas are all on the same level as the lift and restrooms.

Woolley Bay Hotel offers accessible and spacious restrooms on each floor, ensuring that you will not encounter any accessibility issues, allowing you to fully enjoy your leisure time.

Woolly Bay Hotel

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

When you arrive at Woolloomooloo Wharf, the first venue you'll encounter is China Doll. Elegantly positioned in a curated manner, the restaurant showcases a sophisticated pan-Asian style. 

China Doll extends its seating onto the wharf, connecting seamlessly with the promenade.

The restaurant offers a variety of seating options on its waterfront terrace. While many tables are placed close together, both on the terrace and in the open indoor space, the staff is attentive and can arrange tables to ensure a comfortable dining experience.

The entrance is at ground level, however somewhat narrow. Individuals using mobility devices that are not overly wide can maneuver through easily and select a spot for a lovely meal by the water. However, be cautious of the seagulls!

Please note that the toilets are not accessible, as they are located on the first floor and require climbing stairs.

For parking, the nearest facility is Secure Parking, located at 1 Lincoln Crescent in Woolloomooloo.

China Doll

Manta Restaurant is  the adjacent venue to Molo Bar in Woolloomooloo Wharf. The venue has won many awards for its dishes and wines.  You can enjoy full delicious menus or if you fancy more snacks, you can nib from the Molo Bar snack menu next to you.
 

The disposition of tables is perfectly arranged with the formality of the restaurant decorations, matching the Molo bar right next to the restaurant.

Tables and chairs are separated from each other but just generously enough to have a nice experience. The sitting area can be reached from the Wharf promenade if you instantly decide to join the venue after falling in love with its accessibility possibilities and its menu.

The restaurant has toilets located in the upstairs area, therefore accessible toilets are available. 

The disabled bathroom of the Wharf can be found at the very end of the promenade, the staff of Kingsleys restaurant will allow you in through the fire security door. 

Manta Restaurant

Kingsley's Restaurant, located at the very end of the Woolloomooloo promenade wharf, is a well-renowned establishment specializing in grilled steaks and seafood. It offers an incredible culinary experience in its spacious venue, which features plenty of seating options and generous space, making it the closest restaurant to accessible toilets.

The accessible toilets at the wharf are situated within the complex of this venue. Instead of crossing the entire restaurant, it is best to request that the fire security door be opened and to ask for assistance with the doors, as they are not automatic.

The venue provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance at ground level and offers numerous tables in its outdoor spaces that are linked to the wharf. Additionally, you can navigate through the venue's flat surfaces until you find a suitable table.

Kingsleys Woolloomooloo

The Library Bar is an entertaining place, full of joy, that makes you feel like part of the scene and conjures a sense of friendship in an accessible atmosphere. You enter through Shakespeare Place, into a very wide open space with a corridor that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The entrances are flat, and after passing through the corridor, you’ll find a lift to the left that takes you directly upstairs. This leads to the main entrance, with open thresholds and a smooth, flat surface.

The venue itself is wide and spacious, making it easy to navigate. At the bar, the counter is a little high, but the good part is that they offer table service. You can simply scan the QR code from your table, and they’ll bring the drinks or food directly to you.

If you’d like to freshen up or check your makeup, the accessible toilets are located in the open terrace area, just past the bar. They are spacious, fitted with manual doors, and include a handrail on the left-hand side.

For those who want to go even higher, you can take the inner lift to the upper level of the bar, where you’ll feel closer to the sky — and, if you’re lucky, even spot a shooting star.

Enjoy your stay in this lovely and inspiring place, touched with a hint of aristocratic charm.

The Library Bar

♿ Royal Botanic Garden Sydney – Accessibility Summary

Most areas are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids

Hard paved pathways cover the main garden routes

A few steep sections (especially near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair)

Soft grassy areas in lawns and picnic spots

Accessible picnic areas with large, open, mostly flat lawns

Accessible cafés and shops: Palm Grove Centre Café, The Calyx Café, Garden Shop & Visitor Centre

Accessible toilets at Visitor Centre, Palm Grove Centre, Mare and Foal Lawn, and The Calyx

Free manual wheelchair hire available (book in advance at reception, Mrs Macquaries Road)

Accessible parking bays near Woolloomooloo Gate and Art Gallery of NSW

Additional parking on Mrs Macquarie’s Road and Hospital Road (free with Mobility Permit)

Public transport and Opera House access routes connect easily to the Garden

Well signposted with clear maps and directional signs

Free app and audio tours available for self-guided navigation

Guided walks offered daily (accessible routes included)

