♿ Accessibility and inclusion information
Australia Day in Sydney has proudly placed accessibility and inclusion at the forefront of the event program to ensure everyone can participate. Please see below to find out more on how accessibility and inclusion is supported across our activations. Please register your interest in the form below to reserve your tickets.
Accessible Viewing Areas
In 2025 we will provide five (5) safe and inclusive accessible viewing areas, accommodating over 350 guests. Locations of accessible viewing areas and their seating capacity is listed below:
1. WugulOra Morning Ceremony, Barangaroo Reserve (20 pax) 7-8am
2. Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay (Harbourfest and fireworks viewing area) (100pax) 10am-10pm
3. Western Boardwalk, Sydney Opera House (Harbourfest and fireworks viewing area) (100pax) 10am-10pm
4. Forecourt (near stage), Sydney Opera House, Australia Day Live Concert (60pax) 730pm-930pm
5. External Podium, Sydney Opera House, Australia Day Live Concert (45pax) 730pm-930pm
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Basketball will be hosted at the Overseas Passenger Terminal from 10:00am until 4pm. Wheelchair basketball is a game that can be enjoyed by all and has been one of the most popular activations within the Australia Day program over consecutive years. Facilitated by the NSW Wheelchair Sports Association we look forward to seeing you out on the court – bring your game face!
Silent Disco and Karaoke
A Silent Disco and Karaoke will be hosted at the Overseas Passenger Terminal as part of the Kidz Zone from 10.00am to 4:00pm. Silent Discos provide an inclusive and dignified option for children and adults who identify as neurodiverse to experience a fun dance party without the anxiety of loud music. Each headset (150 will be made available) will have their own volume control and can block out any external noise distractions. See you on the dance floor!
Haptic Vests
Haptic Vests, described as headphones for the d/Deaf, transmit radio frequency into a tactile experience. 50 haptic vests will be made available at the Silent Disco/Karaoke activation. Vests will also be available to guests who attend the Australia Day Live concert. Guests can register via the Australia Day website and collect their vest upon arrival from our volunteers. Haptic Vests add another dimension to bridging the gap on how everyone can experience live performances in a more inclusive and immersive way.
Tactile and Sensory Tour for the Australia Day Live concert
We will be hosting a Tactile and Sensory Tour for guests who are blind or who have low vision at the Sydney Opera House. The tour provides guests with information about the concert, the performers and other visual elements of the concert. Guests will visit the accessible viewing areas, accessible amenities, assistant animal area and food and beverage locations. The Sydney Opera House staff will also participate by discussing the Sydney Opera House venue with a focus being on accessibility and inclusion. Please register your interest here in the form below.
Quiet Rooms
Quiet Rooms are designed for anyone needing respite from the stress and stimulation of an unfamiliar environment. It is a space where a person can rest in a safe and dignified way. The space provides a relaxed setting that supports people with a broad range of neurodiverse needs and allows people to plan their day knowing a safe space is available. A Quiet Room will be provided inside the OPT with a second room located at the Tide Room at the Sydney Opera House. Both rooms will be managed by staff who have disability awareness training to support guests utilising the space.
Sunflower Lanyard
Australia Day supports and recognises the non-visible disability sunflower initiative. 1 in 5 Australians identifies as having disability, and roughly 85% of those have a non-visible disability. The Non-Visible Disability Sunflower is fast becoming the internationally recognised symbol for people with non-visible disabilities. Lanyards will be made available at both of our quiet rooms to discreetly indicate to staff and others that additional time, support or understanding may be required for those wearing the lanyard.
Sync or Swim
In support of authentic representation from performers with disability, the Australia Day Live concert will host the band Sync or Swim. Sync or Swim featured on the ABC documentary, ‘Headliners’. All four band members identify with a lived experience of disability. They will rock you!
Audio Description
The Australia Day Live concert will also provide audio description for guests who are blind or low vision. Our blind or low vision guests will be provided with wireless headphones to listen to the audio description upon arrival to their accessible viewing area. Please register your interest in the form below.
Dawn Reflection
A pre-recorded audio description will be made available for the Dawn Reflection. This will provide the opportunity for blind and low vision guests to engage with the activation via a QR code from their smart phone or Australia Day website.
Charging Stations
Two charging stations will be provided for guests to recharge their power-wheelchairs and mobility scooters. These will be conveniently located in shaded areas at the Sydney Opera House and Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Performance AUSLAN Interpreting
Auslan Interpreters from AUSLAN Stage Left (renowned for their Taylor Swift and Coldplay performances) will be made available for the Australia Day Live concert upon request. Registration closes at 5pm on Friday 17 January 2025.
An Auslan Interpreter from DEAF CONNECT will also be made available for WugulOra morning ceremony upon request. Registration closes at 5pm on Friday 17 January 2025.
Please register your interest in the form below to confirm you require an Auslan interpreter.
Assistance Animal Area
A dedicated spending area for assistance animals will be made available at the Sydney Opera House. Hydration water stations and dog water bowls will also be provided.
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Amenities, Changing Places and Drink Stations
Portable accessible toilets suitable for wheelchair users will be provided at all major Australia Day hub areas. With every bank of standard toilets an accessible toilet will be provided. Compliant mounted accessible drinking stations are also available at key areas. Changing Places toilet amenities will be provided at the OPT and Sydney Opera House.
Accessibility vehicular pick-up/drop off and parking
There will be multiple accessible pick up and drop off parking locations and limited accessible parking options provided. These are located at:
The Rocks - Harrington St – pick -up and drop-off only, western side (in front of Clock Tower Square)
Circular Quay - Cnr of Loftus and Reiby Place (coach layover area only)
Macquarie Street – Cnr Bridge Street pick-up and drop-off only
Wilson Car Park – Sydney Opera House (road closures may impact access)
The 2025 Australia Day Accessibility Map and Social Story for the event is available here. (@Courtney only if the map is linked/available otherwise just say ‘ will be made available shortly’)
For any further questions or enquiries please contact Paul Nunnari – Australia Day Accessibility and Inclusion Manager – 0477 318 481 or [email protected] and don’t forget please register below.
The Australia Day Council of NSW strives to ensure all activities and events are accessible and inclusive so everyone can enjoy the magic of our national day.
Register for the Australia Day 2025 accessibility and inclusion information designated viewing areas.
Accessibility guests may request a total of four (4) tickets when attending a ticketed accessible viewing area. Please discuss these details at the time of ticket registration with your DNSW contact
Accessibility expression of interest form
Accessibility guests may request a total of four (4) tickets when attending a ticketed accessible viewing area. Please discuss these details at the time of ticket registration with your DNSW contact
