Accessiblity Guide

Transcription

Accessiblity Guide

ACCESSING
MELBOURNE
The visitor information guide to
Melbourne for people with a disability.
ACCESSING
MELBOURNE
Accessing Melbourne
1st Edition, September 1999
Published by: Easy Access Australia Publishing Pty Ltd
Printed by: RossCo Print, Preston
The researchers, authors, sponsors and publisher have tried their best to make the
information contained in this guide as accurate as possible, however they can
accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any
person using the information contained in this book.
National Library of Australia Cataloguing in Publication Data
Accessing Melbourne
1st Edition
ISBN 0-9577510-0-1
1. Australia - Guidebooks
I. Cameron, Bruce M
© Maps and Text Easy Access Australia Publishing Pty Ltd
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of
review, without the written consent of the publisher and copyright owner.
The publisher would like to thank the following organisations
for their assistance and financial support:
The publisher would like to thank the following people for their assistance, input,
guidelines and patience:
Jo Higginson
Mary Vlahakis
Yasmine Capponi
Michelle Icoh
Anne Koska
Nicole Levry
Gina Rainbird
Rebekah Serpell
Emmie-Lou Ullin
Natalie Gribble
Kerryn Searle
Chantal Morvell
Kathy Jeczminoka
Leonnie Taylor
Anja Hauenschild
Pretha George
Josephine Howe
Geraldine Low
Tuyet-Jan Do
Amy Gough
Elysia Slater
Caroline Leverett
Margie Thomas
Marissa Egan
Jo Cooper
Lisa Anderson
Sylvia Bagnoli
Rachel Gear
Sarah White
Marnie Dalhouse
Sharon Zantuck
Nicola Iorio
Lisa Gollant
Heather Taylor
Mary Rispoli
Olympia Tzanoudakis
Vilma Svab
Yvonne Pilley
Jenny Millar
Chris Cordell
Peter
Brian Porter
Jim
Chris and Robert.
Introduction and General Information
i
1
Arriving in Melbourne
1
2
Travelling Around Melbourne
7
3
Parking
16
4
City Access Maps
23
5
Cafe and Restaurants
28
6
Shopping, Queen Victoria Market, Supermarkets
41
7
Pubs and Clubs
55
8
Cinemas and Theatres
62
9
Churches and Cathedrals
71
10
Museums and Galleries
75
11
Historic Buildings and Sculptures
82
12
More Attractions
92
13
Sporting Venues
105
14
Parks and Gardens
115
15
Accommodation
137
16
Specialist Information
170
17
Accessible Toilets
175
CONTENTS
Contents
INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFORMATION
Melbourne is a vital and dynamic city and the gateway to Victoria.
As Australia’s undisputed arts, events, business and sporting capital,
Melbourne enjoys a national and international reputation as a global
and cosmopolitan city.
We want Melbourne to be an accessible city, able to be enjoyed by
everyone. The City of Melbourne’s sponsorship of this guide is part
of our commitment to welcoming people with disabilities to visit
and enjoy Melbourne and to participate in all aspects of City life.
I hope you enjoy Accessing Melbourne and that it encourages you
to make the most of what the City has to offer.
Cr Peter Costigan
Lord Mayor
City of Melbourne
i
Introduction and
General Information
Whether you are a first time or frequent visitor to the City,
Accessing Melbourne should make finding your way around and
using Melbourne’s accessible services and facilities much easier.
The focus of Accessing Melbourne is for people with mobilityrelated disabilities and difficulties in negotiating the physical
environment, although the needs of other groups are also
considered.
The book is laid out like a conventional tourist guide, with
chapters dedicated to different types of attractions, facilities and
businesses. The City maps in Chapter 4 provide an orientation
aid, both to the City and to the order of information in the
different sections.
We have aimed to make the book interesting and readable, rather
than purely a technical access guide. There is a good range of
sources for general disability and visitor information available for
people living in or visiting Melbourne and some of these are
referred to in Accessing Melbourne. Use Accessing Melbourne as
one of the ways of making the most of what Melbourne has to offer.
ii
Welcome to Accessing Melbourne, the visitor information guide
to Melbourne for people with a disability.
Accessing Melbourne
The name Melbourne is often used to describe the whole
metropolitan area. Accessing Melbourne focuses on the central
city area and the Central Business District in particular – in
general the area covered by the City of Melbourne. There is
plenty to see and do beyond this area.
Visitors may also be interested in the beachside suburb of St Kilda
or the restaurants in Fitzroy. Beyond the City there is Healesville
Wildlife Sanctuary, or venture further afield to the hills or the
coastline of Victoria.
The City is always a great place to begin. And for locals, it is
somewhere that people always return to. Many of Victoria’s best
tourist attractions and major festivals and events are in the City.
Melbourne is a naturally welcoming city, with well laid out, wide
streets, beautiful parks and gardens and plenty of retail,
entertainment, recreation and leisure opportunities. For an older
city it is also comparatively accessible and things are improving all
the time.
We hope you enjoy and use Accessing Melbourne frequently and
visit the City often.
iii
Accessing Melbourne
Tourist Information
Melbourne Convention and Marketing Bureau all hours hotline, 1300 655 452
(cost of a local call) is a recorded message service listing the current weeks events
under several headings; Events & Exhibitions, Arts & Theatre, Transport & Parking,
Shopping & Dining, Children’s Activities, Precincts and Special Offers.
Victorian Tourism Information Service call centre 132 842, 8am-6pm daily.
Victorian Visitors Information Centre 9658 9658, 9am-6pm M-F, 10am-4.30pm
Sat & Sun. Located on Swanston St as part of the Melbourne Town Hall near the
corner of Little Collins St. The centre provides an accommodation and tours
booking service and travel information Victoria wide. Pick up a copy of Melbourne’s
Mobility Map, a Heritage Walk map or a list of Melbourne’s open air sculptures
(many are mentioned throughout this book).
The City Experience Centre, 9658 9036, Open 7 days: M-F 9am-6pm, S, S &
Public Holidays 9am-5pm), also off Swanston St and part of the Town Hall, the
entry is near the entry ramp at the Town Hall portico. The centre may be moving to
the new Federation Square (corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Road) in 2001.
The Centre is a multimedia, multilingual, visitor information and orientation centre.
All information about Melbourne, its events, attractions and tours is presented on
touch screens in six languages; German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese
and English. Multilingual hosts are available to answer visitors’ questions and offer
personal insights into the City.
The Melbourne Greeter Service, 9658 9955, operates from the The City
Experience Centre. Based on the Big Apple Greater Service in New York, 250
volunteers covering 30 languages provide, free of charge, 2 to 4 hour guided tours
of the City of Melbourne.
iv
Internet sites: www.melbourne.org.au, established by the Committee for
Melbourne, is an interesting and informative site with a great deal of historic and
cultural information about Melbourne. The City of Melbourne’s website:
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au, also has plenty of excellent information, and for
disability specific information see www.accessmelbourne.vic gov.au.
Accessing Melbourne
Tours reveal parts of Melbourne normally hidden to visitors and can be adapted to
suit your particular interests. Arrange your tour at least three working days in
advance by completing the Application Form (telephone ahead) or on the Internet
www.melbourne.org click on “Visiting Melbourne” then “Your Personal Guide”.
Some of Melbourne’s Volunteer Greeters are skilled in AUSLAN (Australian Sign
Language) and visitors with a disability are encouraged to arrange a tour which will
be adapted to suit.
Information Booths supplying brochures, maps, the Mobility Map and Melbourne
attraction information are located at the following sites in the City:
Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, (Open MThu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun & Public Holidays 11am-4pm),
Bourke Street Mall, between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, (Open M-Thu 9am5pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun & Public Holidays 11am-4pm).
Disability Information Victoria, freecall 1300 650 865, www.disabilityinfo.org.au
was established in October 1998 to provide a telephone based information service
and an internet information clearing house providing access to information on
support services, specialist information, other disability related matters and
provide links to twenty other specialist disability information services.
Travellers Aid
Travellers Aid Society of Victoria Ltd, Level 2, 169 Swanston St. Walk, 9654
2600, fax 9654 1926, email tadas@travellers-aid. com.au and visit
www.vicnet.net.au/~tadas
Travellers Aid welcomes travellers to Melbourne providing support, advice and
assistance to people in emergency situations, people with special requirements,
people with disabilities and provides a range of other services including a cafe.
Travellers Aid Emergency Welfare Service can assist with relief to help meet certain
travel costs, meals and will refer people to other agencies where appropriate.
Travellers Aid Disability Access Service (TADAS), 9654 7690, was established in
1989 to assist people with disabilities access facilities and resources in the city.
TADAS provides assistance including meeting you at Flinders St or Spencer St
stations (9670 2873), provision of an accessible toilet at its city centre, attendant
care, referral, leisure programs, information and counselling. Wheelchairs are
available for hiring and you can charge your motorised wheelchair battery.
v
Accessing Melbourne
Getting Around Melbourne
Melbourne is an accessible city from several perspectives. Specifically planned
with a rectangular street layout, streets meet at right angles making orientation
straightforward. Footpaths on main thoroughfares are wide with plenty of seating
provided. Melbourne’s “lanes” are narrower often with difficult footpaths to
negotiate where they intersect with driveways and other lanes. However it is in
these Lanes that you will find interesting architecture, great cafes and shopping.
The Melbourne CBD Mobility Map identifies the easiest and uninterrupted path of
travel along city streets. It is published annually by the City of Melbourne & Melway
Publishing and includes the locations of accessible toilets, on-street disabled
persons car parking spaces and accessible commercial car parks, accessible pay
phones and public TTY phones. It also contains useful leads to further sources of
information. Copies are available at Melbourne Town Hall, the Victorian Visitor
Information Centre or by phoning 9658 9658.
City intersections are normally equipped with audio pedestrian crossing signals.
Directional tactile ground surface indicators (tactile tiles) lead from the building line
identifying tram stops along Swanston Street and its major intersections: Flinders,
Collins, Bourke, Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets. Directional tiles (featuring raised
lines) run from the building line to the kerbside and hazard tiles (raised dots)
indicate kerbsides, stopping points and tram zones.
The city’s topography consists of several undulations leading down to the Yarra
River – the highest point is La Trobe St and Russell St and the lowest point along
Flinders St. Gradients in the main shopping and entertainment precincts around the
Mall, the centre of the city, are not significant until you move outside the Mall, i.e.
east or west along Bourke St or North up Swanston St.
vi
Melbourne City Council has improved street access for wheelchairs, prams and
people with mobility difficulties by ensuring crossovers or kerb ramps are in place
at nearly all intersections.
Accessing Melbourne
Internet site www.accessmelbourne.vic.gov.au contains an interactive version of
Melbourne’s Mobility Map with the ability to search and zoom to retrieve greater
detail and information (there is also an entertainment and events page which is
updated monthly). Operated by Pixeltech Design, the site is being expanded and
will include details from the Accessing Melbourne research. Updated city access
information will also be available on this site.
Admission Prices
Most venues quote a price for Adults, Seniors (including various concessions),
Children (age definition tends to vary but usually 16 is the cut off) and Families
(usually two adults and up to three children). However some venues are beginning
to recognise that some people with a disability can only enjoy a facility with the
assistance of a carer. Accordingly those venues are adopting a policy of charging
the person with a disability the relevant fee and admitting the carer at no charge.
This practice is not yet widespread but is gaining acceptance, so always ask when
making a booking or acquiring tickets to a venue.
Melbourne City Council has assisted in the development of the Carer Card where
the bearer is entitled to free entry at venues which recognise the card. The card is
Melbourne based only at this stage and for more information contact VICNORD on
9489 2999.
GST – Goods and Services Tax
On 1 July 2000, Australia adopted a Goods and Services Tax, levied at 10%. The
GST replaced existing wholesale sales taxes and combined with cuts in personal
income tax has impacted in a significant way on how business is conducted.
Individuals have more money in their pocket to spend but many goods and services
have increased in cost (although some have gone down in price). In respect to the
prices quoted in this guide visitors should expect a general increase of 10%
although at the time of publication it was unclear as to the final effect. Prices will
however be quoted by service providers etc as being inclusive of GST.
vii
Accessing Melbourne
Important Telephone Numbers
Hospitals
Casualty
St Vincent’s Hospital
Alfred Hospital
Austin & Repat Medical Centre
Royal Children’s Hospital
Eye & Ear
Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
Dental
Royal Dental Hospital
Other
Poisons Information Centre
RSPCA
State Emergency Service
000
9288 2211
9276 2000
9496 5000
9345 5522
9665 9666
9341 0222
13 1126
9224 2222
9696 6111
Airlines
Ansett
Domestic
International
Flight Arrival
13 1300
13 1414
13 1515
Domestic
International
Flight Arrival
13 1313
13 1313
13 1223
Qantas
viii
Emergency
Police, Ambulance & Fire Brigade
ARRIVING
Chapter 1
Arriving
Arriving in Melbourne by Air
Melbourne Airport helpful phone numbers:
Melbourne Airport
Travellers Information Service
Qantas
Ansett
Wilson Parking, Airport
Skybus (not accessible)
9297 1600, www.melbourne-airport.com.au
9339 1805
9285 3000
131300
9338 8398
9335 3066 recorded message
Melbourne Airport was ranked in the Top 5 by an IATA passengers survey in 1998
and was ranked first for airport food and beverages in 1996 & 1997. It is
conveniently located only 20km north of the city and well serviced by the
Tullamarine Freeway which leads straight to the city. Australia’s domestic Airlines
provide services daily and many International carriers regularly fly in and out of
Melbourne Airport.
The airport terminals and multi level car park have recently been upgraded and
are now linked by elevated walkways. Domestic terminals are located at either end
of the airport, Arrivals on the lower level and Departures on the upper level, with the
international terminal located centrally. Well signed accessible toilets are available
at the International terminal half way along the walkway connecting the satellite
docking area to the airport building. Accessible lifts connect both levels.
Two accessible well signed drop-off spaces are available on the elevated road
outside Departures and one space outside Arrivals. Access to the short-term car
park is gained by ticket operated boom gate. The short term car park has 10
dedicated spaces on each of three levels (30 dedicated parking spaces in all).
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Chapter 1
Accessing Melbourne
ARRIVING
Melbourne Airport
2
Chapter 1
The elevated walkways to the terminal building are long ramped walkways
sloping down to Departures Level from car park Level 2 at a gradient of
approximately 2% with hand rails. The walkways lead to level pedestrian crossings
leading into the terminal building. Accessible toilets are located on Levels 1, 2 & 3.
Access on ground level into the International Arrivals area and baggage collection
areas is provided from pedestrian crossings, with crossovers.
The car park is computer controlled and you pay for your parking at the
Information desk in the terminal or at cashier machines in the car park before
returning to your car. However, the cashier machines are totally inaccessible for
someone in a wheelchair. To exit the car park boom gates your receipted ticket is
fed into a machine which automatically raises the boom gate.
Long term parking is provided in dedicated spaces but if you cannot board the
courtesy shuttle bus which is not wheelchair accessible, then call Wilson Parking
(9338 8398) and the manager will make other arrangements for you.
Ansett and Qantas welcome travellers with a disability, both have well defined
procedures from the time of booking through to exiting the airport at destination.
They provide a meet and greet service, use narrow skychairs to board and
disembark aircraft and assist you with your luggage. Qantas in conjunction with
NICAN (freecall 1800 806 769), developed the Carer Concession Card which
entitles the carer of the card holder to travel at a discount on the economy air fare.
Ansett developed ANSACARE where once your details are entered your
requirements are automatically brought up each time you make a booking, Ansett
also recognises the Carer Concession Card (applies to domestic travel only).
3
ARRIVING
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 1
Accessing Melbourne
ARRIVING
Arriving in Melbourne by Rail
The Department of Infrastructure’s Accessible Transport Unit publishes an excellent
booklet, Services for Customers with Specific Needs, describing the facilities
and assistance available to people with special needs and disabilities. The guide is
available large print, audio-cassette and five languages. Large print braille rail and
tram guides are also available from the unit. Guide and Hearing dogs (with
identification) travel free of charge.
Helpful phone numbers:
Accessible Transport Unit
9610 7402, www.victrip.vic.gov.au,
kym.irvine@doi.vic.gov.au
Met Info & Personal Assistance 131 638, 9619 2727 TTY only
Spencer St Station
9619 2300
VLine Information Centre
136 196, 9619 2727 TTY only
Travellers Aid Society
9670 2873 TTY, at Spencer St
Flinders St Station
9610 7472
Demand Response Bus
1800 012 061 TTY, 0412 525 375
MetCard Help Line
1800 652 313
Vision Impaired Travel Pass
9619 2668
VLine
Spencer St Station is the hub for Victoria’s country train services (VLine). The
station contains accessible telephones, TTY phone at the Customer Service Centre
and accessible toilets on the basement level, accessed by lift. Travellers Aid
Society is located on this level.
VLine’s country services carry a portable ramp and it is theoretically possible to
get to any Victorian country station. A narrow chair (like the skychair used at
airports) is available at all country stations so those passengers who need its
assistance to their seats on the train can be accommodated. Passengers must be
able to transfer themselves to the chair and seat. The alternative is to stay in the
buffet car.
Sprinter Trains are specifically wheelchair accessible with one wheelchair space
(but no lock down straps) and an accessible toilet. They operate on Ballarat,
Bendigo, Geelong and Traralgon lines.
4
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 1
ARRIVING
VLine Country Services
5
Chapter 1
Accessing Melbourne
ARRIVING
Countrylink’s XPT train runs to Sydney, via Wangaratta, Albury and Canberra, and
provide several specifically wheelchair accessible carriages.
VLine currently operates 17 wheelchair accessible coach services. Available on
24 hours notice, they are lift equipped with lock down straps and provide space for
two wheelchairs.
Wheelchair accessible toilets are available in the stations at Bairnsdale, Ballarat,
Bendigo, Geelong, Traralgon, a toilet is also available at Wangaratta (in the ladies!)
and Albury.
Tactile paths are provided at Ballarat and Traralgon, while hearing induction loops
are located at Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Traralgon stations.
Multi purpose cabs are available in Albury, Cobram, Geelong, Moe, Wodonga,
Ballarat, Bendigo, Horsham, Morwell, Mildura, Sale, Warrnambool and Traralgon.
Arriving in Melbourne by Road
Visitors driving to Melbourne will approach the city by the main arterial routes of
the Calder Highway (from the north west), the Hume Highway (from the north) and
Princes Highway (east and west). All drivers should be aware of Melbourne’s
tollway system which commenced operation during 2000. Details of the system,
charging rates and the location of toll charging points is available on the Citylink
web page at www.transurban.com.au or by calling 13 26 29. The system is unique,
as all charges are electronic with no manned toll booths.
6
Travellers to Victoria and Melbourne benefit from the compact
nature of the state and the transport system which is probably the
most accessible in the country. You can travel to country stations
on VLine’s country network and to key regional locations on the
specifically accessible Sprinter Train before changing to accessible,
lift equipped coach services for the rest of your journey.
Accessible coach travel is available to Adelaide and NSW.
Countrylink’s XPT train provides accessible transport from
Melbourne to Canberra and Sydney.
