Live and Learn

Newcastle Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Newcastle and the Hunter, and to explore the wonders of science and the natural world.

The museum has a variety of exhibits, including the Supernova interactive science exhibit, which explores the science of light, sound, and energy. The museum regularly hosts special programs, community workshops, skills building activities and events for all ages.

With a strong focus on accessibility, Newcastle Museum offers noise reducing headphones available at the services counter, disability friendly exhibitions and good support for those in wheelchairs.

Get back to nature

The Hunter Wetlands Centre is a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary located in Shortland that's a great place for day trips.

The Centre is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including over 200 species of birds, as well as mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors to the centre can explore the wetlands through a range of activities, including walking trails, birdwatching, and canoeing.

The Centre also has a number of educational facilities, including a visitor Centre, an environmental research laboratory, and a range of educational programs and activities.

The walking trails in the Centre are graded as 'easy' and guided buggy tours are available to support those with disability. Hearing and guide dogs are welcome as long as this is arranged prior to visiting.

The baths are situated on a scenic stretch of coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean and are one of the city's most popular attractions. The complex consists of two large saltwater pools, a children's pool, and an enclosed area for swimming and training.

The larger of the two pools, known as the "ocean pool," is 50 meters in length and is situated right next to the ocean, offering swimmers the chance to experience the thrill of swimming in the sea, while also enjoying the safety and convenience of a pool.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths complex also includes changing facilities, showers, lifeguard support, a kiosk for snacks and drinks and a special access ramp for easy wheelchair access.

Enjoy a Bit of Retail Therapy

The Newcastle City Farmers Market is a popular community market held every Sunday from 7am to 1pm at the Newcastle Showground. It features a range of stalls selling fresh, locally produced food and other products, with a focus on sustainable and ethical farming practices.

The Olive Tree Market is a monthly community art and design market held on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm at Civic Park in Newcastle. The market features a wide range of stalls selling handmade and locally produced arts, design, and fashion items, as well as gourmet food and drink products.

Get Into Some Activities with Physical Benefits

Sailability offers an additional level of support, an established network of volunteers, a day program and equipment to assist people with disability to get involved in sailing.

Both Toronto and Belmont sailing clubs offer Sailability programs. This is a great way to get active, build skills and independence, make new friends and enjoy the magic of sailing.

The Hunter Valley has an active Special Olympics Club that provides a range of sporting, recreation and social for people with disability to help you get involved, encourage participation and make new friends.

It offers Athletics in the summer day program at Glendale Sports Centre; swimming at Kurrir Kurri Aquatic Centre, Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools and Cessnock Swim Centre; a basketball program at various locations and bocce at Charlestown Bowling Club.

Interact with Animals

Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter Riding for the Disabled Centre provides an equine assisted program for people with a disability to help build skills and confidence.

The aim of the program is to help all people get involved in whatever way they're comfortable and to develop a rider’s physical and social skills through the enjoyment of horses.

At Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary you can learn about koalas and the threats they face. You can walk amongst the beautiful Australian bush and see koalas in their natural environment doing what they do best – sleeping and eating. The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible.

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters offers something you certainly can't experience staying in your own home and isn't for those who are faint of heart! At this marine life conservation centre, you can get in the water and have a private encounter with Irukandji's beautiful and friendly Zebra Sharks.

You can also learn about the local wildlife and sealife and how to get involved to the conservation effort.

Wine Tasting and Gourmet Recreational Activities

As arguably Australia's premier wine making region, it's hard to go past wine tasting as the number one activity to do in the Hunter.

There are too many wineries to list here and many are wheelchair accessible and cater to those with disabilities such as Tulloch wines in Pokolbin. You can visit these wineries by yourself, with a carer or with friends. See Hunter Valley Wine Country - Official Tourism Site Australia.

Alternatively, you could book a wheelchair accessible tour that takes you to a number of wineries.

How can Focus Care help?

Focus Care is a registered NDIS service provider, offering personalised support tailored to your needs and preferences. We can join you for an outing - or suggest ways to support your next adventure. Getting out and enjoying great day activities is a fantastic way to boost your self esteem, connect with your community and help you live your best life.

Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered. If you’re outside of the Hunter – or planning an broader excursion – check out our top activities in Sydney and Melbourne.

If you are looking for a service provider which offers Support Coordination, assistance with daily life, creative therapies, and more, contact us today.