Discover the best that Sydney has to offer with our top activities designed for adults with disabilities. From breathtaking views and vibrant music scenes to serene natural escapes and engaging community events, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to explore, connect, and thrive in this wonderful city. Get ready to step out and make the most of Sydney’s accessible and inclusive experiences!

Best Activities for…

While we offer a breakdown of the best local events, outdoor activities, and opportunities for social connections below, here we have provided a list more suitable to specific disabilities. Whether you are looking for leisure activities or physical activities, we’ve got you covered!

Activities for People with Mental Health Disabilities

• The Royal Botanic Gardens: Spending time in nature boosts mental health and provides a serene environment.

• Therapeutic Horticulture Programs: Engaging with nature through gardening offers therapeutic benefits and stress relief.

• Outdoor Meditation and Yoga: These activities promote relaxation and mental well-being in a supportive environment.

• Mental Health Support Groups: Provides a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving support from peers.

• Art Therapy Programs: Encourages creative expression and emotional healing through art.

Activities for People with Physical Disabilities

• The Sydney Tower Eye: Fully wheelchair accessible, offering breathtaking views of the city.

• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: Inclusive with Auslan guided tours and handrails, suitable for wheelchair users.

• Accessible Swimming Pools: Equipped with ramp and hoist access, ideal for exercise and relaxation.

• Wheelchair Basketball: Adaptive sport promoting physical fitness and social interaction.

• Seated Exercise Classes: Designed for individuals with physical disabilities to stay active and fit.

Activities for People with Intellectual Disabilities

• The Gig Buddies: Pairs individuals with a volunteer buddy to enjoy social activities based on mutual interests.

• Art Gallery of NSW: Offers tactile and sensory tours for an inclusive art experience.

• Achieve Australia's ‘Friday Hangout': Social gatherings for making friends and participating in fun activities.

• Soundball Tennis: Adaptive tennis programs tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

• Sydney Opera House ‘Relaxed' Performances: Modified performances with adjusted sound and lighting for a comfortable experience.

Best Disability Activities Near Me in Sydney

#1 See your city from above

Sometimes it's fun to be a tourist in your own town.

• The Sydney Tower Eye

Experience 360-degree views of Sydney from the top of the Sydney Tower Eye. The main observation area is entirely wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for people with diverse abilities. This iconic attraction ensures full wheelchair access and provides support workers if needed.

• Sydney Harbour Bridge

The BridgeClimb provides many inclusive experiences: Auslan guided tours, hearing loops, continuous handrails, and a lift scheduled to be installed later this year! If you're a Sydneysider, you can currently get a discounted climb. This is a fantastic way to participate in a thrilling activity with excellent wheelchair access.

#2 Hit the music scene

Sydney's top music venues run many programs with inclusion in mind. The below locations offer accessible tours, wheelchair seats, Auslan interpreters, ‘relaxed' performances, closed captioning, and audio descriptions (most will also accept the Companion Card).

• Sydney Opera House: A must-visit for any music lover, offering comprehensive accessibility features including wheelchair access and support for sensory impairments.

• Sydney Theatre Company: Committed to providing equal access, the Sydney Theatre Company offers wheelchair-accessible seating, Auslan-interpreted performances, and hearing loops. The Roslyn Packer Theatre at Walsh Bay is fully accessible and ensures all visitors can enjoy the productions.

• Ensemble Theatre: Ensemble Theatre offers wheelchair access to all public areas, including the auditorium, box office, and café. They provide assistive listening devices and accommodate requests for Auslan interpreters for specific performances.

• City Recital Hall: This venue provides comprehensive accessibility features, including wheelchair seating, accessible restrooms, and hearing loops. They also offer Companion Card acceptance and have a dedicated team to assist with access requirements.

If you're interested in some festival fun, the Sydney Festival or Vivid festival transforms the city with art, music, dance and theatre experiences each year. Many ‘relaxed' performances are designed for adults with disabilities and usually have modified sound, lighting, support aids and dedicated quiet areas.

#3 Explore the art world

Sydneysiders of all abilities can enjoy the city's art and culture. Most of Sydney's galleries and museums provide mobility access, free entry to Companion Card holders, and accessible tours and programs.

• The Museum of Contemporary Art

The MCA works to connect people with disability and access requirements with contemporary art. Of particular note is their Bella Program, which offers free activities for disabled adults, allowing them to experience the art and engage creatively.

• The Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW supports all-inclusive art experiences. They offer tactile and sensory tours, as well as Auslan and audio-described tours, making it accessible for people with sensory impairments.