Melbourne’s suburbs are well catered for by the metropolitan rail
system, The Met. Eleven rail lines lead to the city’s underground
loop system, while 62 key stations (July 1999) have been
nominated as Premium Stations with higher standards of
accessible facilities and staffing compared to others.
7
TRAVELLING AROUND
Chapter 2
Travelling Around
Chapter 2
Accessing Melbourne
TRAVELLING AROUND
The Victorian Government has developed and launched an Action Plan for 21st
Century Accessibility ensuring the majority of Victoria’s public transport services
are 100% accessible over the next 20 years. The plan has been submitted to the
Federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in terms of the Disability
Discrimination Act. In addition, the Government has developed a Passengers
Charter comprising 12 guarantees for public transport passengers ensuring
quality, pricing and accessibility of services.
The Transport system in Victoria is undergoing privatisation, Melbourne Airport
has been sold to a private operator, and Victoria’s rail/tram services are being
contracted to private operators. The Passengers Charter and the Action Plan are
designed to underpin existing access options and facilities. Ongoing adherence to
the Plan is to be enshrined in the contractual obligations of winning tenders.
The Victorian Government no longer operates buses. All metropolitan contracts with
private sector bus operators are negotiated with the requirement that new buses
coming into service must be accessible. It is expected that over the 10 year life of the
contracts, the number of low floor accessible buses will increase from 55 to 800.
The Met
Early in 1998, Easygoing was launched to bring together all accessible transport
services and identify Easygoing with accessibility. The launch included a video and
series of Met Station Access Guides with detailed information about accessible
transport services, facilities, ramps and personal assistance. The video and guides
are available from the Department of Infrastructure’s Customer Service Centre
9655 8830. The guides cover access information including:
• Hearing induction loops,
• Tactile paths,
• Instructions for wheelchair users,
• TTY’s
• Ramp lengths but not gradients,
• Telephones
• Parking.
Note, Showgrounds and Racecourse stations are not Premium Stations and used
only during events at those venues. A similar guide for V/Line stations is currently
being developed.
The hub for Met trains is Flinders St Station, one of the four stations forming the
City Loop, the others are; Parliament, Melbourne Central, Flagstaff and Spencer
St, all are designated Premium Stations.
8
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 2
TRAVELLING AROUND
Train Services
9
Chapter 2
Accessing Melbourne
Ticketing for The Met
TRAVELLING AROUND
Acquiring tickets under the automated system can provide a headache for people
with disabilities. Tickets are sold from vending machines, milk bars and
pharmacies, many of which are not accessible or require a separate trip to obtain.
However, tickets can be acquired over the counter from Booking Offices at
Premium Stations.
You can also pre-purchase tickets in advance and have them delivered free of
charge by calling Metcard on freecall 1800 652 313. Tickets need to be validated
at time of travel which is awkward for people with limited dexterity, however the
plastic ticket Metcard Xpress seeks to overcome this problem. The Vision Impaired
Travel Pass is available by calling 9619 2668.
Metropolitan and Interstate Bus Travel
Buses are not yet a consistent viable option for the wheelchair user. Approximately
55 accessible buses service suburban routes and all vehicles must eventually
become accessible but this process will still take at least a decade. A separate but
related issue is the accessibility of bus stops. An accessible bus stop is required for
accessible buses to be an effective transport option. The responsibility for making
bus stops accessible rests with the relevant council, not the bus operators.
The bus operators currently providing low floor accessible vehicles welcome input
from the travelling public, for example Grendas (9791 2988) which has eight low
floor buses on suburban routes will endeavour to provide a low floor bus on your
route at convenient times. Melbourne Bus Link (9689 8555) has eight low floor
accessible buses and will endeavour to assist passengers who make contact.
The company National Bus Company (9481 8222, operates red and yellow buses)
runs approximately 90% of services into the CBD which amounts to about 2500 per
day! It currently has 21 low floor accessible vehicles in service and intends
publishing a timetable by mid 1999, detailing accessible routes and stops. The
timetable will be available on the web: www.nationalbus.com.au
Long haul interstate buses are not equipped to carry people who cannot
board/alight a bus independently. However, the operators welcome other people
with a disability who can board/alight the vehicle.
10
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 2
Bus owners and operators are aware of their obligations under the DDA and seek to
comply and provide accessible transport but are unable and unprepared to commit
to expenditure on bus modifications until they have a standard to follow. There is
little value committing expenditure if the modifications do not meet the impending
standards.
Nightrider
The Nightrider service was introduced in 1993 to meet the need for a safe public
transport option after the last train has run on Friday and Saturday nights (in effect
Saturday and Sunday AM) commencing at 12.30am and running hourly thereafter
until 4.30am. Services to the city commence at 12.30am, the last at 3.30am. The
busses have a telephone and direct taxi link so transport can be arranged to meet
you at your stop.
Nightrider buses depart from the Crown Entertainment Complex. Some depart from
the City Square in Swanston St Walk. It is pleasing that most of the vehicles
providing the Nightrider service are low floor accessible buses which operate on
the following routes, (check out the detailed routes on the web,
www.victrip.vic.gov.au/nightrider/):
•
•
•
•
•
Bayswater, US Bus Lines (9754 8111), all low floor accessible busses,
Craigieburn, Tullamarine Buses (9338 3817), 3 low floor vehicles,
Dandenong & Frankston, Grendas (9791 2988), 2 low floor buses,
Eltham & Epping, Reservoir Buses, no low floor vehicles,
Croydon/Lilydale, Mt Dandy Buses (9723 3529), all low floor accessible
busses,
• St Albans (Melton/Sunbury) & Werribee, Melbourne Bus Link (9689 8555),
all low floor buses.
11
TRAVELLING AROUND
The Draft Standard for accessible public transport requires that all public transport
be made progressively accessible. It is anticipated the standard will pass through
the Australian Transport Council (consisting of all Australian Transport Ministers)
and then Parliament during the year 2000. After this time we should progressively
see long haul buses being made available.
Chapter 2
Accessing Melbourne
Demand Response Bus
This bus service operates in the St Kilda and Port Melbourne areas for people who
are unable to travel on trams or buses. Two vehicles are available, each hoist
equipped and capable of carrying up to three wheelchairs and four companions.
The buses must be booked in advance, preferably 24 hours, on 1800 012 061 TTY
or 0412 525 375 Mon - Fri between 7.30am and 10pm. There is no service on
weekends or public holidays.
TRAVELLING AROUND
Trams
Trams are not an option for travellers using a wheelchair. Access to tram stops is
near impossible and certainly dangerous, while there is no way of boarding a tram
whose carriage is several feet above the road surface. However, the Victorian
Government as part of Victoria’s public transport franchising program has
announced that 90 new low-floor trams will progressively start operating from
2001 to replace the current fleet of trams. The rest of the old style tram fleet will be
replaced gradually with low floor vehicles by 2026.
Taxis
Wheelchair accessible cabs are available throughout the city and the suburbs.
Melbourne callers: 1300 364 050, Victorian country: 9345 4105.
The Multi Purpose Taxi Program, run by the Victorian Taxi Directorate 9320 4360,
PO Box 666 North Melb 3051, is a State Government funded fare subsidy of 50%
up to a maximum $25 for eligible members who have been issued with a card by
VTD. Permanent residents of Victoria who have a severe and permanent disability
which severely limits their ability to use public transport may make application for
the card on a form available from VTD.
Card holders may use any taxi including “M50 Taxis” which are specifically capable
of carrying one or more wheelchairs. Approximately 85 M50 Taxis operate in
metropolitan Melbourne and a central booking telephone number has been
established to call these cabs. 100 new licences have been made available to
service demand in the city and especially meet the peak period demand on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings between 4pm and 4am and to meet the
demand generated by special events, for example the Grand Prix.
12
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 2
The fleet of M50 Taxis includes Vans, Metro Cabs and modified sedans, Fords and
Holdens. Reciprocal rights exist between South Australia/Victoria and some
NSW/Victorian boarder towns, for example Albury/Wodonga and Echuca/Moama.
Two car hire companies provide hand controlled vehicles at their major corporate
locations, generally city and airport, subject to availability and booking in advance.
No additional charge is levied for this service. You could ask them to consider fitting
a hand control supplied by you (so long as it is easily fitted and no damage is
caused to the vehicle) but they may be reluctant to do this. If the operator you are
dealing with does not understand your request ask to be transferred to the vehicle
maintenance section where they will be able to discuss your requirements.
Avis 1800 225 533, will fit the Monarch hand control (right hand operation) to
Commodore vehicles, book at least one week advance.
Hertz 13 3039, will fit a push-pull hand control (right hand operation) to any of its
automatic vehicles, but book at least three days advance.
Van Hire
There are not many options when it comes to hiring accessible vans. However, you
may be able to arrange short term van hire from major organisations such as the
Spastic Society or even a local council during periods of low usage such as school
holidays.
Norden Transport Industries 9793 1066, 60-62 Bennett St, Dandenong, has two
Toyota Hi Ace vans available for hire, each capable of carrying up to three
wheelchairs.
Premier Fleet Services runs three accessible vehicles, two flash Cabs and a Swift
Cab (Mercedes), bookings call 0412 213 347 or 9857 5900, evening and weekend
availability as well as daytime.
Rambler Tours, 9436 1188, runs accessible tours in its own lift equipped buses.
13
TRAVELLING AROUND
Car Hire
Chapter 2
Accessing Melbourne
CityLink
For better or worse Melbourne has a toll-road system, CityLink (132 629 24 hours)
www.transurban.com.au.
TRAVELLING AROUND
The CityLink system consists of two sections: The Western Link from the junction
of the Tullamarine and Calder Freeways to the West Gate Freeway and includes
three toll gates, and the Southern Link, which includes the Domain Tunnel, to The
Monash Freeway commencing at Bourke Rd, Camberwell, and the continuation of
Exhibition St and the Burnley Tunnel at Richmond. Six toll gates are positioned on
this stretch of road.
Payment Methods: Payment depends upon usage. CityLink promotional material
suggests that usage of more than 6 times a year then a CityLink Toll Account is
appropriate. You obtain an e-Tag or electronic transponder which is read by "toll
sensors" and then the appropriate toll amount is deducted from your Account.
Phone 13 26 29 to open an account over the phone via credit card, you then keep
the account topped up via credit card.
Day Passes: A Day Pass, for infrequent users, can be arranged in advance
(13 26 29) and entitles you to unlimited travel on the nominated day from midnight
to midnight. A Late Day Pass can be purchased after using CityLink but only until
12noon on the day following use and the penalty cost is an additional $1.
Otherwise a $100 fine applies! The toll cost depends upon the class of vehicle but
a sedan, station wagon, most 4WD’s, utility, van and mini bus fall under the
classification of a Car and the cost for a Day Pass is $7 and Late Day Pass $8.
Implications: Visitors to Melbourne should be aware that travelling into the city
from the North from country Victoria or the airport along the Tullamarine Freeway
will see them incur a toll. Similarly, visitors from the eastern suburbs and Eastern
Victoria using the Monash Fwy and Southern Link will incur tolls. Call 13 26 29 for
advice and to purchase your Day Pass.
Visitors hiring cars are responsible for any tolls (fines). Signage leading up to the
CityLink system clearly identifies the phone number for purchasing the pass. Hire
car companies inform hirers of their obligations under the CityLink system. A
telephone connected directly to CityLink is located near the hire car rental offices at
Melbourne Airport so hirers can purchase a relevant CityLink Pass.
14
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 2
TRAVELLING AROUND
CityLink
15
Chapter 3
Parking
PARKING
Accessible parking options in the City of Melbourne is an issue
obtaining greater awareness with the council’s Parking Strategy
issued in 1998. Commercial carparks are becoming more aware of
their obligations towards people with disabilities and if they do
not have a specifically dedicated space most will assist you park in
a convenient location. We provide a map with on-street dedicated
spaces, commercial car parks with dedicated spaces and helpful
commercial car parks.
16
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 3
Parking Permits: The City of Melbourne administers the Statewide Disabled
Parking Scheme for the Melbourne Municipality issuing permits under the scheme.
Such permits are recognised in other States under reciprocal arrangement. Permits
under the scheme are known as The Disabled Persons Parking Permit,
measures 10x8cm, includes the blue international wheelchair symbol, Permit No.,
Expiry Date and the city of issue. The plastic permit is affixed to the windscreen of a
vehicle. All municipal councils administer the scheme in their municipality.
In addition to the DPPP, the City of Melbourne has developed two variations
applicable only within the City of Melbourne; Disabled Persons Employment Permit
and a Daily Permit for city visitors. The entitlements all three permits convey are:
Disabled Persons Parking Permit (DPPP): allows the holder to park at no cost
for the time specified, in an on-street allocated parking space and to park in a
metered parking area for twice the allocated period upon payment of the fee.
Disabled Persons Employment Permit (DPEP): allows the holder to park at a
metered parking area all day upon payment of the fee.
Daily Permit (DP): allows the holder of a DPPP to park all day at a metered
parking area upon payment of the fee.
On-street car spaces are cheap and convenient for some but do not offer the same
level of comfort and safety of commercial car parks. However, commercial car
parks are expensive. Many provide allocated parking spaces (unfortunately with no
discount) and most of those that don’t will do their best to assist you to park.
The Accessible Parking Map shows council provided on-street parking spaces (for
DPPP holders) and the location of commercial car parks. The street number on the
map refers to the relevant listing. It is advisable to call the number and arrange to
park and confirm the easiest point of entry to the car park.
17
PARKING
In some City of Melbourne car parks the meter machines are not accessible,
therefore you are able to park within any space all day for no cost, in this case the
meter machine carries a notice to this effect.
Chapter 3
Accessing Melbourne
PARKING
Parking – CBD West
18
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 3
PARKING
Parking – CBD East
19
Chapter 3
Accessing Melbourne
PARKING
Commercial Car parks:
Address
Phone
Spaces
Comment
385 Bourke St
9670 8891
2
1 permanent user
550 Little Bourke St
9670 1484
1
permanent user
550 Bourke St
9670 3072
nil
call and will assist
rear 350 Collins St
9670 1031
2
Godfrey St
9629 5926
nil
58 Franklin St
9639 0635
nil
there used to be two
9642 3864
nil
200 Queen St
9670 0329
nil
80 Collins St
9654 8258
nil
150 Lonsdale St
9662 1419
nil
399 Little Lonsdale
9670 3991
2
on top level, no lift
21-27 O'Connell St
9329 3231
nil
Rathdowne St, Carlton
9270 5092
2
open air
Normanby Rd, Southbank 9235 8516
lots
Southbank
9699 7384
lots
300 Exhibition St
9629 8941
nil
151-165 Franklin St
9326 6592
nil
Queens Wharf
9629 4076
nil
16-20 Bond St
9629 2877
nil
558 Bourke St
9670 4539
nil
20
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 3
312 Lonsdale St
9639 2930
2
Level 1
376 Flinders
9629 3536
nil
474 Flinders
9629 3964
nil
111 Flinders Lane
9650 1029
nil
333 Collins St
9204 4890
500 Collins St
9629 7231
nil
460 Little Collins St
9600 4036
nil
527 Bourke St
9622 6631
nil
180 Russell St
9639 2480
nil
11 Exhibition St
9650 1185
nil
333 Exhibition St
9650 4053
nil
350 Queen St
9329 3900
nil
Russell/Lonsdale St
9639 4890
nil
140 William St
9600 4036
nil
60 Market St
9614 4155
nil
Queen Victoria Market
9326 5048
8 in total,
Lonsdale/La Trobe Sts
9922 1222
lots
570 Bourke St
9670 2498
2
Level 2
9663 5763
nil
Cnr Collins & William
9614 2230
nil
55 Collins St
9629 1055
2
120 Collins St
9654 4944
nil
123 Collins St
9654 1393
nil
21
PARKING
PARKING
Chapter 3
Accessing Melbourne
161 Collins St
9654 6750
3
Level B1
233 Collins St
9654 4361
nil
360 Collins St
9600 0747
nil
367 Collins St
9614 3576
nil
34-60 Little Collins St
9650 5748
2
Ground level
9629 1055
nil
provision grnd floor
9650 5803
2
off Royal Lane
9629 1055
9614 8630
84 Flinders St
9629 1055
172 Flinders St
9650 2105
1
ground floor
452 Flinders St
9649 7100
2
Lower Level
416 Flinders Lane
9629 3020
nil
517 Flinders Lane
9616 4330
522 Flinders Lane
9614 3168
3
Ground Floor
59 Lonsdale St
9663 4060
2
1 Ground, 1 Lower
217 Lonsdale St
9663 3448
nil
237-251 Spencer St
9629 1592
nil
22 A'Beckett St
9662 3362
nil
186 Exhibition St
9662 0511
nil
163 Exhibition St
9251 5522
nil
call company
nil
call company
22
Chapter 4
City Access Maps
Accessing Melbourne employs the use of maps and icons
to identify and locate accessible features of the city.
CITY ACCESS MAPS
The maps can be used in addition to The Melbourne
Mobility Map (available from Melbourne Town Hall or
by phoning 9658 9658) which outlines the most
accessible pathways around the city, including
crossovers.
23
Chapter 4
Accessing Melbourne
CITY ACCESS MAPS
The map below is an overview of the City to Albert Park
showing the key attractions covered by this guide.
24
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 4
The map below is an overview of the CBD showing how
the city is divided into two.
The two maps on the following pages show the detail for
each of those halves.
CBDW CBDE
CITY ACCESS MAPS
When using Maps CBD West and CBD East, the icons
identify the specific accessible features which are
detailed in the relevant chapters.
25
Chapter 4
Accessing Melbourne
CITY ACCESS MAPS
Access Map – CBD West
Cafes & Restaurants
Ch 5
Pubs & Night Clubs
Ch 7
Supermarkets and
Shopping Ch 6
Cinemas & Theatres
Ch 8
26
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 4
Churches
Ch 9
Accommodation
Ch 19
Museums & Galleries Ch 10
Buildings & Sculptures Ch 11
ATMs
27
CITY ACCESS MAPS
Access Map – CBD East
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Chapter 5
Foodhalls & Courts
Cafes & Restaurants
Melbourne’s cafes, foodcourts and restaurants provide a
staggering array of lunch and dining options for the city worker,
shopper and visitor. Many of the cafes have grouped together in
distinct precincts, which are vibrant and busy during business
hours but become quiet once the afternoon coffee crowds disperse.
Many eating venues are accessible and are identified in this book
by the cafe icon. In contrast Chinatown which offers a taste of
Asia by sight, sound and smell, really comes to life in the evening,
when its decorative lights illuminate Little Bourke Street. Few of
Chinatown’s restaurants are easily accessible. We have included
those with a graded entry, or just one or two steps, in a map of
Chinatown at the end of this chapter.
We comment on the availability of accessible toilets but refer to
Chapter 17 for further access details.
Cafes and restaurants spring up in odd locations, we have tried to
identify the more accessible ones but given the sheer number of
eating options in Melbourne have no doubt unwittingly missed
some. To them and their customers we apologise. Bon appetit!
28
Chapter 5
FOODHALLS and COURTS
45 Collins St, Collins Place. The atrium space is accessed via the driveway from
Collins St and forms a shopping and cafe precinct. Two steep (15.6%) long
ramps lead down to the lower cafe/bar area. The only accessible toilet is near
The Hotel Sofitel conference facility on Level one.
