Disabled Travelers Australia Series: Top Accessible Attractions in the Outback
Posted July 8th, 2010 in access guides and helpful information
An Australian farm in the countryside
Photo by: Timo Balk (Stock Exchange)
Thanks for popping in as Disabled Travelers continues its journey through the brush, building up toward the best Australia access guides on the ‘net.
Last time we talked about handicapped travel resources throughout the Outback, but Australia is a big country, so before we hit the cities in style, I thought we would highlight some of the most beloved tourist attractions all over the island and see which ones offer the most in accessibility.
Naturally, these trips will bring us right back to the Outback again, but after this, it’s on to the capital, Canberra, and then the largest metropolis, Sydney! Then we’ll check out Brisbane, and after that, who can tell?
Broken Hill: Broken Hill is a historic mining town in the western edge of New South Wales. It’s known for playing an important part in the development of BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, which began operations in 1860 under a different name. Today’s Broken Hill is a major attraction with its own well-known galleries, top-class hotels, and a wealth of things to see and do. Using the searchable list of accommodations provided on the website, you can find accessible hotels and get tour operator information directly from City Council, which you can also reach by email with your questions.
Uluru / Ayers’ Rock: Uluru, a large sandstone formation, is one of the most sacred Aboriginal sites anywhere in Australia. Part of Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park, it rises almost three thousand feet in the air and has a surface area almost six miles in circumference. Around the park, you can enjoy fully wheelchair accessible walks that offer well-maintained trails with full loops to and around the base of Uluru. Also see Uluru Travel Tips and Itineraries for more info on getting there, getting around, and staying nearby. From the main Australian government site linked above, you can also search accessibility info for a whole range of other cultural sites and natural wonders.
Monkey Mia: One of the most beautiful and well-known resorts anywhere in Australia, Monkey Mia in Western Australia is renowned for the up close and personal view of bottlenose dolphins at play that visitors can expect on a daily basis. Monkey Mia has no monkeys (the resort is named after a famous boat) but it is full of dolphins, and actually serves as a center of research on bottlenose dolphin behavior for the Australian government. Aside from this, the top-notch facilities include accessible restaurants, luxury rooms, and RV and tent camping in a lush, landscaped environment; about as friendly as you can get in the heart of the Australian Outback!
Broome: Broome is a pearling port where the traditional, pre-European culture of Australia comes alive in one of the most inviting natural settings anywhere on the continent. As a thriving center of tourism outside the major cities, it presents a whole panorama of events and terrific venues to stay, eat, and take in the local flavor. There are also observatories, perfectly preserved dinosaur footprints, and much more. Accessibility information is available directly from the nonprofit Broome Visitor Centre. Broome International Airport is your gateway to the town, and provides wheelchair rental.
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame: One of the biggest and best museums in Australia, this full-featured historic hall is devoted to Australia’s pioneers, adventurers, and Aboriginal inhabitants. Get a taste of the rugged and brave history of civilization in this often inhospitable land with galleries and exhibits exploring the land and people of Australia. Gardens, windmills, sculptures, and dams are also on show year around. The grounds and entire Hall of Fame complex are considered completely wheelchair accessible and welcome tourists from around the world both off-peak and on season.
Whoo! Now we’ve really scratched the surface of the Outback, and we’re ready to see Australia’s great cities beginning with our next post. Hope you’ve enjoyed Disabled Access: Australia so far! Catch you next time, and adventure on!
Si