Covers 30 hectares — very spacious and open

Clean, well-maintained, and landscaped for easy movement

Seating and rest points along major paths

No special key or permit required for general access

Good visibility and signage throughout the grounds

Use Woolloomooloo Gate or Government House Gate for the easiest entry

Choose flat waterfront loop paths for obstacle-free travel

Avoid upper or hilly sections if you prefer level ground

Bring a companion if exploring steeper areas

Plan with the official accessibility map or app before visiting

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

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

Poolside Cafe is located at the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool on Mrs Macquaries Road on the fringe of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Watch the lapping swimmers from behind the café’s floor to ceiling glass windows or the open-air terrace. There is a disabled parking spot available adjacent to the pool staff parking area for easy level entry into the venue. Accessible toilets are located on the lower pool level and can be accessed via lift.

Poolside Cafe (Andrew Boy Charlton Pool)

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

The Frisco Hotel, located on the edge of a quiet neighborhood, presents some challenges for entry due to its age and the lack of recent renovations. As a result, the main entrance has two moderate steps almost impossible for any mobility device, so that can hinder mobility for some individuals, although others may be able to enter with a bit of assistance. Inside, there are spacious corridors, but the restrooms are not accessible.

This restaurant and bar offers a unique dining experience where you order food and drinks directly at the counter, and the staff is happy to help if needed. Although it is not fully adapted for mobility-impaired individuals, you can always enjoy a drink at their outdoor tables.

Frisco Hotel

Charlie’s Café in Woolloomooloo is a small venue with a humble outdoor seating area that provides the perfect setting for enjoying a morning coffee or leisurely brunch while taking in views of the harbor. The venue has a few steps leading up to the only entrance, which faces the water and Woolloomooloo Bay.

The difficulty of entering the venue may restrict some guests from fully enjoying the experience or accessing the restrooms. However, there are toilets located right across the road in the Ovolo precinct, where the hotel is situated.

Charlies Cafe

Harry’s cafe on Wheels is a well-known location for takeaway and Australian-style street food, proudly serving customers in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, next to the Naval Harbour. This spot, located at the main entrance of the naval base in Sydney, offers a variety of pies and other handheld bites, along with drinks, making it perfect for a quick lunch break or grabbing a snack on the go.

The counter is slightly high, but the staff is more than willing to assist if needed. The designated seating areas are restricted and may not be spacious enough for a wheelchair. The high dining booths, along with their chairs, are positioned quite close to the counter and to one another, which can make movement a bit tight. However, there are some benches right in front of the kiosk where you can enjoy a quick snack or coffee while seated comfortably.

Harry's Café de Wheels - Woolloomooloo

Sienna Marina is a charming waterfront café and restaurant located in Woolloomooloo. Known for its beautiful views of the harbor and vibrant atmosphere, it serves as a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy an early coffee, lunch, or dinner. The nearby Artspace complex adds to the allure, making it a great location to take an artistic break while enjoying views of the harbor.

The venue is quite spacious, featuring both indoor and outdoor areas. The terrace is at a higher level, accessed by some steps at the entrance of the café. However, on the right-hand side of the café, as you face the harbor, you'll find a comfortable outdoor area where you can relax. There are cozy chairs and ample armchairs for your enjoyment.

The restrooms are located inside the venue, but there are no designated accessible toilets. If you can manage the step at the main entrance, you can follow the signs on the right side of the entry toward the toilets. The restrooms are adapted, and the path to them is flat and step-free.

Sienna Marina

Mollo Bar is an Italian bar located at Woolloomooloo Wharf, where guests can enjoy their favorite Italian digestifs or any drink of their choice. The bar is accessible from the Wharf since it is adjacent to the promenade. However, seating options are limited depending on the season of the year, having mainly high tables for some ongoing events.

The decor is always current, creating a vibrant atmosphere, and the staff are professional and attentive. The seating is organized based on the available space within the venue, with some tables predominantly situated on the terrace, which serves as the main seating area. The bar offers an open space, perfect for enjoying a relaxing moment outdoors.
 

For the Aperol pop-up during summer months, individuals who cannot stand may find it challenging to enjoy the experience, as all the tables are designed for standing or for sipping drinks while perched at high tables.

Additionally, there are no toilets available in the bar, as it is simply an extension of the Mantra Restaurant next door. Guests can easily change between the two venues by moving seats if needed.

Royal Botanic GardensAccessible & Disability Friendly Places

26 fully accessible places

9 partially accessible places