123 Collins St, The Grand Hyatt Hotel. Enter from Collins St (short grade 5%), and
take the lift down one level to a sunken bar surrounded by a range of food
outlets. M&F accessible toilets are poorly signed. An alternative entry is off
Russell St near the hotel’s formal driveway. The entry to the Grand Hyatt Hotel is
from Collins St opening through two wide glass doors and up a gradient of 5%
to shops and two short ramps from 9% - 11.5% to the foyer. Off the foyer is a
restaurant and Deco Bar but up a grade of 11%. Accessible M&F toilets and
telephones are located behind Reception.
600 Bourke St, BHP Tower, a large foodcourt with accessible unisex toilet located
in the lower level.
385 Bourke St, The Galleria Food Court is best accessed from Elizabeth St. More a
collection of cafes than a food court, nevertheless it is a popular venue. Another
cafe is on the Bourke St level with a unisex toilet through a nearby door.
242 Exhibition St, Telstra Food Court, is easily accessed from Little Lonsdale St
where a grade (5%) leads through automatic doors to a small foodcourt area.
Several excellent Chinatown restaurants have outlets here. An accessible unisex
toilet is located off the passageway towards Lonsdale St.
181-183 Exhibition St, The Paramount Centre. The foodcourt is on Little Bourke St
Level then up a grade of 5%. A well signed baby change facility and accessible
unisex toilet are located through heavy doors.
300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Central offers a wide range of eating options with
restaurants spread over three levels. The Food Circuit is located on Level 3 La
Trobe building selling an array of well known fast foods. Daimaru has a Gourmet
Food Hall on Level 1 with some tables and chairs. An accessible unisex toilet is
on Level 2 but others are nearby in Melbourne Central.
234 Collins St, Sportsgirl Centre. The foodcourt is located on Level 2 where there
is an accessible unisex toilet, signage is poor and space is limited, with a baby
change facility.
29
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Accessing Melbourne
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Chapter 5
Accessing Melbourne
260 Collins St, Australia on Collins. The foodcourt is located on Level 5 (Upper
Collins) and there is a toilet. You can also dine at the cafe located within the
Novotel Hotel, also with an accessible unisex toilet.
314-336 Bourke St, Myer Food Hall is located on the ground floor of the Lonsdale
Building between Little Bourke St and Lonsdale St. Access is via ramp down
from the Lonsdale St entry, Little Bourke St entry or from the Mall through the
Bourke St building. Myers has developed a Gourmet Grocery and Gourmet Fast
Food outlet serving wonderful high quality treats, to be taken away and
savoured. A cafe, Le Cordon Bleu & Patisserie provides sit down meals. Toilets
are located on the first and lower ground floors.
Bourke St, the David Jones Food Hall is on the lower ground floor of the store
between Little Collins St and the Bourke St Mall containing a gourmet grocery
and deli, selling an array of gourmet foods and delicacies which can be taken
away. There is no seating but there is a coffee bar at one end and an accessible
unisex toilet nearby. Another toilet is on the second floor. Access is available
from the Mall but steps lead up from Little Collins St.
164 Swanston St, Midtown Plaza, has entries from Swanston and Bourke Sts
(near the Target Centre). A long grade of 7.2% then a short 8% leads to a range
of cuisines served from behind high counters which are difficult for a
wheelchair so you will have to make sure you catch the eye of serving staff.
Tables and chairs are provided but this foodcourt is extremely popular in the
city. Nearest accessible toilets are in Target (up a grade of 5.3%) and Level 1,
Midtown Plaza in the Nike store on the corner.
Southgate on the south side of the Yarra River contains probably the best array of
cuisines in its Food Wharf. Many vendors here operate behind counters which
are lower and more friendly than some other food courts. There is even a bar,
Rhumbas. For access description refer Chapter 14 Attractions & Sport.
Casino Entertainment Complex contains a good foodcourt on ground level
towards the western end of the complex. There is a range of cuisines available
but counters are high for wheelchairs, although some serving staff will assist,
accessible toilets are nearby. For access description refer Chapter 14
Attractions & Sport.
Queen Victoria Market Foodcourt is located just off the corner intersection of
Victoria and Elizabeth Sts or via sliding doors from Queen St. There are a range
of different cuisines and a short ramp bridges the two internal steps. M&F
toilets nearby. Refer to Chapter 14 Attractions & Sport.
30
Chapter 5
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
The Entertainment Precinct on the south bank of the Yarra River (Southgate and the
Crown Entertainment Complex) contain a huge array of cafes and restaurants, just
wander along the promenade and make your choice. Dining outside is available at
Crown restaurants, just let management of the restaurant know and they will
provide access via the ramps at the side of their outside eating areas. Several
Southgate Restaurants have a step up but staff will assist you and the goods lift
from Middle Level will take you to Wolfgang Puk’s restaurant.
Lonsdale St
34 Lonsdale St, Schwobs Sandwich Cafe, (9663 1100), flat entry off Lonsdale St.
43 Lonsdale St, Oakfords Gordon Towers (9663 3317) serviced apartments, short
ramped entry to reception where there is an accessible toilet and access to the
restaurant.
103 Lonsdale St, King & I Thai, (9663 2028), one step in.
113 Lonsdale St, Cafe Centrum, (9639 2431), one step in.
149 Lonsdale St, Dragon Boat Palace, (9639 0888), one step.
159 Lonsdale St, Dragon Boat BBQ King, (9663 3788), one step.
177 Lonsdale St, Stalactites Restaurant, (9663 3316), one step from Lonsdale or
Russell Sts.
195 Lonsdale St, Antipodes Cafe/Restaurant, step at door.
197 Lonsdale St, Tsindos Greek Restaurant, (9663 3194), flat entry.
209 Lonsdale St, Medallion Cakes & Coffee Lounge (9663 4228), automatic door,
flat entry.
210 Lonsdale St, Old Queen Victoria Hospital building now the Queen Victoria
Women’s Centre (9663 8799). QV Gallery Cafe/Restaurant is accessed via
ramps from the street, mainly around 8.5% but one is section is 13.6%. A unisex
accessible toilet is on ground level.
Little Bourke St - see Chinatown at the end of this chapter.
31
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 5
Accessing Melbourne
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Bourke St
16 Bourke St, Barfly’s Cafe (9663 7332), flat entry.
23 Bourke St, Republique Brasserie, (9654 6699), flat entry, helpful staff.
32 Bourke St, Fast Eddies (9662 3551) has a step inside the door.
60 Bourke St, I Marcus Restaurant (9663 6680), one step.
66 Bourke St, Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, (9662 1885),step in.
76 Bourke St, Nudel Bar (9662 9100) is a popular eatery, but narrow with a step at
the door.
80 Bourke St, Florentino’s Restaurant (9662 1811) a step off the street.
122 Bourke St, ITO Japanese Noodle Cafe, (9663 2788), flat entry.
134 Bourke St, Aki Yoshi, (9639 3195) flat entry.
141 Bourke St, Centro Citta, (9654 7152), one large step.
Arcades leading off the Bourke St Mall all contain cafes, visit The Walk Arcade,
Royal Arcade and Centrepoint.
180 Bourke St, Hungry Jacks, flat entry.
181 Bourke St, Cafe Tono (9650 3379), small step in with narrow door.
185 Bourke St, McDonalds, flat entry but there are several steps before the counter.
The Midcity Arcade connects Bourke St to Chinatown past the Chinatown Theatre
(no wheelchair access but renovations are proposed); three grades of about
12% lead to Little Bourke St. The arcade is a wonderful extension of China Town
with a range of Chinese restaurants and shops; King’s Cafe, Kaneda, Chinese
Noodle House, Desert House, a Chinese herbalist and many hairdressers.
206 Bourke St, The Village Boulevard. links Bourke St to Chinatown by several
steps. It contains the Village Cinemas, many shops and two restaurants,
Puccini’s Bar & Bistro, (9663 1722), and Dragon Boat (9662 2733). The key
for the toilet is with Puccini’s.
392 Bourke St, Wrapt Cuisine, flat entry into a narrow shop with high counters
serving Japanese food.
32
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 5
McKillop St slopes steeply up from Little Collins St with a lip up. While there are
many cafes, only one is accessible, Java Cafe Bar & Bistro (9600 0324) the
easiest access is from Bourke St.
Hardware St
Hardware St, particularly between Lonsdale and Little Bourke Sts, is real restaurant
and cafe territory, well known to office workers it gets crowded during lunch
time. Nearly all the cafes spill onto the paved laneway with tables and chairs
sheltered by umbrellas. All of the cafes provide table service. The attractively
paved street slopes down towards Bourke St and has a cross grade of more
than 4%. Hardware St crosses Little Bourke St, with two awkward lips to
negotiate to the footpaths but more cafes make it worthwhile. On the corner of
Hardware St and Bourke St is McDonald’s Restaurant with entry to the upper
level from the corner.
Little Collins St
27 Little Collins St, Naval & Military Club (9650 4741), dedicated disabled persons
car park on the street but a step at entry.
Cnr Swanston St Walk, Cafe L’Incontro (9650 9603). The accessible entry is from
the rear off Little Collins St.
Collins St
24 Collins St, McDonalds.
120 Collins St, Cafe Centro Venti (9650 5621) is available from the rear entry
within the development at 120 Collins, via short slip resistant ramp to automatic
opening doors.
171 Collins St, Pontis Cafe Bar (9650 3892).
184 Collins St, Cafe d’Orsay (9654 6496), small lip in.
33
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
McKillop St
Chapter 5
Accessing Melbourne
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Flinders Lane
274 Flinders Lane, Simon’s Cafe, rear of NAB, 271 Collins St.
234 Flinders Lane, Manchester Lane Cafe (9663 0630), flat entry from Flinders
Lane into the Cafe. An accessible toilet is in the rear bar/jazz venue access from
Manchester Lane, flat entry.
Flinders St
452 Flinders St, Java Express (9629 4442).
Spencer St
Restaurants and cafes are available in the main hotels fronting Spencer St: Savoy
Park Plaza, All Seasons Premier Grand Hotel and Holiday Inn on Flinders.
Accessible toilets are available in the Savoy and Premier Grand.
King St
The BHP Tower contains a Food Court, see 600 Bourke St.
Elizabeth St
11-15 Elizabeth St, McDonald’s Restaurant, flat access off the street but the
seating and tables are fixed.
Degraves St has been blocked to traffic allowing several cafes to spill onto the
street.
347 Elizabeth St, Cafe Heaven (9640 0505), is a groovy restaurant crammed
amongst the bikie retailers playing on the bikie theme, pictures of motor bikes
adorn the walls. There is a lip into the cafe but the tables offer plenty of knee
space.
Swanston St
9 Swanston St, McDonalds.
37 Swanston St, KFC.
34
Chapter 5
Cnr Little Collins St, Cafe L’Incontro (9650 9603). The accessible entry is from the
rear off Little Collins St.
237 Swanston St, Bottom of the Harbour, seafood, flat entry.
241 Swanston St, Mekong, Vietnamese, flat in from the street.
245 Swanston St, Vis (9992 9995), flat in from the street.
250 Swanston St, Satay Inn (9663 4703), one step.
265 Swanston St, Nelayan Restaurant (9663 5886), flat entry.
275 Swanston St, Krome Kafe Bar (9663 8199), flat entry.
313 Swanston St, Wallys Coffee Lounge, flat access and friendly glass counter
however circulation space is tight and there may be difficulty getting under
tables.
339 Swanston St, Shop 1, Nando’s Restaurant, (9662 1266), flat entry mainly with
booths but some tables. Uni Lodge Melbourne Campus, is a residence for
university students, heavy hinged doors and an accessible toilet on ground
floor. A National Australia Bank ATM is outside Uni Lodge, keypad height 1.22m
and large readable screen.
Russell St
122 Russell St, Pizza Napoli (9654 7127), one step.
209 Russell St, King of Kings (9663 2895), flat entry.
223 Russell St, Nam Loong (9663 4089), flat entry.
230 Russell St, Izakaya Chuji (9663 8118), small lip in.
234 Russell St, Mai Thai Hawaii Bar & Restaurant (9663 2122), one step.
Exhibition St
245 Exhibition St, Rockmans Regency Hotel (9662 3900), flat access from
Exhibition St, into reception/foyer and to the restaurant Windows. A toilet is near
reception.
275 Exhibition St, Lims Garden Inn (9662 2588), paved pathway to front door, flat
entry.
35
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Accessing Melbourne
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Chapter 5
Accessing Melbourne
275 Exhibition St, Sillitto Italian Restaurant (9662 9062), a gravel pathway to
front door.
287 Exhibition St, Lanna Thai (9662 1250), one step from the corner of Little
Lonsdale St.
295 Exhibition St, Moretti Cafe, (9639 2654), step in.
303 Exhibition St, Caffe Si (9650 6077), one step in.
305 Exhibition St, Fellinis Cafe (9663 2744), flat in.
Spring St
103 Spring St, Windsor Hotel (9663 6000), four steps off Spring St but the hotel
has a portable ramp it employs - staff are helpful and efficient but the ramp is
steep. From the foyer you have access to the Hard Rock Cafe via short grade
down then a small lip. An accessible toilet is available for the Hard Rock Cafe.
163 Spring St, Fredericci’s Cafe is part of the Princess Theatre, flat entry through
the theatre foyer or a step off the street.
Chinatown
Located on Little Bourke St, between Spring St and Swanston St Walk, is Melbourne’s
Chinatown bustling with life especially at night when the colourful array of lights
comes into effect. A source of wonderful and cheap eating for many years it does
not however offer much in the way of easy access. Easiest access to Chinatown is
via Swanston St Walk or Target Arcade and Village Boulevard. Little Bourke St then
slopes gradually up towards Spring St but the street and footpaths are narrow and
rough. Most restaurants have at least one step in and others more – we have
identified the easiest ones to access plus those with one or two steps. Despite the
access limitations Chinatown is a great spot to visit.
25 Little Bourke St, Cheers bar & Grill, 9639 2269, one step.
35 Little Bourke St, Cafe K, 9639 0414.
40 Little Bourke St, Janbo Chinese Restaurant, 9662884, small lip.
47 Little Bourke St, Bamboo House, 9662 1565, two steps.
50 Little Bourke St, Shark Fin Inn, 662 2681, two steps.
36
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 5
105 Little Bourke St, Istana Malaysian Restaurant,9663 1709, two steps.
112 Little Bourke St, Oriental Gourmet Bistro, 96631991, one step.
119 Little Bourke St, Orchids Garden Restaurant, 9662 3591, one step.
120 Little Bourke St, Empress of China, 9663 1883, lip.
126 Little Bourke St, Golden Orchids Malaysian, 9663 1101, step.
131 Little Bourke St, Shark Fin House, 9663 1555, flat.
139 Little Bourke St, Ginza Teppanyaki, 9663 1155, two steps.
178 Little Bourke St, Hills BBQ Restaurant, 9663 2311, two steps.
189 Little Bourke St, Westlake Restaurant, 9663 4265, one step.
195 Little Bourke St, Banana Palm Curry House, 9639 2680, threshold grade.
198 Little Bourke St, Silver Bird, 9663 6388, one step.
Village Boulevard, Dragon Boat Restaurant, 9662 2733.
204 Little Bourke St, Ling Nan Restaurant, 9663 2347, one step.
215 Little Bourke St, Vintage Cellars, 9639 4198, flat.
242 Little Bourke St, Shanghai Club, 9639 0934, one step.
Eating with Wheels – The wheelchair user’s guide to Melbourne’s accessible
Eateries is available from microwiz@rocketmail.com
37
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Little Bourke St, Chine on Paramount, 9663 6556, grade into restaurant.
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Chapter 5
Accessing Melbourne
OUTSIDE THE CBD
Melbourne boasts several culinary precincts outside the CBD. Lygon St, Carlton is
famed as the Italian quarter, Brunswick St, Fitzroy is an earthy multicultural
precinct being challenged by Smith St, Collingwood. Acland St, St Kilda has
been popular for years for its ethnic cake and pastry shops and has many good
restaurants and several accessible toilets. Nelson Place, Williamstown is a
popular seaside venue only 20 minutes from the city.
Parking in these precincts is difficult as they are popular and often crowded at peak
times, Thursday through Sundays. Two dedicated spaces are available in
Brunswick St, two in Smith St, one in Acland St and a couple in the shopping centre
carpark accessing Lygon St. Nelson Place is better catered with several dedicated
spaces in Nelson Place and side streets.
The following restaurants are listed with street address and phone no., and
comment about physical access. Restaurants with flat or gentle incline to the entry
have been included, each street has many, many more restaurants with one or
more steps to negotiate, so wandering along the street increases your dining
options if one step is negotiable. Accessible toilets are highlighted.
Lygon St
Lygon Court Arcade (380 Lygon St) is accessed from the street or supermarket
carpark at the rear, then lift up. A food court and shopping all with flat access
and access to Cinema Nova and an accessible unisex toilet are available. The
toilet is equipped with a purple fluoro light.
123 Lygon St, Cerabona’s Cafe & Bar, 9348 1658, flat entry.
189 Lygon St, Boccelle Ristorante, 9348 1666, gentle incline.
241 Lygon St, New Zealand natural Ice Cream, 9347 1104, gentle incline.
225 Lygon St, Cafe Corretto, 9347 2300, flat entry.
318 Lygon St, Copperwood Restaurant, 9347 1799, flat access to restaurant and
outdoors dining area.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 5
211 Brunswick St, Cafe Santa Belle, 9419 7744, flat entry, accessible unisex toilet.
271 Brunswick St, Le Gourmet Cakes, 9419 9753, flat access into small shop.
275 Brunswick St, Red Tongue Cafe, 9415 9244, lip to gentle incline, accessible
unisex toilet.
315 Brunswick St, Vertigo, 9417 1414, gentle incline.
317 Brunswick St, Bar Open, 9419 9601, gentle incline.
336 Brunswick St, Viet Rose, 9417 7415, small step.
339 Brunswick St, Garance’s Pastries, 9417 7003, steep incline, over the counter.
357 Brunswick St, Organic Natural Foods & Juice Bar, 9417 7476, vegetarian and
vegan take away.
389 Brunswick St, Hide-out, 9419 6222, gentle incline.
Smith St
103 Smith St, Mayfields Bar & Cafe, 9417 0666, flat entry, band venue.
117 Smith St, Vegetarian Orgasms, 9419 9321, gentle incline, Vegan menu.
183 Smith St, Ly Ly Palace, 9419 6429, flat entry, Vietnamese cuisine.
366 Smith St, F00-Doo’s Cafe, 9417 4299, flat entry.
Acland St
71A Acland St, Vineyard Restaurant, 9534 1942, flat entry, groovy venue.
89 Acland St, Red Rock Noodle Bar, 9534 1936, gentle grade.
90 Acland St, Zenith Cafe/Bar, 9534 4244, flat entry from the foyer of the St Kilda
Army & Navy Club with pokies and bar. Accessible M&F toilets through heavy
doors.
129 Acland St, Deveroli’s Deli, 9534 8946, lip at entry, lip to accessible unisex
toilet – door opens inwards.
