Feature by Western Australia


We’ve rounded up the best and newest accessible experiences to have in Western Australia – on the ground, in the water, and in the sky.


Embark on a journey through Western Australia's inclusive and accessible tourism landscape, where adventure knows no bounds. Explore Port Geographe's Swan Dive, wheelchair-friendly beaches from Cottesloe to Ningaloo Reef, and Optus Stadium's Vertigo for high-flying thrills. Nature paths in national parks and cultural venues like Perth Zoo and WA Museum Boola Bardip cater to diverse needs. Join us as we explore a realm where adventure, nature, and culture welcome all.


On and in the water

Swan Dive in Port Geographe, Busselton (Undalup) is working with Disabled Divers International (DDI) to offer an all abilities diving program, where people can develop skills right up to becoming certified as an open water diver.  It’s added a mobility friendly vessel to its fleet for diving.


Getting on the Busselton Jetty train on Busselton Jetty in Busselton

Busselton Jetty, Busselton


More and more beaches in Western Australia are also becoming wheelchair-friendly, with beach wheelchairs available for free use at Cottesloe, City and Sorrento beaches in Perth, as well as Hillarys Boat Harbour. The Rottnest Island Authority also hires out beach wheelchairs free of charge.

The wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) can also be experienced at Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay on the Coral Coast with free beach wheelchair hire.

A hugely popular activity in Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap) at this time of the year is the annual Christmas Lights Cruise, which coasts along the Mandurah waterways to see the incredible light display by the waterfront houses. Mandurah Cruises offers a sensory-friendly cruise with no music, dimmed light and fewer guests.


High-flying adventure

Vertigo is the newest tourism experience being offered at Optus Stadium in Perth (Boorloo). Visitors can traverse a rail-free platform, suspended more than 40 metres above the playing field.  The experience is wheelchair-friendly, with a lift to the top of the world’s most beautiful stadium offering panoramic views of Perth and the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan).


Vretigo experience at The Ozone at Optus Stadium in Perth

Ozone at Optus Stadium, Perth


For those wanting the thrill of flying, iFly Perth welcomes people of all abilities for an epic indoor skydiving experience. It says there are very few reasons why someone can’t ‘ifly’ and its goal is to deliver the ‘dream of flight’ to everyone.


Nature and animal lovers paradise

Perth Zoo is a former winner of the Companion Card Affiliate of the Year award, recognising its commitment to ensuring the zoo is enjoyable, comfortable and accessible. It has a free, symbol-based map, highlighting  its facilities including interactive and sensory experiences, as well as rest areas, and aural keeper talks, so people with a range of needs can plan their visit.

Off the Beaten Track in Perth offers a ‘Hike-Ability’ program, giving people living with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature through bespoke experiences with their experienced guides – from easy, short hikes through to muti-day treks for individuals or groups.

And speaking of getting out in nature – national parks throughout Western Australia have accessible paths and viewing decks. In Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Sugarloaf Rock lookout includes a 3.5km path from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse at the beginning (or end) of Margaret River’s spectacular Cape to Cape Track.


Jaimen Hudson on a hike in the South West

Off the Beaten Track tour, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park


Also in In Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Ngligi Cave Ancient Lands experience officially opened last Friday 24 November, welcoming visitors to embark on a journey to discover the 600-million-year story associated with the Margaret River Region and its people. It’s a series of interactive installations woven throughout the natural bushland paying homage to the landscape's formation, the limestone caves, the 60,000-year custodianship of the Wadandi people, and the flora and fauna found in the region. For those wanting to go further into one of the incredible caves in the Margaret River Region, Mammoth Cave  has a long boardwalk entrance to the first chamber.


People walking through the Ancient Lands Experience in the Margaret River Region

Ancient Lands Experience, Margaret River Region


The Valley of the Giants in Walpole-Nornalup National Park is an incredible treetop walk, suspended 40-metres above the forest floor. It’s also recently reopened the Ancient Empire Walk following upgrades to make it wheelchair accessible for 400 metres.  Valley of the Giants also has complimentary wheelchair and stroller hire.

Other national park viewing decks to check out include The Gap in Albany’s (Kinjarling) Torndirrup National Park and the Kalbarri Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park.


Arts and Culture

WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth and the WA Maritime Museum can both tailor an experience for visitors with accessible needs. This includes sensory maps and quiet spaces; and sensory backpacks for children. An Auslan interpreter is also available on request.  


People exploring the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth

WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth


His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth offers tactile tours for its patrons where they’re escorted onto the set to get a feel for the costumes and set, so they know where actors will enter.

Meanwhile, upgrades at the National ANZAC Centre in Albany opened this year, further improving accessibility.



Published February 2024.