• The Australian Museum

The Australian Museum welcomes all visitors regardless of their ability. They offer quiet time sessions as well as tactile and sensory tours. There is no cost to enter, so if you've been wondering about free activities for disabled adults in Sydney, this could be the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.

#4 Reconnect with nature

Extensive research has shown that spending time outdoors can boost physical and mental health in a range of ways. Living with a disability should not prevent anyone from getting outside to soak up the benefits of nature.

• The Royal Botanic Gardens

One of Sydney's best places to enjoy the outdoors. With no admission fee, this is another of the city's excellent free activities for disabled adults in Sydney. Plan your day, find mobility parking, and read about wheelchair access on their website.

• Taronga Zoo

Another great fresh air option! Taronga is located on Sydney's north shore and is accessible via a short ferry ride from Circular Quay with roll-on/off access. On select days throughout the year, Taronga hosts ‘Access Taronga' days, welcoming guests with autism to enjoy the peace of the zoo before it opens to the public.

#5 Engage community activities

Social interaction is key to maintaining overall wellbeing. If you or your loved one have any form of disability, community connection could be a step towards leading a happier and more meaningful life. 

One of the benefits of living in a city is that there are many social groups for adults with disabilities.  A quick Google search will help you find appropriate groups based on age, ability and interest. Check out any of the following as a starting point:

• The Gig Buddies matches one of their volunteers to an adult with a disability in Sydney. Buddies are paired based on mutual interests and go out once a month for a year (or longer). 

• The Centre For Disability Studies hosts catch-ups where people of all abilities can build friendships, socialise, and get more confidence. This group meets in accessible locations across Sydney.

• Achieve Australia runs ‘Friday Hangout' sessions – social gatherings where adults with disabilities can make new friends and participate in enjoyable activities.

• Focus care offers a range of therapeutic programs which can be enjoyed in engaging group settings. Available in Sydney (and online), these social groups for adults with disabilities range from art therapy to dance to music.

There will be times when you aren't able to get out and socialise (and times when you just won't feel like it). Luckily, you can stay connected from the comfort of your home. Consider using video call platforms (Zoom, Facetime) to see loved ones. Engaging in meaningful conversations with people you know and trust provides an invaluable sense of belonging and well-being.

While you're trying new tech, why not download one of the best new apps for people with a disability? You may find a new technology to support you next time you go out. 

#6 Get active

For some individuals, sport and fitness may seem out of reach. However, Sydney is host to various sporting activities for adults with disabilities. From sound ball tennis to chair yoga, there's a range of programs to suit everyone.

• What's On?

Sydney's ‘What's On' website has an ever-evolving list of inclusive sports and recreation activities. Keep an eye on it for the most up-to-date information.

• Workout at home

Due to COVID-19, many Australians have had to explore new ways of living (currently in isolation? Read our Dealing with a pandemic blog for tips on getting through lockdown). For exercise, many have turned to online workouts as an innovative way to keep active. You can also check out Disability Sports Australia's extensive list of online fitness resources

• Accessible Swimming Pools

Sydney offers several wheelchair-accessible swimming pools with ramp and hoist access. Check out locations such as the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre or the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre for accessible swim sessions.

• Wheelchair Basketball

Sydney also has various clubs and facilities offering wheelchair basketball, a great way to stay active and meet new friends in your local area.

• Seated Exercise Classes

Many gyms and community centres in Sydney offer seated exercise classes, which are perfect for individuals with physical disabilities who want to stay active and fit. These classes cater to different ability levels and help improve overall health and wellbeing.

• Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Many community gardens and parks offer therapeutic horticulture programs. These programs are designed to help individuals with disabilities engage with nature, grow their own food, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

#7 Indoor Activities

• Board Games and Craft Sessions

Many community centers and local libraries in Sydney host board game nights and craft sessions. These indoor activities are great for socialising, developing new skills, and having fun.

• Online Communities

For those times when getting out isn't possible, joining online communities can be a great way to stay connected. Many Sydney-based groups offer virtual meetups, discussions, and activities that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.

• Local Markets

Exploring local markets can be a fun and inclusive activity. Many markets in Sydney offer wheelchair access and are a great way to enjoy local culture, food, and crafts.

#8 Special Events and Programs

• Sydney Festival and Vivid Festival

These annual events transform the city with art, music, dance, and theatre experiences. Many performances are designed for adults with disabilities and usually have modified sound, lighting, support aids, and dedicated quiet areas.

• Community Events and Local Area Programs

Check out community centers for a range of activities and events tailored for adults with disabilities. From social skills workshops to art skills development programs, there are numerous opportunities to engage and participate in local community life.

How can Focus Care help?

Want to get out and about? We're here to 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. 

If you're planning a broader excursion – check out our top activities in Melbourne.

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