175 Acland St, Veludo, 9534 4456, step in.
39
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Brunswick St
Chapter 5
Accessing Melbourne
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
185 Acland St, La Roche Cafe, 9534 1472, flat entry.
189 Acland St, 189 Espresso Bar, flat entry.
Acland St, Banjo’s Bakery & Cafe, gentle incline.
Acland St, Coles Arcade, Street Cafe, flat entry. An accessible unisex toilet is on
level one up the lift near the car park entry. The toilet is available between 8am11pm and is kept locked so seek the key from security of centre manager.
Around the corner from Acland St into Barclay St are Seafood Claypots and Wild
Rice cafes, each with gentle grades in. Fitzroy St, St Kilda provides many other
eating options worth exploring and two located overlooking the beach are The
Stokehouse and Donovan’s each with a small but accessible unisex toilet.
Williamstown
165 Nelson Place, Schwabs Galley, 9397 6286, flat entry, gourmet sandwiches.
179 Nelson Place, The Groove Lounge, 9397 2577, no steps & wide door.
199 Nelson Place, The Icecream Shoppe, 9399 9594, flat entry.
203 Nelson Place, Scuttlebutt, 9397 8500, flat entry.
1 Syme St, at Gem Pier, Pelicans Landing, 0418 381 722, multi staged ramp to
entry, accessible unisex toilet.
Gem Pier, Williamstown, Sam’s Boatshed Bar & Restaurant, 9399 9959, outdoor
eating area accessible, step to indoor eating area. Accessible unisex toilet but
staff have they key.
Across Nelson Place and bordered by Syme St, is a large parkland, venue to the
Williamstown Sunday Market and an Information Centre, cafe and
accessible unisex toilet in the public amenities block.
40
Melbourne’s retail shopping precinct commences in Elizabeth St
north from Bourke St and extends east along Bourke St with a
focus on Melbourne Central and the Bourke St Mall.
Easy access is available to a huge range of shops (and cafes) from
the Mall via bridged walkways above Little Bourke St, Lonsdale
St and Little Lonsdale St. Lifts are nearly always close at hand and
many accessible unisex toilets are generally well signed. Great
shopping exists on Swanston St and Bourke St.
This chapter also contains entries on The Queen Victoria Market
and Supermarkets located in the city.
41
SHOPPING
Chapter 6
Shopping
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
Lonsdale St
369 Lonsdale St., Deans Art (9602 2184) flat entry through automatic doors.
SHOPPING
300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Central (9665 0000, ctrmgt@melbcent.com.au), is a
huge shopping and office tower complex occupying the major portion of two
city blocks in two buildings; La Trobe St and Lonsdale Street, linked by an
elevated walkway.
Opened in 1991, Melbourne Central consists of a basement carpark, 160
specialty shops, 30 restaurants & cafes, Daimaru the Japanese department
store, glass cone sheltering the century old Coop’s Shot Tower (see Chapter
11 on Buildings) and even a train station which forms part of the City Loop. An
atrium features replica historic “flying machines”; one a balloon, the other a
Wright Bros’ Biplane and a Marionette Watch - a gift from Seiko in Japan. Each
hour a marionette display performs Waltzing Matilda.
The centre is bright, open and friendly with information booths located at the
entries to the Lonsdale St building and La Trobe building, (under the Marionette
Watch). Pick up a copy of A Guide to Melbourne Central, to learn about what’s
on or borrow a wheelchair/scooter or pusher, purchase a gift voucher or hire a
locker.
Wheelchair entry is well provided from the La Trobe St Carpark via walkway to
Level 1 and from the basement carpark (entries from La Trobe and Lonsdale
Sts) via lift into the centre. A number of disabled persons parking spaces are
well signed and conveniently located by the lifts.
Entry to the Melbourne Central Station on the corner of Swanston St Walk and
La Trobe St, is ramped with yellow contrasting tactile pathway at the foot of the
steps leading to the lift, hand rails are provided.
There is flat entry from La Trobe St at the Elizabeth St corner, from Little
Lonsdale St and also Lonsdale St. Access is available from Myer above
Lonsdale St via a bridge connecting at Levels Two and Three.
Accessible toilets are located in the La Trobe Building, Lower Ground and Levels
1, 2 & 3 and the Lonsdale Building Level 3. Accessible telephones are located in
La Trobe building Level 1, 2 & 3. The walkway above Little Lonsdale St has a
grade of 8.1%, Level 1 and flat to Level 2.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 6
Daimaru is a department store in its own right with lifts and accessible toilet on
level 1, through the door to the ladies. On the ground floor is Daimaru’s Gourmet
Food Hall and Grocery on Level 1. Some tables and chairs are available to allow
you to eat your purchase. An accessible unisex toilet is on Level 2 but others are
not far in Melbourne Central.
Little Bourke St
Bourke St
391 Bourke St, Bunnings Warehouse is a hardware store, with a curious “Wall of
Fame”, located inside the front automatic doors, where several famous
sportsmen & women and entertainers have set their hand prints in concrete.
Ancient lifts convey you to the stores’ three levels and the exit to Little Collins St
is up a gradient of 13%.
385 Bourke St and extending along Elizabeth St, is the Galleria Shopping Plaza,
headquarters for the Commonwealth Bank in Victoria. Entry to the large branch
is via a gentle grade down from the corner. ATM’s outside the entry are up a
step. Entry to the Plaza is from Elizabeth St up a wide graded entry (4% - 6.7%)
and through wide automatic doors to shops including cafe, pharmacist,
newsagent, Australian Geographic Shop, two ATM’s, card slot 1400mm above
the ground. A graded exit (5.2 -5.9%) leads to Little Collins St.
The Shopping Plaza extends to the upper level accessed from Bourke St but not
by lift. There is a steep grade up Bourke St to the office tower lifts and to more
shops, cafe and accessible toilet. However, the toilet is behind a closed door
(difficult and limited space to open from the inside) then up two ramps 11% and
9% in grade. Across Little Collins St is the Elizabeth Arcade, through automatic
doors to a cafe, newsagent, drycleaners, then an exit to Little Collins St.
360 Bourke St, on the corner of Elizabeth St is the Pavilion Building. Angus and
Robertson Bookworld has a flat entry off Elizabeth St but embraces several
levels. Lift access is located off Bourke St and while access signage is
prominent, street access to the lift is awkward where three different short
43
SHOPPING
314-336 Little Bourke St provides accessible entries into Myer and David Jones
stores which straddle the street via elevated walkways. East of Swanston St
Walk the street becomes Chinatown full of colour and restaurants (see Chapter
5 on Cafes & Restaurants).
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
slopes meet. The lift has audio arrival signal, but internal buttons extend beyond
reach. The lift takes you to the bookshop levels and RACV shop. Signage in the
building for the lift is very good and clear. Accessible telephones are located on
Elizabeth St and an ANZ ATM is located in Bourke St.
SHOPPING
Bourke St Mall
Melbourne’s first pedestrian mall is closed to vehicular traffic between Swanston
and Elizabeth Sts, just watch out for the trams and cruising police cars. The Mall
is alive with buskers, street theatre, fund raisers flogging raffle tickets and
many shops. At the junction with Swanston St Walk is a sculpture: “Three men
who brought their own lunch; Batman, Swanston and Hoddle”, a clever
twist on three important and historic figures in Melbourne’s development, this is
possibly Melbourne’s most photographed sculpture. Towering above the
intersection atop four tram poles are the “Weather Vanes”, a wild bird, horse,
fish and flying pig. These sculptures were erected in 1993, commissioned by
the City as part of its Swanston St Walk Arts Program.
You will not be able to miss @alt.TV, a huge TV screen dominating the
intersection with broadcasts of sound and colour including sporting events,
news readers and video clips. The General Post Office and department stores,
Myer and David Jones (DJ’s) dominate the north side of the mall while leading
off the south side are several arcades with historic and heritage features,
including shops and cafes.
Access is available into many stores several with steep grades where steps
have been removed. Shops available include Esprit, Centrepoint which
extends through to Little Collins St with a grade (8.5%), Just Jeans, Katie’s
(women’s clothing), Darrel Lea (confectionery), the Body Shop, HMV music
store among others.
The Walk is a fully carpeted arcade sloping down (8.2% at the entry) and (8.4% at
the exit) to Little Collins St. There are several boutiques and cafes all easily
accessed with an accessible unisex toilet (door knob) located at the base and
left hand side of the slope down from the mall. The toilet is through an unsigned
door.
Royal Arcade, erected in 1869, is the oldest arcade in Melbourne and despite
many alterations, still maintains its elegant and unique appearance. Glass
roofed, light and spacious, it is entered from the Mall or Little Collins St with a
gradient down at the exit (4.8%) becoming steeper (14.6%) at the crossover.
44
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 6
314-336 Bourke St, Myer, is a large department store incorporating several
buildings. Myer is accessed from the Mall with a gentle gradient to the ground
floor of the Bourke St building. Myer extends to Lonsdale St with bridges
connecting the two buildings at Levels 1,2 & 3. Bridges also span Lonsdale St
connecting to Melbourne Central at Levels 2 & 3. Special note should be taken
of the Gourmet Grocery and Fast Food and the Market Place Restaurant on
Level 3 Lonsdale building.
Information board maps at entries from the Mall and Lonsdale St reveal store
layouts including accessible toilets. The information counter (and parcel hold
service) near the Lonsdale St entry (ramped from the street), is where you can
borrow a wheelchair or pusher. Lifts are located in each building on the east
side. The Bourke St building lift is staffed and the Lonsdale St lift is fully
accessible with reachable call buttons and voice over at floor arrival.
Access is available around the store where ramps connect buildings and
departments. The length of ramps and their gradients reflects the lack of
available space; many are quite steep. Bridges connecting Bourke St to
Lonsdale St stores vary from 4% to 15% while internal ramps can be steep
15% (2nd floor, China), 8.4% (2nd floor, Audio) and 14.6% (3rd floor, Women’s
Wear). While the ramps may be steep Myer staff are very helpful and happy to
assist. Accessible toilets are located on Level 1 and Lower Ground in the
Lonsdale St building.
Fronting Bourke St, David Jones extends from Little Collins St to Lonsdale St
encompassing three buildings sensibly delineated; Men’s Store (south side of
the Mall), Women’s Store (north side of the Mall) and Home Store (Little Bourke
St to Lonsdale St). Access is available from street level and there is a lift (high
internal call buttons) in each building. Accessible toilets are located in the Men’s
Store on Lower Ground and second floor.
The walkway to Little Bourke is carpeted and a grade (up to 9.1%), while there is a
45
SHOPPING
The arcade is guarded by Gog & Magog (which date from 1870), modelled on
the mythical giants of the Guildhall in London. They symbolise the conflict
between ancient Christians and Trojan invaders, known as Cronies and
Gogmagog, who were captured in battle by the Trojans and enslaved in an
ancient palace thought to be on the site of the Guildhall. Royal Arcade is also
notable for its black and white tiled flooring, installed in 1937, and many shops
and a few cafes. Pay a visit to the Games Shop and Mortisha’s Evening Wear
(wonderfully Adams Family-esque).
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
steep grade (12.5%) connecting the Welcome Hotel with its cafes and
accessible toilet (key with reception).
SHOPPING
236 Bourke St, Target (9639 3566), a huge city store with a grade of 6.5% at entry
to the Target Centre Arcade. The centre houses a food hall (grade 5%) and a
range of shops including McDonald’s. There is a connection (down a grade
5%) to the Midtown Plaza foodcourt serving a range of cuisines. Counters are
high so you will need to catch the eye of serving staff. On the street footpath,
tactile tiles lead from the entry to a tram stop in Bourke St.
The Target entry from Bourke St is wide through automatic opening doors to the
foyer where the main customer service counter is visible and is at a useable
height for a wheelchair. Signage is clear with good contrast and the lift can be
seen from the entrance. It is well signed but with poor contrasting colours
(white on grey). The two lifts; located next to counter 10, service all floors. An
accessible unisex toilet, with baby change facility is on the first floor near
reception. Target extends to Little Bourke St and an Australia Post office with
flat entry.
The Tivoli Arcade, with a grade up (5.1%) leads to a number of shops all with flat
access from the arcade; a hair dresser, book shop, Japanese Comic’s and
Delifrance (9663 0255) on the corner of Bourke where there is flat entry. Tivoli
Arcade leads to lifts for RMIT Business Studies (9660 4759, 9660 4365
Disability Liaison Officer).
The Village Centre Arcade runs through to Little Bourke St but there are steps
down to street level. It includes a range of shops and several cafes including,
Dragon Boat Chinese Restaurant (9662 2733) and Puccini’s Bar & Bistro,
(9663 1722). A key to the accessible toilet is held at Puccini’s.
179 Bourke St, Darrel Lea Chocolate Shop, there is a step at Bourke St entry but
an easier entry from Russell St.
160 Bourke St, Mariana Hardwick (9662 3434), glamourous evening wear and
apparel.
86 Bourke St, Collins Book Sellers (96629472), short grade from the street.
85 Bourke St, GasLight Records (9650 9009), gentle grade.
73 Bourke St, Aboriginal Gallery of Dreamings (9650 7291), gentle grade at
entry.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 6
Little Collins St
Between Swanston St Walk and Elizabeth St there is access to Centrepoint, The
Walk, Royal Arcade, Howey Place, Australia on Collins and the Block
Arcade. All offering a rich choice of cafes and shopping options.
234 Collins St, Sportsgirl Centre, is a multi-level shopping complex with many
boutiques. Direct entry from Collins St, the lift is centrally located but poorly
signed and call buttons camouflaged against a gold background. Access from
the Bourke St Mall is via the Walk Arcade to Little Collins St, then Howey Place,
a covered walkway which leads to a rear entry to Sportsgirl with a grade down
at 4.4%. Access to Howey Place is also via the Manchester Unity Building off
Swanston St Walk down a grade of 9.6% and the Capitol Arcade down a grade
of 7.5%.
An accessible unisex toilet is located on Level 2 by the food court and bar. The
toilet signage is poor but there is a baby change facility, the door pulls open but
is heavy and there is limited room to manoeuvre, not really a great option. Two
Telephones are located on the lower level, coin and card operated and 1.04m to
the keypad.
260 Collins St, Australia on Collins, encompasses a range of shopping options
and the Novotel Hotel. A traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing is adjacent
to the main entry. There is a gentle grade off Collins St to a large circular ceramic
tiled mural laid in the floor. A huge central atrium is flanked by three staged
ramps (5.5%, 5%, 5.7%) leading down to a lift, then down another ramp to the
cafe level. The lifts provide access to all floors. Accessible toilets are located on
Level 5 (Upper Collins) and the Food Court. Telephones are located on the 4th
floor, one is accessible, credit card only and 1.4m to the top of the keypad.
45 Collins St, Collins Place. You can park in the basement carpark where there are
two narrow dedicated spaces. Collins Place consists of three sections; The
Hotel Sofitel (25 Collins), the atrium shops and cafes, which are accessed via
the driveway off Collins St, and the two office towers which are accessed from
Collins St. An Australia Post office is accessed directly from Collins St.
Access from Collins St to the offices is via a narrow ramp/opening between
flower boxes which surround a feature waterfall and pond. There are revolving
and hinged doors. There are two ANZ ATM’s by the doors but they are too high
47
SHOPPING
Collins St
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
for a wheelchair. The entrance to the ANZ Bank tower is visible from the security
desk. Tenant directories are difficult to read from the glare and small lettering.
The only accessible toilet is near the hotel conference facilities, it is unisex and
has polished metal door knobs. Access to the offices from the car park is a
matter of taking the car park lift to ground level, heading out to Collins St then
back in past the waterfall/pond. Alternatively you can head to the conference
rooms and then through the ANZ bank to the lifts.
SHOPPING
Port Philip Arcade
Port Phillip Arcade, connects Flinders St and Flinders Lane behind Young &
Jacksons Pub. A gradient 7.2% leads up to shops through automatic doors and
down at 14% to a Chinese Restaurant (closed). The arcade is an historic one
consisting of obscure shops (a stamp collectors paradise), many with narrow
doorways. There are also a couple of cafes. About halfway along a ramp at 12%
leads down to Flinders Lane.
Queen St
190 Queen St, flat entry into Government Printers Bookshop (freecall 132 447),
but heavy glass doors.
Elizabeth St
The strip of shops between La Trobe St and Bourke St is a significant area for retail
shoppers mixing bargain hunters with camera buffs and motorcycle lovers. The
top end of Elizabeth St is “Bikie Territory”; Harley, Kawasaki, Yamaha motor
bikes are wheeled out onto the footpath every morning at the start of business.
Plenty of space is left for a clear path of travel. Squeezed among the bikes is
Cafe Heaven (9640 0505), playing on the bikie theme.
On the corner of Little Lonsdale St is Melbourne Central Pokies. A short steep
ramp (14.5%) to an awkward almost dangerous entry leads to the foyer where
there are tables by a gas fireplace, bar and plenty of pokie machines, but no
accessible toilets.
Crossing Little Lonsdale St is a retail area with an electronic theme:
• Batman Records with flat entry,
• Timezone amusement arcade has a graded entry (17.2%) and small lip,
48
Accessing Melbourne
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chapter 6
Tandy (electronics) graded entry 14.5%,
JB Hi Fi, a 10cm lip, then a 8.5% grade then a small lip,
Aussie Disposals (army disposals store) with a grade 11.6% in,
Franklins Video Store flat entry,
Computer Software store,
On the corner of Lonsdale St is Bulmers Shoes, flat entry.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Michaels Camera Store, with automatic doors and flat entry,
Melbourne Optical Centre, small lip,
Toon Inn, gallery of cartoon stills and animation art, flat entry hinged door,
Army Disposals, flat entry,
Teds Camera Store, short grade at 9.5%,
Westpac ATM (screen can glare),
Suit City, with a flat entry.
Crossing Little Bourke St, via crossovers,
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Optical City, short 11.6% carpeted grade,
Broadwalk Cafe (also called Wiggas), small lip,
Bernards Magic Shop, small step,
National Bank, heavy glass doors,
7/11, flat entry,
McGills Bookstore, sliding doors and flat entry, and,
St George Bank with automatic doors, a flat entry and ATM with flat screen.
109 Elizabeth St, Anti Cancer Council Shop with flat entry off the street and
hinged doors (often chocked open).
105 Elizabeth St, The Met Shop, has a ramped entry up at 15.6% then hinged doors.
Two standard height telephones are located on the footpath outside the shop.
The block between Collins and Bourke Sts, contains,
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
McDonalds, stairs, narrow elevator
Footrest (shoes), slight gradient in
Hutchinsons Telecom, graded entry
NRMA (insurance), wide entry and automatic doors
Anina’s Coffee Lounge, graded entry but fixed tables, high counter
Speeds Shoes, graded entry
Telefax Australia, flat entry
Crest Shoes, flat entry
49
SHOPPING
Elizabeth St to Bourke St, features shops many of which provide easy access;
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
60 Elizabeth St, are two large retail shops, each flat in from the street, Cleggs
(fabrics) and Big Men clothing store.
Swanston St
SHOPPING
Swanston St (between Flinders St and La Trobe St), is a pedestrian thoroughfare,
closed to traffic between 7am to 7pm, and fringed with many small shops,
particularly between Flinders and Bourke Sts. Swanston St Walk is a very
accessible promenade leading directly from Flinders St Station. It is popular
with pedestrians, street artists and buskers. There are wide footpaths and few
steps into shops but many have a small lip to negotiate.
