In Australia, January 26 is declared as Public Holiday. It is a day to remember the past and pay tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ survival. As NDIS Providers, We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Nowadays, some people celebrate this day differently. For people with disabilities, it is the day you may learn the past or explore places to visit. Continue reading to learn about best experiences, sights, and things to do in Melbourne for people with disabilities.
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm located at 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053. Melbourne museum is an autism friendly museum. They have available wheelchairs free of charge from the foyer at Melbourne Museum for your visit on a first-come basis on the day. They also have lift or ramp access.
Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition
You may visit their Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition. The exhibition features 200 authentic artefacts recovered from the wreck site. Set out on a journey to discover the inspiring stories from people who travelled and worked aboard the famous ship.
Recreations of the ship’s interiors, including the iconic Grand Staircase, provide an immersive experience of life onboard.
RELICS: A New World Rises
RELICS: A New World Rises is a series of old and forgotten objects that house miniature worlds made of LEGO®. Every exhibit transforms elaborate LEGO structures into one-of-a-kind items to arouse curiosity and bring back fond memories, encouraging viewers of all ages to discover the world within a world.
They are now at the Melbourne Museum until Sunday, 28th of January. Spend your holiday at the Museum. They have an Audio Description Tour designed for people who have visual impairment. Please be cautious as this exhibition contains flashing lights and access to small parts.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Museums Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal community collaborated on the First Peoples exhibition, which can be found at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Melbourne Museum. The First Peoples Yulendj Group of Elders and community representatives contributed their knowledge, stories, culture, objects, and images to the exhibition’s development.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre’s Indigenous Garden
Learn about the plants and waterways that are important to the Aboriginal people of south-east Australia, as well as the traditional uses of indigenous plants. This family trail will allow you to explore sculpture, a cave with Indigenous paintings, and live animals.
The self-guided trail leads through the Milarri Garden and into the Forest Gallery, where you can experience aspects of a forest environment while learning about indigenous flora and fauna at nine different stops.
ACMI
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located at Fed Square, Melbourne, Australia. They have paid and free exhibitions.
If you want to explore the journey through the past, present and future of the moving image with interactive experiences and captivating stories. You must visit their free exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image, at Gallery 1, Ground Floor, ACMI, Fed Square.
Suited for visitors with ASD, sensory sensitivities or anyone who would benefit from a quieter and less busy setting, the relaxed visit gives you a chance to explore the incredible new exhibition in an environment that suits you.
Relaxed visits
- have adjusted sound and lighting in some exhibits to ensure less stimulation
- have reduced visitor numbers in the exhibition
- have a dedicated quiet room & meltdown room.
They have many other films and exhibitions to see. You may visit their website. The museum offers free wheelchairs. Read more how the museum is accessible to all.
Melbourne Zoo
All members and visitors must reserve a ticket online. You will be unable to purchase tickets at the gate. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm. It is located at Elliott Ave, Parkville 3052.
Wander through an Asian village and garden setting to see Asian elephants or submerge in an underwater world to see Victoria’s native penguin species and Australian fur seal.
There are also interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about the zoo’s animals, the fight to keep wildlife from extinction, and what you can do to help.
Children under the age of 16 are admitted for free every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays, and on Victorian public holidays.
People with disabilities who have carer or companion cards get free admission for their carers. To plan around busy, noisy, and strong-smelling areas of the zoo, download the Melbourne Zoo Sensory map before going.
ArtVo
ArtVo challenges the traditional art exhibition experience. This gallery is full of optical illusions. From the ocean to outer space, you can literally place yourself in the picture. Tickets are valid for the day, allowing you to go at your own pace and take breaks as needed. Seating is available near the entrance.
The District Docklands entrance is accessible via a lift from the ground floor. The 1400 square metre space is wheelchair accessible. There are accessible toilets throughout the precinct, the closest to ArtVo being at the Star Circus. The most easily accessible parking is on the west side, off Pearl River Road.
Plan your visit
Before visiting the places listed above and others during the public holiday, you should conduct research on the location, operating hours, whether the event is paid or free, and accessibility for people with disabilities. You’ve done your research and are prepared, but you don’t want to go to these places alone. You can contact us, OASES Community Carers, to arrange for someone to accompany you at these events.