5 great accessible Melbourne attractions to visit in winter

1. Artistic fun: National Gallery of Victoria

Escape the elements and explore the world of art at the NGV. And there’s no better time with the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition. Check out Pierre Bonnard's iridescent paintings within immersive scenography by Paris-based designer India Mahdavi.

Location: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne (accessible tram stops are directly outside on St Kilda Rd)

Accessibility features:

• Accessible toilets on three levels

• Free wheelchairs, a motorised scooter, self-regulation fidget devices, magnifying sheets and coloured overlays are available for hire

• Audio-described and Auslan-interpreted tours are also available

• Wayfinding signage with braille and raised letters

• A Changing Places bathroom is located nearby Hamer Hall, about 300m from NGV International and 500m from the Ian Potter Centre

Full accessibility information.

2. Screen time: ACMI

Whether it’s the free exhibition or a thought-provoking movie there’s plenty to keep you entertained at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Federation Square this winter.

Location: Federation Square

Accessibility features:

• Accessible entrances (Flinders St and Federation Square)

• Lift offer access to all levels

• Wheelchair accessible toilets

• If you need to borrow a wheelchair for use, present your ID at the Tickets & Information Desk (located at Ground Floor and Level 1 respectively) and one will be organised for you free of charge.

• Free hearing devices are available for use in the ACMI Cinemas and Studios and can be borrowed on presentation of ID

Full accessibility information

3.Star gazing: Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks

Escape into outer space at the Melbourne Planetarium. With a 16m domed ceiling and a full dome projection system you’ll get the chance to feel totally immersed in this astronomical experience.

Location: 2 Booker St, Spotswood (ramp access from Spotswood Station)

Accessibility features:

• Accessible parking

• Accessible toilets

• Hearing loops available at a number of spaces at Scienceworks

• Scienceworks is an autism friendly museum. Maps available with high and low sensory spaces, quiet times and more.

Full accessibility information

4. Discovery time: Melbourne Museum

There’s always something new to learn and discover across history, culture and science at the Melbourne Museum. Be awed by huge dinosaur skeletons, enjoy the themed displays or check out one of the current special exhibitions such as Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature.

Location: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Accessibility features:

• Accessible parking

• Companion card accepted

• Wheelchairs are available free of charge form the foyer

• Accessible lifts

• Accessible toilets

• Assistive listening

Full accessibility information

5. Underwater world: Sea Life, Melbourne Aquarium

Just because it's too cold to head to the beach, doesn't mean you can’t check out sea life! In fact, the King penguins enjoy the chilly weather (they’re at home in Antarctica). You can also take the plunge and discover what lies beneath at the Dive into the Deep exhibition.

Location: Corner of Flinders and King St, Melbourne

Accessibility features:

• Wheelchair access to all exhibits

• Companion card accepted

• Each floor of the aquarium is accessible via either a lift or ramp.

• Accessible toilets

Full accessibility information