295 Swanston St, Technical Bookshop (9663 3951), an access ramp is available
for assistance (kept under counter). Shop assistance is available.
244 Swanston St, Mind games, (9663 4603), specialist hobby games store, flat
entry.
169 Swanston St, Travellers Aid Society, entry via lift from a small foyer to level 2,
where there is a cafe, an accessible toilet, and Travellers Aid Disability Access
Service (TADAS). Medicare is located on Level 1, an accessible toilet is
provided on this level.
The block between Bourke and Collins Sts consists of many shops and a few cafes
including, Swanston Walk Cafe Bar (licensed and on street cafe), flat but
narrow entry, Lush Soap Shop, Westco Jeans (flat entry but fitting rooms have
very limited space), Golden Tower licensed cafe, Swagman Souvenirs, The
Body Shop (graded wide entry), Capitol Cinema & arcade. Access to the
Cinema is via a flight of stairs. The arcade leads to Howey Place to Little Collins
St and rear of The Sportsgirl Centre.
On the corner of Collins St is the Manchester Unity Building containing many
jewellers and apartments on its upper levels. A laneway leads through to Howey
Place and the rear entry to The Sportsgirl Centre. Hungry Jacks, is on the
corner.
Russell St
227 Russell St, Amazing Gifts for Lovers, adult gift shop, one step.
225 Russell St, Sam Bear Outdoor Camping and Equipment, flat entry, staff will
assist.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 6
221 Russell St, Club X, adult supermarket, sharp turn at entry, one step, staff will
assist you shop.
175 & 187 Russell St, amusement arcades (very limited access to the computer
game machines).
134 Aussie Disposals, a cramped shop but flat access in on the corner entrance.
20 Russell St, Girl Guides Association Building, a long ramp up with grades
between 7 & 8% leads to the main entry with hinged doors.
181-183 Exhibition St, The Paramount Centre (9251 5555) incorporates a
supermarket, shops, cafe, foodcourt and residential apartments stretching
between Bourke and Little Bourke St with a basement car park. It has a very
bright cheerful and welcoming appeal with automatic doors to Exhibition St.
The entry to Bourke St Level, is graded at approx 5% with an internal grade
averaging 5%, up to a shopping level. There is an entry from Little Bourke St but
with steps.
A lift conveys you down to Little Bourke St Level where the supermarket is
down a ramp at 6%. The foodcourt is up another grade of 5%. A baby change
facility and accessible unisex toilet are located through two heavy doors,
although well signed, the toilet is locked with the key held by security and a
spare with Paramount Cellars, by the lift.
Exhibition St between Bourke and Collins St is Opal territory with many shops
retailing opals and opal jewellery. Most of the shops have several steps in but at
128 Exhibition St, Opal World, has a flat entry.
100 Exhibition St, Penfolds Stationers, has a flat entry with automatic doors.
51
SHOPPING
Exhibition St
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market (9320-5822/fax 9328-2710, www.qvm.com.au) is one of
the largest markets in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring 1000-plus stalls,
ranging from fresh fruit & vegetables, meat and fish, clothing, craft and shoes to
fabric, leather goods and knick-knacks. An absolute must if you’re after a bargain
but be prepared for the bump and grind on the weekend.
SHOPPING
Market days: Tue 6am- 2pm, Thu 6am- 2pm, Fri 6am- 6pm, Sat 6am- 3pm & Sun
9am- 4pm. Located north of the CBD at the top end of Elizabeth St.
The Queen Victoria Market (QVM), was officially opened in 1878, and many of its
buildings are classified as Historic Buildings, dating back to the last century. The
Meat Hall - 1866, 1884, Sheds A to F - 1878, two storey shops on Victoria Street 1887 and single storey shops on Victoria Street - 1884, 1890.
The site covers approximately two city blocks and slopes steadily down from west
to east (towards Elizabeth St). The site is bitumen paved and quite even, so moving
around is not difficult. The original sheds facing Elizabeth St still have the slope the ground wasn’t levelled when the buildings were constructed!
Accessible parking is provided in the commercial car park with entries off
Franklin St and Queen St (four spaces at each location). Three spaces are provided
at each of the dedicated locations on Therry St and Queen St. Accessible toilets are
provided at the Food Court (includes baby change facility, M&F), next to the Meat &
Fish market (M&F, grade into the M toilet which has an extended grab rail limiting
sideways access to the toilet), rear of the shops near Peel St and Victoria St
intersection (unisex, poorly signed with a sliding door but a small narrow cubicle - a
motorised chair would have difficulty) and an excellent unisex facility in Queen St
near the vehicle entry to the car park - there is a baby change facility and some
ATM’s located here as well.
Tours run at 10am and 10.30am Tue, Thurs and Fri and take visitors through the
food markets with tastings along the way. You will learn some intriguing
information, like why the pork butchers sell only female pork or why lamb is graded
two or four tooth! Many of the stalls are specialists in their produce, particularly the
Organics who sell chemical free fruit and vegetables. You can even buy a duck,
chicken or pigeon - live of course! You can also take a breather at the foodcourt.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 6
SHOPPING
The Queen Victoria Market
53
Chapter 6
Accessing Melbourne
Supermarkets
Melbourne’s population of permanent residents has been on the increase over
recent years with a subsequent need for grocery and supermarket shopping in the
CBD. Several supermarkets have cropped up and even a few gourmet
delicatessens have appeared.
SHOPPING
2-26 Elizabeth St, Coles Express, (9654 3830) a grade down of 7.9% into the
store through automatic doors where there are wheelchair accessible widened
aisles, lowered fridges, mirrored shelves, deli counter at 1.37m and lower
checkout counters.
181-183 Exhibition St, The Paramount Centre Supermarket (9251 544) is
located on the Little Bourke St Level. Lift down from Bourke St Level then ramp
of 6% down to the supermarket.
185 Russell St, The Great Eastern Food Centre (9663 3716) is a small Asian
grocery with one small step at the entry.
235 Bourke St, Priceline (9654 7538) is on the corner of Royal Lane and Bourke
St. and sells budget toiletries and cosmetics. There is a gentle gradient at entry.
Priceline (9654 2034) also has a store in the Centrepoint building just off the
Mall. Access is via lift to the first floor.
314-336 Bourke St, Myers Gourmet Grocery (9661 1111) is located on the
ground floor of the “Lonsdale Building” between Little Bourke St and Lonsdale
St. Access is via ramp down from the Lonsdale St entry, Little Bourke St entry or
from the Mall through the Bourke St building. Accessible toilets are located on
the first and lower ground floors.
Bourke St Mall, the David Jones Gourmet Grocery (9643 2222) is on the lower
ground floor of the store located between the Mall and Little Collins St (steps).
Accessible toilets are located on the lower ground and second level, with a baby
change facility.
300 Lonsdale St, Daimaru’s Gourmet Food Hall (660 6666) is on Level 1 in
Melbourne Central and accessible toilets are nearby.
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Chapter 7
Pubs & Clubs
King St, especially between Flinders Lane and Flinders St, is
the focus of Melbourne’s night clubs. Some of these have
become sexually explicit entertainment venues over the past
few years. The main clubs are: Lady’s Night Club, Inflation,
Showgirls, Bar 20, Cafe Mode, The Underground, High
Rider Saloon and Grain Store. All have at least several steps
in and none go out of their way to provide easy access. There
are no accessible toilets, however an accessible public toilet is
on the south side of Flinders St.
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PUBS & CLUBS
Melbourne has a number of historic drinking establishments
remaining in roughly original condition, but not surprisingly
they do not offer easy access or accessible toilets, Menzies
Tavern is the exception, but it isn’t perfect. Snippets of
historic and architectural information are included about
them. The most accessible options are the bars in major
hotels where an accessible toilet is generally not too far away.
Chapter 7
Accessing Melbourne
South of the Yarra River is the Crown Casino Entertainment Complex (9292 8888
www.crownltd.com.au) with many bars, several nightclubs and Village Cinemas
(refer to Chapter 10 Theatres). Heat Disco, Mercury Lounge, Club Odeon and
Crown Showroom are all located on Level 3 at the western end of the complex,
off a common foyer serviced by lifts and Jack’s Bar. An accessible unisex toilet
is next to the M&F toilets behind Jack’s Bar.
Crown Showroom is a large multi purpose space with stage and “stadium
seating” which concertinas up against one wall when not in use. Provision for
wheelchair seating has been provided in the seating arrangement. There is no
permanent hearing loop, a temporary hearing loop can be made available upon
request.
The Mercury Lounge (9292 5480) is a band venue with flat entry and viewing
while stairs lead up to a mezzanine viewing area.
PUBS & CLUBS
Club Odeon (9682 1888) is an intimate club with several bars and a unisex
accessible toilet. Two steps at the main entry greet visitors, however
management will escort you through a rear door into the club. Three levels are
connected by gentle ramp so access is available to all areas and the Cage Bar.
Heat Disco (9699 2222) is the large disco comprising three rooms all on the
one level, except for a raised area and the main “sunken” dance floor, accessed
by gentle ramp at the opposite end to the bar. Except for Club Odeon, the only
accessible toilet is behind Jack’s Bar.
La Trobe St
293 La Trobe St, Duke of Kent Hotel (9670 0128) The Saloon Bar entry off La Trobe
is a small step then hard turn right through a hinged door, there is easy access
to large Bistro area. There are no accessible toilets, the nearest toilet is opposite
in the Argus Building, (There is a disabled persons parking spot on the road).
Little Lonsdale St
511 Little Lonsdale St on the corner of William St, is the Metropolitan Hotel/Cafe
(9670 1385), a step in but double doors (accessible) on the corner with a sign
directing people to the door with a step!
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 7
Lonsdale St
601 Lonsdale St, The Men’s Gallery (9670 0331), there are many steps at the front
entry but bouncers will assist by directing you to a side entry where there is a
lift into the club. You may call ahead first.
584 Lonsdale St, Goldfingers Men’s Club, (9670 9457) bar and restaurant with
two steps off Lonsdale St, open during the daytime. The Night Club has one step
entry off Lonsdale St then up a flight of stairs - bouncers may assist you but call
ahead.
205 Lonsdale St, DION (9650 4050) a Greek nightclub, flat entry.
Little Bourke St
590 Little Bourke St, Tunnel Night Club (9670 7493), steps.
629 Bourke St., Paladin Night Club, (9624 2400), known for its Gothic Friday
nights, occupies a Gothic Revival red brick and bluestone building, built
between 1887-89 as the Bourke Street West Police Station, complete with
eleven cells - the bars are still on the windows and original heavy timber cell
doors are still in place. A short slope (9.7%) leads into a covered courtyard
bar/restaurant/club known as the Paladin. Up one large step to the toilets. There
is plenty of circulation space but no grab rails.
128 Bourke St, Welcome Stranger, (9639 4555) a bar and pokies venue. A steep
grade (12%) leads to the 24 hour venue which has an accessible unisex toilet in
the far corner. A security guard is on duty so assistance may be available up the
grade.
20 Bourke St, Metro Night Club (9663 4288), in a converted theatre. At the entry
there is a small step to a foyer area, bouncers will assist you in. The original
main staircase leads to an upper level while several steps lead to lower level
and steady gradient to the stage. The bouncers may assist you up the main
stairs or down to the lower level. Accessible toilets have been provided in M & F
but they don not meet Australian standards. Both M & F have a step up.
2-8 Bourke St, Imperial Hotel, (9662 1007) lipped entry on the corner of Spring &
Bourke Sts and another from Spring St, good meals but no accessible toilets.
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PUBS & CLUBS
Bourke St
Chapter 7
Accessing Melbourne
Little Collins St
577 Little Collins St, Tatou Bar and Restaurant (9629 3872). Two steps at the
entry lead to a foyer and the restaurant. A ramp from the restaurant leads down
two steps to the bar area. There is an accessible toilet on this level. Two upper
entertainment levels are reached by steps only.
525 Little Collins St, The Menzies Tavern (9629 1818) is flat from the corner of
McCracken Lane to a large paved courtyard. Hinged glass doors lead to a bar
and gaming room full of pokies. An accessible toilet is located through a door
before an entry leading to the Men’s. No separate accessible toilet for the
ladies.
5-9 Bank Place, Mitre Tavern (9670 5644), was established in 1868 but parts of
the building relate to original construction on the site which commenced in
1837, making it officially the oldest building in the city.
PUBS & CLUBS
Over time a number of changes have occurred, outbuildings have been
removed, rooms enlarged, the building refaced and reroofed. The construction
is in part brick, stone rubble and mud and was substantially altered around
1900 -1910 when English Queen Anne style additions were constructed using
“Marseille pattern” terra cotta tiles.
Despite the architectural changes over its life, it remains a very popular
watering hole and meeting place for CBD workers, particularly on a Friday night
and has been continuously and popularly used by the city’s business and arts
community since the mid nineteenth century.
Collins St
45 Collins St, Collins Place, a bar is located in the lower level adjacent to the Kino
Cinema. Accessible toilets are on the ground level from the hotel entry and the
hotel conference level, (polished metal door knobs make entrance difficult).
123 Collins St, Grand Hyatt Hotel, a bar is available in the food court area and
accessible M&F toilets are available. A club, Monsoons (9653 4516), is
available by lift from the entrance on Collins St - call ahead to enquire about
accessibility.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 7
Flinders Lane
145 Flinders Lane, The Ivy Night Club (9650 1855). Three steps up to the Karaoke
Bar level and bouncers will assist when on duty. No accessible toilets.
234 Flinders Lane, Manchester Lane (9663 0630), is a jazz club with cafe and bar.
Flat access from Flinders Lane into the cafe and flat entry from Manchester
Lane into the bar, Jazz Venue, with an accessible unisex toilet.
Flinders St
In 1860 it became known as the Princes Bridge Hotel, then in 1875 H. F. Young
and T. Jackson took over the license. In 1908 H. F. Young purchased and
displayed in the saloon bar, a painting of a nude female, “Chloe” by the
Frenchman Jules Lefebre. Shipped to Melbourne for the 1880-81 International
Exhibition it was purchased by noted Melbourne medical man Dr Thomas
Fitzgerald who loaned it to the National Gallery in 1882. Chloe aroused the ire of
certain Melburnians - they objected to its public display, especially on Sundays.
Young’s action was intended to promote his Hotel but the presence of the
painting at Young and Jacksons’s (as it had become known by then), came to
symbolise popular resistance to narrow-minded Victorian values.
146 Flinders St, Duke of Wellington Hotel (9650 4984), Melbourne’s oldest pub
still operating, gained its license in 1853. One section was built in 1850 as a
stone house and later expanded incorporating adjoining buildings. One small
step up from Flinders St into the front bar and flat entry from Russell St but the
doors are narrow, just room for a manual wheelchair (16 inch). A bistro is up
several steps and there are no wheelchair accessible toilets. Of interest is an
Honour Board of Melbourne Cup winners and framed sketches of Australia
Rules Football identities.
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PUBS & CLUBS
210 Flinders St, Young & Jacksons, Melbourne’s most famous pub. The original
1853 bluestone building was designed as a three-storey residence, with a
butchers shop on the ground floor. It was extended by incorporating a shop to
the north in Swanston Street and two early stone stores to the west on Flinders
Street. They have been rendered and painted to match but the original stone
corner building can be readily identified. Unfortunately large advertising signs
are fixed to the exterior. Access into the public bar is flat but narrow from
Flinders St.
Chapter 7
Accessing Melbourne
King St
195 King St, City Saloon (9670 0980). Two entries one is flat, the other has a small
step from King St into the bar/dining room areas. Night club, pool tables and
games area located on upper levels accessed by stairs. No accessible toilets.
204 King St, Great Western (9670 4389). On the corner of Little Bourke there is a
large step into the pub but access through to a small rear beer garden. On
Friday evenings a gate is sometimes opened up at the rear laneway providing a
flat entry. No accessible toilets.
20 King St, The King of Clubs (9629 9633). Two flights of stairs lead to this adult
club and bouncers will assist you, please call in advance. No accessible toilets.
60 King St, Inflation, (9614 6122). Three steps from King St but there is a portable
ramp and the bouncers will assist, which gives you access to the cafe area.
Other entertainment levels (including Ladies Night Club) are accessed by stairs.
No accessible toilets.
PUBS & CLUBS
William St
1 William St, Gateway Suites (Holiday Inn Apartments, 9296 8888), an awkward
gradient on the footpath and a steep short ramped entry (13.4%) lead to an
automatic door to the foyer and high reception desk. There is no wheelchair
accessible accommodation. From the foyer via a two stage carpeted ramp
(7&7.6%) leads to the Bar & Cafe and then through a heavy door to a toilet
signed as accessible, but without grab rails.
Queen St
316 Queen St, Cnr of La Trobe St is the Celtic Club (9670 6472), with one step at
entry then turn left into a bar area, no accessible toilets.
Swanston St
125 Swanston St, Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom (9654 7617). Access is via a lift from the
Century Building foyer down to the Hi Fi Bar. Call ahead (9654 0991) to ensure
the lifts are left unlocked. An upper bar is accessed by stairs. No accessible
toilets.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 7
Russell St
127 Russell St, Arizona Bar has a small step at entry at the highest point up the
hill.
115 Russell St, Santa Fe Gold (9654 7034), bar and adult entertainment, several
steps at entry, bouncers may assist, but call ahead first.
Exhibition St
282 Exhibition St, Coopers Inn (9639 2111), off Little Lonsdale, has a lipped entry
and step down from Little Lonsdale St.
186 Exhibition St, Rydges Hotel flat entry from the street into reception and
through to the CBD Cafe & Restaurant, an accessible unisex toilet is available
from the foyer. Bobby Mcgees Nightclub (96390603) is accessed via goods lift
from the hotel. No accessible toilets and there are several steps down to the
sunken nightclub floor.
103 - 137 Spring St, Windsor Hotel (9663 6000), was originally known as the
Grand Hotel and later as the Grand Hotel Coffee Palace. The Windsor is regarded
as the grandest of Australia’s great nineteenth century hotels, with features
including the facade, restaurant, staircase, lifts and wide corridors give a charm
and quality that make the Windsor unique amongst Melbourne’s hotels. Erected
in two stages in 1880 and 1883-4 it epitomises the architects’, Charles Webb,
“Boom Classical style”.
Four steps lead up from Spring St but there is a portable ramp employed but
while the staff are helpful the grade is steep and dangerous. Once in you are on
ground level for the restaurant and through to the Hard Rock Cafe (9650
4755), down a short grade and up a small lip. An accessible toilet is available in
the Cafe. The Cafe entry from Bourke St has six steps and the restaurant eating
area is up two steps.
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PUBS & CLUBS
Spring St
Chapter 8
Cinemas & Theatres
CINEMAS & THEATRES
Melbourne’s cultural experience includes live theatre and many
options are available to theatre-goers in the “theatrical precinct of
Melbourne”, all with varying degrees of access. Recently, as
theatres have been renovated and upgraded, access has been taken
into account. Access details which follow are brief as detailed
access, to the extent of seating plans and hearing induction loop
coverage, have been published in the Arts Access Vic Venue
Guide, $19.95 from Arts Access, phone 9699 8299. The historic
and architectural information was supplied by Heritage Victoria,
The Australian Heritage Commission and Marriner Theatres.
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 8
Forum Theatre
154 Flinders St, Forum Theatre (9299 9700).
History: The Forum Theatre was originally known as the State Theatre.
American theatre specialist John Eberson and Melbourne architects Bohringer,
Taylor & Johnson created a 4,000 seat picture palace complete with artificial
sky, stars, clouds and the statuary of a Florentine garden for the Union Theatre
Chain in 1929.
The exotic exterior and interior were designed to compete with the Regent (in
Collins St) and reflect the highly popular social and cultural activity of theatre
going at the time. The period reflected Hollywood’s first golden age and patrons
were invited to indulge their fantasies; the auditorium has a Florentine garden
flavour, a Florentine temple (with a statue of the Venus De Capua) lined by
Cyprus trees and statues of Diana of Versailles and Discobolus. Venus Di Medici
stands nine feet tall under a cerulean blue (an imported colour) ceiling imitating
the Mediterranean night sky, including faithful positioning of the stars. The
theatre was also air conditioned by heated or cooled water!
Hollywood’s golden age eventually tarnished and picture going declined. By
1961 Greater Union converted the State Theatre into two theatres. Today the
Forum (original stalls) is a cabaret venue seating about 800, but still under the
starry sky. The original dress circle upstairs is now a 500 seat theatre.
Regent Theatre
191 Collins St, Regent Theatre (9299 9500).
History: The Regent was opened in 1929, three weeks after the State Theatre,
and was one of Victoria’s largest cinemas during the inter-war period. Originally
designed for live theatre it became a picture palace and even the administration
centre for the Hoyts chain of cinemas.
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CINEMAS & THEATRES
Access: Access from Flinders St is best towards the corner with Russell St. An
accessible unisex toilet is located up a short grade near the Russell St exit. The
cabaret venue has booths, tables and chairs making awkward viewing access
for a wheelchair so ask to sit at the front where tables are placed on the flat and
are better spaced.
Chapter 8
Accessing Melbourne
The Regent is regarded as probably the best example of the combined Spanish
Gothic and French Renaissance revival styles. Where the State Theatre was
“atmospheric” the Regent was lavish and opulent. Built as two entertainment
venues, the Regent Theatre upstairs catered for 3,500 patrons while the Plaza
Ballroom was designed for dining and dancing. However, it was soon converted
to a cinema creating Australia’s first duplex. The building is notable as a
monument to FW Thring who established the Regent chain of theatres in
Australia and for the amount of public interest and scrutiny which surrounded
its redevelopment.
The Regent lay in decay since closing in 1969 and despite 15 different
proposals for its redevelopment it was not until 1993 that it was given a new
lease of life by the Marriner group and reopened in 1996.
Access: The accessible entry to the Regent is from Watson Lane off Flinders
Lane which runs behind the theatre. A staff member will meet you. Accessible
seating is allocated in the Stalls and accessible unisex toilets are available in
the Stalls Foyer. Access into the Plaza Ballroom is from Collins St via a door
which is staffed during functions. A lift is available to Plaza Ballroom level
where ramps lead to the ballroom area, two accessible toilets are provided for
on the Ballroom level.
Athenaeum Theatre
184-192 Collins St, Athenaeum Theatre.
CINEMAS & THEATRES
History: The Athenaeum Theatre occupies a site forming part of the Mechanics
Institute which was inaugurated at a meeting held in late 1839 and formed to
disseminate scientific and other useful knowledge among its members and the
general community. Members of the first Board of Management were Charles
La Trobe and William Lonsdale.
Commenced in 1842 and occupied in 1843, it was a two-storey rendered brick
structure behind a cast iron fence and with a Doric porticoed entrance. It
contained a library, reading room, a Hall in which the Municipal Council met and
where other important meetings were held. Two single-storey wings were
added by 1857 and in 1872 a new Hall was opened by the Governor.
In 1921 the hall was leased to a Frank Talbot, who converted the hall into a
theatre by 1924. The Athenaeum was the first Australian theatre to screen
talking films in 1929. The Athenaeum today is a three storey brick building with
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Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 8
a Classical stucco facade in the “boom” style of architecture. It remains an
important meeting place and venue for social occasions, exhibitions and is
known for the statue of Athena which stands in the niche at the top of the
parapet.
Access: Access from Collins St is almost flat as the street gradient rises
heading east. From the foyer, the entry to the dedicated seating at the rear of
the stalls is flat. An accessible toilet is behind the box office between the M&F
toilets,ask for directions. An old lift conveys you to the Art Gallery level and
Theatre 2. Bookings at the box office (9650 1500).
Comedy Theatre
240 Exhibition St, Comedy Theatre (9209 9000).
History: The site was occupied by Rowe’s Circus for two years and has had
theatrical connections since 1854, when a prefabricated iron theatre was
imported from England called the Olympic Theatre, but known as the Iron Pot,
and then in the 1890s the Australian Hippodrome operated on the site.
The Comedy’s design has been alternatively described as having a “Spanish
Mission” flavour and “Florentine” feel with its main facade constructed in
tapestry brickwork and stucco dressings, including attached columns, arches
and wrought iron balconies. Certainly, the theatre was the first to dispense with
a Gallery, combining the dress circle with the upper circle.
Access: Access is via a step up from the street but book ahead and staff will
put out a portable ramp. There are no accessible toilets, but a “T” switch
hearing loop is available and there are several removable seats on aisles for
wheelchair seating.
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CINEMAS & THEATRES
The Comedy Theatre was constructed in 1927-28 for theatrical entrepreneurs J
C Williamson Ltd who dominated theatre entrepreneurship during the early
twentieth century, building nearby Her Majesty’s Theatre. The Comedy Theatre
belongs both to the early development of the entertainment precinct of
Melbourne and to the boom period of theatre-going in the 1920s - resulting
from the popularity of the American musical which helped to counter some of
the effects of cinema which saw the demise of the State and Regent Theatres.
Chapter 8
Accessing Melbourne
Her Majesty’s Theatre
219 Exhibition St, Her Majesty’s Theatre (9663 3211).
History: Her Majesty’s Theatre has been described as “the most important
theatre still standing in terms of its contribution to Australian theatre”. Designed
by architect Nahum Barnet for French born theatre entrepreneur Jules Joubert,
it is an amalgam of mainly renaissance derived English and French influences.
It opened in 1886 as the Alexandra Theatre in honour of the Princess of Wales.
Billed as the “Australian Theatre” between 1888 and 1893, its name changed to
Her Majesty’s in 1900 when famous theatre group JC Williamson’s leased and
renovated the theatre. A fire in 1929 destroyed the auditorium and renovations
completed in 1934 saw it reopen as a modern, stylistic and technologically
advanced for Australian theatre. An acoustic consultant was even engaged - a
first in Australia. Over its life, Her Majesty’s stage has been graced with
internationally renowned performers: Dame Nelly Melba, 1911, Anna Pavlova,
1926 and Dame Joan Sutherland, 1965.
Access: The best entry is the central one off Exhibition Street, near the bar
where the small step is tiny. There are no accessible toilets and wheelchair
visitors are quarantined to a seating section to the rear of the theatre, it is not a
friendly seating arrangement.
Princess Theatre
CINEMAS & THEATRES
163 Spring St, Princess Theatre (9299 9800).
History: Princess Theatre occupies a site associated with theatre since 1853
when a corrugated iron shed was erected and know as Astley’s Amphitheatre.
The Princess Theatre was architect William Pitt’s masterpiece. In 1886 he
designed a new theatre for a partnership including JC Williamsons, the result
was an exuberant, elaborate theatre with features in the “boom classical
period”. It is certainly decorative and ornate and once had an opening roof!
The Princess has its own ghost, Frederici (Frederick Baker) who while playing a
part fell through a trap door and died of a heart attack. The theatre cafe is
named after him, Frederici’s (9299 9823).
The theatre was refurbished and changed character twice up to 1986, when it
was brought back to life with a refurbishment to the 1922 grandeur.
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Chapter 8
Access: Access is available via a small ramp management makes available
upon arrival, just book ahead. Seating is limited but you do sit at the end of an
aisle with your companions. An accessible unisex toilet is available on the
Lower Foyer but is poorly signed.
Greater Union Cinema
131 Russell St, Greater Union Cinema (9654 8133).
Access: Access to the ticket office is available where the gradient on the street
eliminates the steps. Cinemas 2 and 3 are accessed via the laneway to the side
of the theatre and then by entering through fire access doors. You need to
telephone ahead and arrange for staff to assist. Cinema Two has graded isles
but Cinema Three is stepped so you may have to sit at the front (near the
screen).
Village Centre
206 Bourke St, Village Centre (9667 6565).
Village has provided probably the most accessible movie theatres in the city,
hearing induction loops have been installed and access to all four theatres is
available. People with disabilities are encouraged to attend with a carer
admitted at no cost.
Village Centre Cinemas are accessed via automatic doors from the arcade. The
booking office will show you to a lift up to the next level where you will be met
by an usher. There is a bar and accessible unisex toilet on this level. The usher
will escort you by lift to the appropriate theatre and remove a seat to
accommodate a wheelchair. Seating is at the rear and on the flat while access
to theatre four is via stairlift.
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CINEMAS & THEATRES
Access: Booking in advance is requested. A grade of 9.5% leads to Village
Boulevard, an arcade filled with shops and a couple of restaurants, Puccini’s
(9663 1722) and Dragon Boat (9662 2733). The arcade extends to Chinatown
but there are steps down to Little Bourke St. An accessible unisex toilet is
available in the arcade, located behind the escalators near the entry is an
unmarked door. The toilet is behind that door, the key is held by Puccini’s
Restaurant.
Chapter 8
Accessing Melbourne
Kino Cinema
45 Collins St, Collins Place, Kino Cinema (9650 2100). Well regarded for
screening arthouse and alternative movies.
Access: Access from Collins St is via the driveway for the Sofitel Hotel and
down the lift to Lower Ground. Kino ticket office is then down a long, steep
ramp (15.6%), to a cafe/bar area, then another ramp (14%) to the cinema and
booking office.
Shaft Cinema
264 Swanston St, Shaft Cinema (9663 3729). Screens sex movies and shows.
Access: Access is from Swanston St Walk via two short grades.
The Victorian Arts Centre
100 St Kilda Rd, The Victorian Arts Centre (9281 8000).
CINEMAS & THEATRES
Guided tours: M-F 12 & 2.30pm, Sat 10.30am & 12, Sun 2.30pm backstage
only, adults $9, child/concession $6.50 & family $20, take visitors through the
performing arts complex, into all available theatres, some may be in use, with a
commentary on the design, decoration and architecture of the complex.
The Victorian Arts Centre is located just over Princess Bridge from the city and
consists of two buildings; the circular Melbourne Concert Hall and theatres;
State, Playhouse and George Fairfax. The Theatres building was constructed
with only five of its ten levels above ground. The Concert Hall was completed in
1982 and State Theatre in 1984 from a design based on Australia’s mineral
wealth, by architect Sir Roy Grounds. The theatres provide a fascinating and
accessible tour. A major feature is the wire spire, a Melbourne landmark
inspired by a ballerina’s tutu, which changes colours at night.
Access: Two disabled persons car parking spaces are available on St Kilda Rd.
Alternatively park in the basement carpark where there are many dedicated
spaces on the upper car park level. This becomes Level 5 in the centre. Your
entry from St Kilda Rd is flat to Level 6 (ground) which contains the shop and
departure point for tours. Access to performances is available in all theatres.
There are several seating options. Unisex accessible toilets are available. The
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two huge lifts have grab rails, braille buttons at an accessible height, a floor
directory (showing accessible toilets) and an electronic floor display. The lift
takes you to just above Level 5 where there is a grade down (7.4% - 7.9%) to
Level 5 proper, and entry to the Playhouse Theatre Circle (which is up with the
gods, you can get to the stalls if preferred). You may be lucky and see the
“marble room”, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank!
Printed in 1990 is Facilities for the Disabled, a brochure detailing all facilities
available including a hearing induction loop for those with appropriate hearing
aids and Infra-red sound, using the centres headsets.
The Performing Arts Museum is at the southern end of the centre (free entry),
along with the George Adams Gallery and The Vic Cafe. Aromas Cafe (flat entry)
from The River Terrace which is a short grade (4.8%) down past the Concert
Hall and links with Southgate (via two grades 5-7.2% & 8.5%).
The Crown Entertainment Complex
The Crown Casino Entertainment Complex (which includes Melbourne’s casino)
is not far from the Victorian Arts Centre on the south side of the river. It includes
Village Cinemas (9278 6666), a complex of 14 boutique cinemas and two Gold
Class cinemas. The Village booking office is located on Level 2 with lift access
up a level to the theatre. All theatres provide accessible seating with induction
hearing loops covering the back four rows. The Gold Class cinemas are
accessed via a stair lift and a hearing induction covers the whole cinema. Gold
Class is a luxury cinema with huge comfortable seating, you are served drinks,
nibbles and even a meal.
1 Macarthur Street, Cinemedia at the Treasury Theatre (9651 1515).
Located behind the Old Treasury Building in the corner under the above
walkway and Treasury Place building. There is flat access into the foyer from
Treasury Place and an accessible unisex toilet is located at the far side. Access
to the theatre is via a stair lift located just inside the main entry.
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Cinemedia
Chapter 8
Accessing Melbourne
IMAX © Theatre
Rathdowne St, Carlton, IMAX © Theatre (9663 5454).
Publicly spruiked as the “World’s Biggest Movie Screen”. That is no
understatement, the IMAX© screen is about 10 times the size of a conventional
cinema screen! The screen is so large that you almost feel like you will fall into
it. The seating arrangement is incredibly steep but the high-backed seats
appear to be very comfortable and provide great viewing. Movies are shown in
two and three dimensions (2D and 3D), complete with a hi wattage sound and
light system.
IMAX© films screen hourly from 9am to 11pm with special late night sessions
on Friday and Saturday. Prices for 3D movies are Adult $14.95, Child $10.95,
Concession $11.95 and Family $44.95. Prices for 2D movies are $1 less and $2
less for families.
The IMAX© theatre is the first stage of Melbourne’s Museum development on
the site of the Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building, located on the
north east corner of the CBD. Wheelchair access has been incorporated into the
theatre. There are six on-street disabled persons parking spaces, three
dedicated spaces in the commercial car park operating on the grounds of the
Exhibition Building and dedicated spaces provided in the underground car park
with lift access up to the theatre.
CINEMAS & THEATRES
The main theatre entry is via escalators, however a lift (with electronic voice
over) is located past the entry and conveys you directly to the main foyer. Off
the foyer is a gift shop and ticket office both with appropriate height counters,
an accessible toilet (past the escalators) and Cafe IMAX©, a licensed bistro.
Access into the theatre is easy through wide opening doors, ushers will show
you to your seat where up to twelve seats can be removed from two sections of
the rear row making way for wheelchairs. This row has the best view in the
house!
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Wesley Central Church/Mission
148 Lonsdale St, Wesley Central Church/Mission (9662 2355/fax 9663 1369).
The Wesleyans (Methodists) were amongst the earliest settlers in the colony of
Port Phillip (as the Melbourne area was originally known), holding their first
service in 1836. Early places of worship were on the corner of Swanston Street
and Flinders Lane and the on the corner of Queen and Collins Sts. In 1853 the
bluestone British Gothic church was completed in Lonsdale St. It was designed
by architect Joseph Reed, who also designed the Scots and Independent
churches. With a spire standing 175 feet tall, it was visible from Hobsons Bay
and soon became a well known landmark.
You can tour the church, which has a flat entry from the forecourt past the
statue of John Wesley, the founder of the Wesleyans. Pick up a copy of the
church guide (but please leave a donation). The guide describes each of the
colourful stained glass windows and the history of the pipe organ the first in the
colony. Of specific note are two huge pictures by early Australian artist Rupert
Bunny.
In 1893 the Wesley Central Mission was created as a “forward movement” to
help meet apparent social needs in the prevailing times of hardship and
unemployment. Today the Mission operates a range of social services including
Do Care, Lifeline, Fire & Clay, Friends for Older People, Good Samaritan
Industries, Kids Under Kanvas, Wesley Youth Services and Melbourne
Employment Services.
An office block to the side of the church is the administrative headquarters for
WCM. Access is available through two hinged doors and down a short steep
grade. It operates a small car park behind the church (on very rough ground).
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CHURCHES & CATHEDRALS
Chapter 9
Churches & Cathedrals
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Accessing Melbourne
St Francis’ Church
344 Lonsdale Street, St Francis’ Church (9663 2495).
Victoria’s oldest catholic church and the oldest Church in Melbourne still
remaining on its original site. The first St Francis’ Church was a simple timber
structure erected in 1839. The foundation stone for the present brick and stucco
Simple Gothic building was laid in 1841 by Father Geoghegan, Melbourne’s first
Roman Catholic priest. The Church was completed in 1845 with cedar panelled
ceiling installed in 1850, The Lady Chapel added in 1856 and the new Sanctuary
1879. A flat accessible entry is available from Elizabeth St.
St Augustine’s Catholic Church
631-653 Bourke St, St Augustine’s Catholic Church (9629 7140).
A bluestone Gothic Revival styled Church with rendered cement dressings to its
windows and buttresses, was built between 1869/70 replacing a timber church
dating from 1853. The tower was increased in height around 1936. The Church
has a long association with seamen hence the anchor which features in its
forecourt. Access is limited with three steps at the front entry.
The Uniting Church Synod Office
130 Little Collins St, The Uniting Church Synod Office (9251 5200).
Meeting rooms and hall are entered off the street by short ramp past the book
shop. A lift conveys visitors to upper levels and an accessible unisex toilet is on
the ground floor level.
St Michael’s Uniting Church
122-136 Collins St, St Michael’s Uniting Church (9654 5120).
Cited as Melbourne’s first permanent church. The Independent Chapel, was
erected on this site in 1839. It was demolished in 1866 to make way for the
present structure which was completed in 1867. The interior and exterior are
considered unique and of architectural significance. The exterior, dominated by
the distinctive campanile tower, is superbly composed and the finest example
of brick polychrome decoration in Australia. The amphitheatre interior is an
unusual conception with curved gallery and arcade distinctive features.
Access to St Michael’s is gained from St Michaels’ walkway which slopes in
two sections, the first around 4%, and the second 9% from Collins St. A ramp
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leads into the rear church, it is best to call ahead when attending, particularly if
you would like to sit near the altar. The church hall and offices occupy space in
the building behind the church. An accessible toilet is available during church
functions. Access is also available to the Garden Plaza Cafe which overlooks a
peaceful grassy area with soothing fountain.
The Scots’ Church
140-154 Collins St, The Scots’ Church (9650 9903).
Victoria’s first Presbyterian church was founded in 1838 and the original Scot’s
church built in 1841. The decorated “Protestant Gothic Revival” building is
made from Barrabool freestone and cream Kakanul stone from New Zealand for
the “dressings”. While the interior is austerely decorated, important features
include the basalt aisle columns, rich timber fittings and stained glass. Dame
Nellie Melba is reported to have sung in the church’s choir. Brochures about the
churches history and the stained glass windows are available.
Formal steps lead from Collins St but there is ramped access at the rear from
Russell St. Off Russell St the Church Hall and Office entry is up six steps. Call in
advance and access will be made available.
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral
22-40 Swanston St, St Pauls Anglican Cathedral (9650 3791).
Dominates the corner of Flinders and Swanston St, overlooking the Yarra River
and Flinders St Station. The site was used as a market until a small parish
church was built in 1848. In 1880 the foundation stone for St Paul’s was laid
and the cathedral was consecrated in 1891. It is considered architecturally
significant as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival, but was not completed until
1931 when the spires, constructed in Pyrmont (Sydney) sandstone, were
added. The tallest spire tops 96m. The exterior is Victorian Barrabool sandstone
but it is the interior columns which are remarkable, made from a creamy Waurn
Ponds limestone, they are banded with Malmsbury bluestone giving a ringed
“candy” effect. The floor is rich granite and alabaster and patterned tiles.
The Cathedral houses what is reputedly the largest and best surviving example
of an “English Romantic” pipe organ designed by T C Lewis, one of the greatest
organ builders in the second half of the nineteenth century. Installed in 1891,
the organ is particularly significant because its tonal characteristics remain
substantially intact and its case is constructed from superb Tasmanian
blackwood.
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Accessing Melbourne
Formal steps are the main entry near the corner of Swanston/Flinders.
Wheelchair access is provided at the rear of the church from Flinders lane
where two car parking spaces are allocated. Automatic sliding doors lead into
the St Pauls office and then through to the Cathedral. Information sheets are
available and tours will be conducted upon request.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Cathedral Place, East Melbourne, St Patrick’s Cathedral, (9662 2233).
Regarded as one of the grandest Gothic Revival Churches in the world.
Construction commenced in 1858, the nave and aisles were opened in 1869
and the remainder of the Church and Sacristy were completed in 1897. The
spires and Confessional were added and the west door rebuilt in 1936-40. The
cathedral is said to be architect, WW Wardell’s masterpiece with its graceful
spires that became a prominent city landmark. The spacious interior lacks the
intended wall mosaics and paintings, it has many fine works of art, and
culminates in the high altar and timber ceiling.
Access is available from the Albert St (north) side of the Cathedral but parking is
very limited in the area (one dedicated space opposite by the Hyatt Hotel). The
Cathedral is open from 8.30am-6pm with mass daily at 1pm, free tours are
available to visitors.
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Melbourne considers itself the cultural capital of Australia
sustaining a vibrant arts industry. Its musicians, painters,
photographers, comedians, dancers and singers are highly
respected whilst festivals such as the Melbourne International
Festival, Fringe Festival and the Comedy Festival regularly
attract international artists. The city lives and breathes art, this
passion is reflected in the huge numbers which attend the festivals,
galleries and museums and the sheer volume of sculpture dotted
around the city and its parks.
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MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Chapter 10
Museums & Galleries
Chapter 10
Accessing Melbourne
Immigration and Hellenic Antiquities Museum
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
400 Flinders St., Immigration and Hellenic Antiquities Museum (open 10am-5pm
daily, Adult $7.50, Concession $5.50, Child $3.50, Family $20, 9927 2700). The
museum takes up nearly all the block bounded by William and Market Sts.
Two disabled persons car parks are provided on Market St but the slope up towards
Flinders Lane is awkward. Wheelchair access is provided from two gates off
Market St. One, by the car parks leads through iron gates to a path to the main
entry. Some care should be exercised at the top of the ramp as you will be close to
the top of the main steps. A short grade (10%) leads through automatic opening
doors into a large foyer. Iron gates just up Market St from the car parks lead to a
ramp of several stages down to the rear courtyard. A toilet block is located off the
ramp and includes an accessible unisex toilet (awkward threshold ramp).
The museum occupies the renovated Old Customs House building, probably one
of the most important buildings in Victoria’s history. Building commenced in 1855
but was stopped due to lack of funds. It was redesigned and completed in 1876 in
Italian Renaissance style. Of particular interest is the huge white walled and
ceramic tiled Long Room with its large columns. The Long Room was the focus of
revenue collection for the Government, duties accounted for approx 80% of state
revenues until 1915.
Entry to the museum is from the courtyard. Access to the ground floor is free of
charge. On this level is a shop, theatrette, education centre and the Sarah and
Baillieu Myer Immigration Discovery Centre, a library where research on family
histories can be undertaken. A Tribute Garden is located up a ramp (7.2%) off the
rear courtyard where the family names of immigrant families form a water
sculpture symbolising their journey over water.
Today the renovated Long Room houses The Boat, a large clever display reflecting
the experience of sea travel to Australia. Two short grades (12.5% and 14%) lead
into and out of the ship where visitors are exposed to conditions prevailing at the
time. Other displays are available in adjacent rooms, including a touch screen
computer revealing the stories of immigrants. An accessible unisex toilet is located
on the ground floor.
The museum covers all of the first floor with the Hellenic Antiquities Museum on
the second floor - a unique agreement exists between Greek and Victorian
Governments allowing ancient treasures from Greece to regularly travel to Australia.
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Chapter 10
ANZ Bank Building and Banking Museum
Unfortunately access to the banking museum is via steps down from Collins St.
However, by heading to 100 Queen St, there is access to the ANZ branch through
big, green, iron gates which open to a paved laneway (grade 5.8%) and then heavy
glass doors to an area next to the branch. The building has been magnificently
refurbished and you can see where the “rich ornate” description came from.
Philatelic Museum and Post Master Gallery
321 La Trobe St, the Australian Postal Corporation National Head Quarters, main
entry off La Trobe St via slight grade, automatic doors and brightly lit foyer. The high
counter is visible from the entry and a (small) accessible unisex toilet is located
past the lifts.
The Philatelic Museum and Post Master Gallery (9204 5021, open Tue-Fri 10am5pm, Sat-Mon 12-5pm, free) can be entered direct from La Trobe St via a short
ramp or through the main foyer adjacent to the Australia Post Shop and small cafe.
The gallery is located up a long two stage carpeted ramp (8.5% & 8.9%) and
through heavy glass doors, a security guard will assist if necessary. A hands-on
section is great for children to “make their own stamps”, the gallery has an array of
stamps reflecting Australia’s history, protected under glass but very accessible,
extending back to a stamp dated 1853 from Tasmania.
The Museum of Chinese Australian History
22 Cohen Place, The Museum of Chinese Australian History, (9662 2888, open SunFri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 12-4.30pm, Adult $6, Child and concession $4).
Graded entry 7.4% to wide doors into ground level with small gift shop. The
museum consists of five levels reached by lift (accessible call buttons) and an
accessible unisex toilet is on first floor off a corridor adjacent to the lift. Next to the
lift is a small theatrette.
The museum is a fascinating display of Chinese occupation of Victoria which
predates the Gold Rush. It houses Dai Loong, the biggest dragon in the world down
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MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
384 Collins St, ANZ Bank Building and Banking Museum. This is really two
buildings, 384-392 Collins St and 376-382 Collins St, with the banking chamber
extending across both. The style is Gothic and the banking chamber described as
“richly ornate Venetian Gothic” and built from Pyrmont Sandstone brought from
Sydney in 1890.
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a curved, sloping, steep grade (15.5 - 17%) to the basement. The museum holds
audio-visual presentations, heritage tours and public seminars.
Joshua McLellan Print Gallery
15 Collins St, Joshua McLellan Print Gallery, gradient off the street (8.3 - 10%) to
foyer with lift to the second floor. The gallery occupies two rooms of an exapartment, the corridors are narrow.
A.R.T. Gallery Eden
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
45 Collins St, A.R.T. Gallery Eden (9654 1351, Shop 14 Collins Place, M-F 11am6pm), is accessed via the driveway to the Sofitel Hotel off Collins St.
Ebes Douwma Antique Prints and Maps
77 Bourke St, Ebes Douwma Antique Prints and Maps, (9654 6504), slight graded
entry.
The Victorian Arts Centre
100 St Kilda Rd, The Victorian Arts Centre, (9281 8000, guided tours M-F 12 &
2.30pm, Sat 10.30am & 12, Sun 2.30 backstage, adults $9, child/concession $6.50
& family $20), the Performing Arts Museum (free) and the George Adams
Gallery are available in the centre. Refer to Chapter 8 covering Theatres.
The National Gallery of Victoria
In St Kilda Rd next to the Victorian Arts Centre is The National Gallery of Victoria,
(9208 0222) but it is shut for renovations and improvements which are expected to
take two years to complete. A temporary gallery is being established in the
Museum building, behind the Victorian State Library.
The Museum of Victoria
Nicholson St, Carlton, is the new site for the Museum of Victoria where a special
purpose is being constructed and due to open by the end of the year 2000. Located
next to the Royal Exhibition Building.
The Royal Exhibition Building
Nicholson St, Carlton. The Royal Exhibition Building was once the largest building in
Australia and is a significant symbol of the confidence and optimism of the 19th
Century industrial age. It began as the site of Melbourne’s International Exposition
of 1880-81, it also housed the International Exhibition in 1888, it was used as
Australia’s first Parliament in 1891 and has been used for Victoria’s State
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Parliament, a hospital, war memorial and since 1945, it has been Victoria’s premier
Exhibition Venue.
Access into the Royal Exhibition Building is flat through huge double doors with
small lip, opening into a hall with polished timber floorboards, very high ceiling
which allows in an extraordinary amount of light. The walls, timber supports and
ceiling are heavily and ornately decorated with floating figures from the period. The
building is in the form of a cross, the centre piece being a huge exquisitely
decorated dome. Two large accessible unisex toilets are located in the main hall on
the left hand side but towards the Rathdowne St end.
The Old Melbourne Gaol
367 Russell St, The Old Melbourne Gaol (open daily 9.30am - 4.30 pm adult $8,
child $5, concession $6, family $23, 9663 7228).
Victoria’s oldest surviving penal establishment and one of the State’s most
distinctive groups of bluestone buildings. The Old Melbourne Gaol was erected in
stages between 1841 and 1864. The oldest remaining section now serves as a
Museum and consists of a long block (1851-53) with three rows of cells
terminating in the central hall. Of the many criminals imprisoned, executed and
buried here the most notable is Ned Kelly who was hanged in 1880. The old
scaffold still survives.
The gaol is open every day of the year, except Christmas day and good Friday. The
Old Melbourne gaol was completed in 1846 and at the time, was the largest
building on Melbourne’s skyline. It was designed to house 59 men, nine women
accommodating minor offenders, short-term prisoners, those on remand and
awaiting execution. The gaol closed in 1923 but not before 135 offenders were
hung by its gallows!
Access to the Old Melbourne Gaol is via the main door and the souvenir shop. There
are no steps or ramps and the area is under cover. The original flagstones on the
floor are large and quite smooth to move over but there are no accessible toilets.
There is no wheelchair access to the two upper storeys but since all the cells are
much the same, this is not much of a disadvantage. Furthermore, with a couple of
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MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
It was built from Limestone quarried by David Mitchell, father of Dame Nelly Melba,
who also built Scotts Church.
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exceptions, the cells are too narrow for a wheelchair to enter. As the cells are only
2.0 x 1.5 meters, it is easy to see everything from the doorway. A book is available
explaining the contents of historical importance in each cell.
Countless relics are on display; death masks, a lashing triangle and its wicked cat
o’ nine tails, Ned Kelly’s armour (complete with dents made by police bullets) and
his pistols.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
A tour guide is available for bookings of 10 or more, but you may be lucky and be
privately guided through the gaol.
The Polly Woodside
The Polly Woodside (open daily 10am - 4pm, adult $7, concession $4, family $15,
9699 9760).
Built in Belfast in 1885, it is one of the few remaining 19th century deepwater
sailing Barques still “afloat”. Located on the city fringe directly in front of “Jeff’s
shed” (the Melbourne Exhibition Centre) in Lorimer St, Southbank.
The Polly Woodside was re-named RONA when she was sold to New Zealand
owners in 1904. In 1968 she was given back her original name when she was
acquired by the National Trust and lovingly restored by volunteers. During her
working life The Polly Woodside transported coal and nitrate between Europe and
South America.
Public transport, trams and buses convey visitors to the Polly Woodside. Parking
close to the entry is available but there are no dedicated parking bays. Pedestrian
access from the city is available by crossing the bridge at Spencer St and from the
casino Entertainment Complex. A flat paved path along the river bank leads to the
Museum’s gently ramped entry and glass hinged doors.
The Museum on the bank of the Yarra River contains many interesting items of
nautical history spread over a site including, displays, models, paintings and
theatrette. All attractions are on one level and have been made accessible through
extensive use of gently sloping ramps. There is an accessible toilet. Access to the
Polly Woodside, is limited as steps lead visitors onboard, however a flat viewing
area provides a great view of the vessel with the city as a backdrop.
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Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum
Located just to the south east of the CDB, the MCG is a pleasant basically downhill
stroll through the Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens. Alternatively you can park off
Jolimont Tce (past the security guard), but there is steep grade down to the entry.
Opened in 1986 the gallery and museum are accessible with ramps (7.2%) leading
to upper levels and an accessible unisex toilet on ground floor (near the ramps).
Tours commence in the foyer and move into the Members Pavilion and the
hallowed Long Room where you will gaze up at an empty Great Southern Stand, a
most daunting view. If the weather is fine you may even get to go onto the famous
ground!
University of Melbourne Museum
University of Melbourne Museum, Swanston St Carlton (9344 5148, open Tue-Sun
9am-5pm, Thurs 10am-9pm, free except for special exhibitions), is part of the
Melbourne University but access is direct from Swanston St through an automatic
door then a heavy hinged door. There is an accessible toilet and a lift conveys
visitors to all three levels. Brunetti Cafe is accessible from the museum.
RMIT Gallery
RMIT Gallery 344 Swanston St (9925 1717, open M-F 11am-5pm, Sat 2-5pm, free
admission), is located on Swanston St just north of La Trobe St. Wheelchair visitors
should call in advance so access can be made available through Storey Hall
Auditorium. You will be escorted through Storey Hall to the gallery via lift. There is
an accessible toilet in Storey Hall.
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Brunton Avenue, Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum (9657 8879,
adult $9.50, child/concession $6 & family $25), adjacent to the Members entrance
at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, city end of Yarra Park. Tours are conducted on the
hour between 10am-3pm except on match days.
Chapter 11
Historic Buildings & Sculptures
BUILDINGS & SCULPTURES
Melbourne’s historic buildings provide a window for us to peer
through to times past, obtaining a small but inspiring insight to
life more than a century ago. Grand buildings rose as the colony
grew and prospered due to expanding trade and the gold rush of
the 1860’s. While many buildings have been lost to “development”
particularly at the “Paris end” of Collins St, some have survived.
A stroll around city streets and arcades will reveal much about
Melbourne’s past. Access into most buildings is easily available,
except for a limited few, mainly along Collins St. When wandering
the city streets admiring the architecture, remember to look up
above the line of hoardings and advertising and glimpse the rich
and varied styles of the city’s architectural history.
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Sculptures
Several sculptures are noted within the pages of this guide, a few
require special mention; the statue of Bourke and Wills was
Melbourne’s first and only monument for 25 years following its
erection in 1865. Explorers Bourke and Wills were the first white
men to cross the continent from south to north before perishing
on the return journey. Their monument has been moved on
several occasions but now stands on Swanston St Walk near the
corner of Collins St (by the City Square development).
Ceremony and Vehicle for Conveying Spirit on the median strip
at the corner of Little Collins and Russell Sts is built on the
concept of a journey and the pomp of a ceremonial procession by
Maurie Hughes. It serves as a vent.
Closer to Bourke St is A History Apparatus - Vessel, Craft and
Beacon, an aluminium and fibreglass sculpture representing the
past, present and future. It replaced a public toilet and looks like a
cistern ball cock!
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Beyond the Ocean of Existence is an angel above a large ball by
Tasmania sculptor Loretta Quinn, in Swanston St Walk near the
Flinders Lane intersection, guarding the City Square.
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Accessing Melbourne
Le Meridian
485 Collins St, Le Meridian at Rialto Hotel, occupies two magnificent examples of
turn of the century Melbourne architecture. Erected in 1891 in the English Queen
Anne style, the Winfield Building was formerly the Wool Exchange Building
containing Melbourne’s first Wool Exchange and headquarters to stock and station
agents. Across the laneway, now a formal entry opening to a huge nine story
atrium, another building housed law firms and government offices. The Gothic
facade replicates Venetian mercantile buildings from the great trading city. On the
lower level you can see and move across the original bluestone cobbled laneway
but take care as horse and cart traffic has worn grooves in the lane making it
difficult to cross. An accessible toilet is on ground level and the lower level.
Olderfleet Buildings
477 Collins St are the Olderfleet Buildings. Erected 1889-90 they were tenanted
largely by wool merchants and the Melbourne Woolbrokers Association. The
Olderfleet buildings are regarded as a masterpiece by architect William Pitt and as
the finest commercial Gothic Revival buildings in Melbourne . The original buildings
extended back to Flinders Lane. The red brick facade is flamboyantly rendered,
with tiled surface, Gothic arches, half columns and pinnacles and crowned by a
unique clock tower. The original iron gateway is still in place.
‘The Historic Precinct’
The historic precinct extends on both sides of Collins St consisting of buildings of
historical and architectural significance. On the north side is the former ANZ Bank
building and, on its western side, the London and Lancashire building, both with
facades in compatible Renaissance revival styles. The important streetscape on the
southern side of Collins Street between Queen Street and Market Street contains
buildings of similar height, colour and vertical emphasis. The strong vertical Gothic
theme carries diagonally across to Goode House and continues westward along
Collins Street to the end of the block.
Goode House
394-398 Collins St, Goode House, is considered one of the finest Gothic Revival
buildings in Victoria and is the focus of an exceptional group of nineteenth century
banks and offices around the Collins/Queen Sts intersection. Deep recessed arches
and projecting oriels climbing the facade are unique with the corner tower, fine
mouldings and beige freestone facades in eclectic Gothic style. The foundation
stone was laid in 1891 with the remainder of the Queen St facade erected in 1903
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London and Lancashire Building
400-402 Collins Street, London and Lancashire Building, in 1865 a stone building
of seven rooms was built for the Australasian Insurance Company, which owned
the site during the whole of the nineteenth century. In 1940 renovations including
adding three top floors in matching design (the demarcation line is still evident), a
new and monumental grey stone facade to the ground floor, extensions to the rear,
lifts, new stairs and extensive restructuring and partitioning.
Australian Mutual Provident Society Building
419-429 Collins St, on the corner of Market St, is the former Australian Mutual
Provident Society headquarters, erected in 1929 to the maximum allowable (at the
time) ten storeys, designed to Italian Renaissance fashion and clad in sandstone.
Royal Mint Building
The Mint commenced producing only Gold Sovereigns in 1872 until 1916 when
silver coins were minted, pennies and halfpennies began to be minted in 1927. It
produced currency for India and New Guinea and was closed in 1968. It is now
head office for the Royal Historical Society which conducts tours on Tuesdays
(9670 1219). There is no wheelchair access.
Melbourne’s Law Courts
192-228 William St., Melbourne’s Law Courts comprising The Supreme Court
building which fronts William St and the Supreme Court of Appeal which fronts
459 Lonsdale St. These buildings exude the solemn atmosphere associated with
the law. The classical facades of the Law Courts form a significant streetscape and
with the Dome became an early Melbourne landmark.
Construction on the Supreme Court occurred from 1874-84, brick on bluestone
footings and faced with Tasmanian freestone, it is considered one of the finely
designed and executed buildings in Australia with Doric pilasters, fine quality
interiors, verandah, statue of justice and dark cedar fittings. The Dome above the
Library was modelled on the Dome of the Four Courts in Dublin.
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280 William St, Royal Mint Building extends from La Trobe St to Little Lonsdale St.
Construction commenced in 1869 and was completed in 1870. It is regarded as
one of the finest examples of “Conservative Classicism” in Australia. The site
comprises the mint, two-storey office building (styled after Raphael’s Palazzon
Cafferelli Vidoni in Rome), residence and gatehouses, perimeter walling and
palisading.
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Accessing Melbourne
Access is available by heading along the laneway which links Lonsdale and Little
Bourke Sts to a gated opening which leads to a courtyard. Ramped (5 & 12%)
access is provided through a side door and accessible M & F toilets are located
near Court 8.
The Crown Law Offices now Supreme Court of Appeal, were commenced in
1892-3 and built of brick faced on the front and side elevations by Stawell
freestone. Access is difficult, follow the signs and head up a laneway through the
open gates over small bluestone pavers to another laneway behind the building, at
the far end is a stair lift, telephone ahead for assistance.
Coop’s Shot Tower
300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Central is the location of Coop’s Shot Tower. When
Melbourne Central was being constructed a glass cone, itself standing 20 storeys
tall, was built to protect the tower and encompass it within the development.
Completed in 1890 the brick tower, described as “a fine example of British
Romanesque Art Nouveau industrial architecture” rises 50 metres and was in
service until 1961 making lead shot and pipe. Lead shot was made by the “gravity”
method. Molten lead would be dropped from the top of the tower into a barrel of
water at the base. During the fall the molten lead would form a near perfect sphere
and then cool in the water.
Along with the tower which forms the atrium are a couple of replica historic “flying
machines”; one a balloon and a Wright Bros’ Biplane and the Marionette Watch. A
gift from Seiko in Japan, each hour a marionette display performs Waltzing Matilda.
General Post Office
188-218 Elizabeth St the General Post Office is one of the most important
buildings in Victoria. It reflects the growth in importance of communications via
post in the state since 1841 and reflects the role played by the postal service in the
development of the colony especially during the gold rush and land boom of the
mid-late nineteenth century. The architectural grandeur is enhanced by the location
at the heart of the CBD.
The building is described as “Victorian Free Classical” in style and constructed of
Mt Gambier Limestone in three stages commencing in 1859-67, then 1885-1890
when it was increased to its present height and the clock tower raised. In 1907-7
additions were made to the Elizabeth Street facade. In 1919 the original mail room
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was converted to public space, the Open Postal Hall. It is curious that the Elizabeth
St facade remains unfinished, nevertheless the GPO is as significant a meeting
place as Melbourne’s other two meeting places; under the clocks at Flinders St
Station and the portico of the Town Hall.
Access to the main entry is via a ramp (11%) where the post boxes and automatic
stamp dispensers are high (1.4m).
The Melbourne Town Hall
The Melbourne Town Hall is extremely significant to the citizens of Melbourne as
the civic centre since 1867. It is seen to be Victorian Classical in architectural style,
and despite a fire in 1925 which destroyed the interior and organ, is essentially
intact. The new organ is today considered a scarce example of 1920’s British
organ-building craftsmanship.
Access into the Town Hall Council Offices is flat from Swanston St through
automatic doors. The reception area has a wheelchair friendly counter but access
to the offices is secured. Access to the Town Hall proper from Swanston St Walk is
via a grade up (5.3%) adjacent to the portico, then down once inside to flat access
to the lifts. An accessible unisex toilet is available past the lift.
Melbourne’s Visitors Information Centre (9658 9745) on the corner of Swanston
St and Little Collins St through automatic opening doors. Free tours are available
through the Town Hall (9658 9658) on Mon, Wed & Thurs.
Victoria State Library
304-328 Swanston St, Victoria State Library, (9669 9888/TTY 9669 9035,
www.slv.vic.gov.au). Governor La Trobe initiated the establishment of the Library
and as was usual, a competition was held to determine a winning design and
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90-130 Swanston St, The Melbourne Town Hall was first constructed between
1851-4. A new building was constructed following a design competition held
during 1864-6, won by architect Joseph Reed. The foundation stone was laid in
1867 by Prince Alfred and construction took five years between 1867-72, including
the main hall (with its chandeliers, murals and organ as a significant feature of the
interior), administrative offices, Lord Mayor’s room and Council Chamber. The
portico, designed by Joseph Reed’s firm, was completed in 1887-8 and the
Administration Building, adjoining the town hall to the north, was completed in
1908-10.
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Accessing Melbourne
architect. In 1854 Joseph Reed (Melbourne Town Hall) won the competition and
construction progressed in stages until 1870, but it was not until 1961 that the long
facade was finally completed.
The library is famous for its domed reading room which was opened in 1913. The
deign was based upon two great libraries of the time, the British Museum Library in
London and the Library of Congress in Washington USA. The room is octagonal with
four reading levels. The dome was originally a skylight but was covered over with
copper due to many water leaks.
There are three disabled persons car parks on La Trobe St, then a gently ramped
(3.5%) entry to the portico which overlooks a forecourt with sculptures of Sir
Redmund Barry (Chair of the Board of Trustees which funded the library, unveiled
1887), Jeanne D’Arc (1907) and St George and the Dragon (1888). There is an
accessible unisex toilet and a lift is available with staff assistance. The library
provides services to assist people with disabilities, ask at the Information Desk.
Free tours are conducted on Mondays through to Thursdays, again ask at the
Information desk.
The Museum which occupies the rest of the site is under renovation prior to
housing the collection from the National Gallery of Victoria while its building in St
Kilda Rd is renovated and enlarged. The Museum will eventually move to a new
facility being constructed at Carlton Gardens, next to the Royal Exhibition Building
and IMAX Theatre. It is due to be completed by the year 2001.
The sculpture Architectural Fragment appears on the pavement as though a chunk
of the State Library has fallen from the building (Petrus Spronk, 1993).
Queen Victoria Hospital Tower Building
210 Lonsdale St, Queen Victoria Hospital Tower building now the Queen Victoria
Women’s Centre (9663 8799). The site bounded by Swanston, Lonsdale, Russell
and Little Lonsdale Sts was the location of Melbourne’s first public hospital in
1846. In 1910 the Melbourne Hospital was built on the site and in 1944 it relocated
to a site further up Swanston St at Parkville (it was then the Royal Melbourne
Hospital). The Queen Victoria Hospital was operated as a hospital run by women for
women for over forty years.
The 1910 former Queen Victoria Hospital occupied the whole block, what remains
is a tower section of the original building, the bluestone footings running around
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the perimeter of the property and the iron palisade fence. The five story red brick
Edwardian building was considered as the most advanced hospital of its time, the
largest Edwardian hospital in Victoria and built along “pavilion” principles with wide
open balconies and decorative exterior.
An effort has been made to make the building accessible by constructing a series
of ramps up on side to an accessible entry at the rear and also across the front of
the building to the QV Gallery Cafe/restaurant. Gradients are mainly around 8.5%
but one is section is 13.6%. A unisex accessible toilet is on ground level.
1 Spring St, Shell Building. The huge shell sculpture in the front court yard marks
the main entry; a revolving door but next to it is a hinged door, in clear view of the
security desk which is at a height where you can be seen and converse with
security staff. This is a secure building so access to floors is controlled, however
there is a lift to Level 1 and an accessible toilet. You must turn through a door
(720mm) then turn left for the toilet door (sliding 800mm). The lift to Floor 2 takes
you to the rear entry/exit to Flinders Lane. This level is the Shell Theatrette and
Art Gallery featuring modern and Aboriginal Art on two levels linked by short ramp.
The door to Flinders Lane opens upon pressing a button clearly identified on the
internal and external walls. There is a gradient down to the footpath, 6% to nearly
10% although the paved area is open and wide.
Parliament House
Spring St, Parliament House (tours, M-F, 10am, 11am ,12 noon, 2pm, 3pm &
3.45pm, free, 9651 8911) is an historic gem. Erected in stages; the two houses
between 1856-7, Library 1858-60, Queen’s Hall and vestibule 1878-9, west front
1885-90 and refreshment rooms, 1930. Built from Stawell freestone on a
bluestone plinth the building has never been completed!
The Parliament Building is historically significant as the home of the Victorian
Government since the mid-nineteenth century, and as the Seat of the
Commonwealth Parliament in the period between Federation and the
establishment of the Provisional Parliament House in Canberra in 1927. The
following quote from the Australian Heritage Register best describes the
significance of the building, “the original design of the building has never been
completed but, even in this incomplete state, this is one of Australia’s grandest
buildings. The Greek Revival style evokes considerable splendour and embodies
the highest ideals of nineteenth century civic architecture.”
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Shell Building
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The construction coincided with the height of the gold rush era in Victoria, which
explains the lavish use of 23 carat gold throughout the building. It is worth taking a
tour of Parliament not just for its historical importance, but for its sheer grandeur
and beauty. When Parliament is not sitting, tours commence from the front
vestibule at various times, call 9651 8568 for details. Wheelchair access is gained
by the security station, off Macarthur Place (two dedicated parking spaces are
provided) and there is an accessible unisex toilet just off the corridor. The building
has full lift service.
Old Treasury Building
Spring St, Old Treasury Building, was completed between 1857-62 and reflects
the development of Melbourne and “the top end of Collins St” in a burgeoning
colony.
Built in a Renaissance Revival style in Bacchus Marsh freestone and with a slate
roof, the building is considered the finest conservative Classical building in
Australia. Built to house Victoria’s gold reserves, it has served as Government
Printers Office and as State Government Offices. Today it is a museum with the top
floor as offices for the Governor of Victoria.
The lower two floors are used as a permanent museum (9651 2233, open M-F
9am-5pm, S, S 10am-4pm, adult $5, seniors $4, child/concession $3, family $13),
displaying the history of Victoria from the perspective of the gold rush years – “Built
on Gold, Victoria’s Gold Journey and Legacy 1852/62”, plus other changing
exhibitions.
The basement level vaults have been cleverly renovated to reveal elements of
developing Victoria over the 1850’s and 60’s. Audio visual displays provide an
insight to the life at the time while several rooms have been recreated as the
caretakers cottage. A man died there and his ghost still haunts the building!
Access for a wheelchair is gained by a rear door from Treasury Place. There is a
significant grade (reaches a maximum 11.6%) up to a buzzer which summons
museum staff to let you in. Better access is by coming from Spring St and staying
on the path close to the building. A unisex accessible toilet is on this level and a
small lift conveys you to the upper levels.
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Flinders St Station
207 Flinders St, Flinders St Station, is one of Melbourne’s most important and
recognisable landmarks, particularly when lit up at night. “Its extensive scale,
overall unity and gross exaggerated expression are unique in Australia.”
It is an essential part of the city scape and socially important as a traditional
meeting place – “under the clocks” having been the arrangement of choice for
generations of Melburnians.
Flinders Street Station comprises a vast complex of station facilities, offices and
platforms. Its design was the result of a competition held in 1899, providing for a
giant roof over the platforms. Work commenced in 1900 and the main structure
was completed in 1909, the verandahs and booking office in 1910.
Flinders St Station provides wheelchair access from Flinders St and there is an
accessible toilet, see Chapters 1-3 on Transport and Parking for train access
information.
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More Attractions
The Southern Bank of the Yarra River
Southgate
Crown Entertainment Complex
Melbourne Exhibition Centre
Royal Melbourne Zoo
Royal Melbourne Showgrounds – The Show
Yarra River Cruises
Melbourne City Baths
Rialto Towers
MORE ATTRACTIONS
The Melbourne Aquarium
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The Southern Bank of the Yarra River
The Southgate, Casino Entertainment and Exhibition Centre precinct forms the
southern bank of the Yarra River directly south of the CBD extending from Princes
Bridge to the Polly Woodside Museum (refer Chapter 10 Museums). Opened in
1992 the Southgate complex was the first of the Yarra River developments which
replaced a series of old and decaying warehouses on the south bank of the river.
Southgate
Southgate (Centre Management, 9699 4311) revitalised Melbourne’s cafe and cultural
society, which, while being aware of the river, had never really utilised its potential.
Southgate provides access to the river with stunning views across to the city and
Flinders St Station, particularly at night. One of Southgate’s highlights is the array
of sculptures dotting the promenade and its four shopping levels (look for the
rowboat & water sculpture near the office buildings and the huge fish above the
central staircase). Southgate is alive with street theatre, music, dance and on New
Years eve, fireworks light up the river. It boasts a range of cafes and restaurants
with specialty stores plus a magnificent Food Wharf, probably Melbourne’s best.
Sheraton Towers Hotel is also located at Southgate.
Other entries are at the western end grade (8.6%) through automatic doors or the
centre entry (flat) past “Ophelia” a marvellous sculpture which has become a
Melbourne icon. Accessible unisex toilets are located on Ground and Middle Levels
which are connected by easily accessed and operated lifts.
The Arts Precinct/Southgate hosts a Sunday Arts & Craft Market along the
promenade in front of the Arts Centre extending to the Concert Hall and down to the
Southbank Promenade which runs along the Yarra under Princes Bridge. The
market is a collection of stalls featuring arts, hand crafts and some food items.
Trading commences early Sunday morning and extends into the afternoon.
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MORE ATTRACTIONS
Access to Southgate is very easy. There are two disabled persons car parks in
Southgate Ave (almost underneath the Melbourne Concert Hall), or you can park
under the complex where many well signed spaces are available. Stroll across
Princes Bridge to St Kilda Rd, then down a short grade (4.8%) to River Walk Terrace
connecting to Southgate’s Upper Level by a grade (5-7.2%) through automatic
doors then another short grade (8.5%). A pedestrian bridge crosses the river from
Flinders Walk, a promenade along the north bank accessed from Batman Ave and
running under Princes Bridge.
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Accessing Melbourne
MORE ATTRACTIONS
Access Map – The Southern Bank of the Yarra
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Crown Entertainment Complex
Opened in 1996, the Crown Entertainment Complex (9292 8888) continued the redevelopment of the Yarra River and extended the eating and shopping possibilities
to include gambling, many cafes and restaurants, night clubs, bars and movie theatres
(for access details refer to Chapters 7 Pubs & Clubs, & 8 Cinemas & Theatres).
The casino is Melbourne’s first and the promotional slogan that “Crown offers a world
of entertainment where the excitement never stops” is definitely true. It is located
west of Southgate occupying the river frontage between Queen St and Spencer St.
Access to Crown is by parking in the basement carpark via entry ramps from
Queens Bridge or Kings Bridge or from Whiteman St. Additional parking is available
in the Multi Deck carpark across Whiteman St (enter from the corner of Haig and
Clarke Sts), with pedestrian access via footbridge. Crown carparks provide in
excess of 50 well signed and marked dedicated parking spaces close to entry/exit
points. Management note vehicles illegally parking in the dedicated spaces and
request the police to issue infringement notices. Pedestrian access is available
from Southgate and footbridges crossing Queens Bridge, Kings Bridge and Spencer
St Bridge. Crown recognises it is an accessible venue and is continually upgrading
its access capacity by initiating a Disability Management Team comprising the
heads of departments and representatives with a disability who meet regularly and
resolve access issues.
Five gambling tables have been made more accessible by lowering them and
people with a disability are given priority access to those tables. Two brochures
worth collecting at the Information Counters located throughout the complex are,
Crown Entertainment Guide which includes excellent maps of the complex and
Crown Disabled Access which describes the facilities available.
Crown is becoming an attraction in its own right, a five story marble Atrium
features a 90minute continuous light and sound show with water fountains
shooting streams of water and also billowing clouds – symbolising Melbourne’s
changeable weather!. Laser technology fires light beams across marble columns
and lights up thousands of fire optics across the ceiling.
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Accessible toilets are plentiful and well signed, public telephones include an
accessible phone and TTY phones are available near Kings Buffet on the ground
floor, opposite Planet Hollywood and near the Champagne Bar.
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Accessing Melbourne
On Yarra Promenade, a giant waterfall shoots columns of water into the air
forming various patterns, kids love it, while tall rectangular water sculptures stand
silent until dark when upon the hour they become fire sculptures as dancing
coordinated flames appear with a burst from their summits.
Many restaurants provide dining while basking in the sun during the day or gazing
across the river to a lit city at night. All are accessed from inside the complex where
wheelchair access is available from short gentle side ramps located off the
promenade. You will need to arrange this with the restaurant management who will
remove a barrier located at the top of the ramp.
Restaurants include: Automatic, the Sports Bar which is dominated by huge TV
screens (screening sport of course!), Official All Star Cafe (and merchandise
shop), Planet Hollywood Merchandise Shop, Cafe Greco, Cafe Baci, Jokers and
the Foodcourt. Many of the counters in the food court are high but staff will assist
by bringing the food and drinks to your table.
Melbourne Exhibition Centre
Melbourne’s huge new exhibition centre, known as “Jeff’s Shed”, lacks the elegant
charm of the Royal Exhibition Buildings but it is close to the city and caters for high
tech exhibitions.
MORE ATTRACTIONS
Access for wheelchairs appears to have been an after thought with poor access
provision. The formal entry is from the Spencer St Bridge where grey concrete
paving leads to grey concrete steps before automatic sliding doors, which are
unmarked and difficult to see if you have a sight disability. A wheelchair drop off
area is provided at the eastern end but there is no crossover near the base of the
access ramp, you must go up the hill to the pedestrian crossing crossover then
back down the hill to the ramp. The ramp has several stages and varies in grade
from 5% to 7.5%. A ramp at the western end varies between 4.3% & 6%.
A commercial operator runs the basement carpark where many excellent parking
bays have been provided and lift access takes you up to exhibition level. Accessible
toilets are provided at the rear of display areas.
The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens
The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens (open daily 9am-5pm, 9285 9300, adult
$14, child $7, concession $10.50, family $38, www.zoo.org.au), is located about 4
kilometres north of the city on Elliott Avenue.
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You can get to the Zoo by train from Flinders St Station (or Tram from the city)
arriving at the Rail Gate at the north western point of the Zoo. Access from the
station is difficult as you must cross the railway and tram tracks and the road to a
paved path sloping down through the car park then up the gravel rise to the entry. A
better option is by vehicle to the front entry where there are five dedicated spaces
near the Main Entry. Crossovers to a hard packed gravel path leads to the entry. A
drop off point is provided outside the Main Entry.
The Zoo is a botanic garden set on a planned English layout featuring a statue of
Peter Pan, the Golden Elephant located in the centre garden circle and sweeping
lawns for picnics and barbecues. Free tours of the Zoo are conducted daily, special
activities and opening times and during the summer months, the Zoo hosts twilight
jazz evenings. Pushers and wheelchairs are available from the information desk
inside the main entry.
Occupying 22ha, displaying more than 374 animal species and sloping gently from
front to rear, several touch and feel statues provide visitors a concept of size and
shape of a Platypus, Monitor Lizard and Wombat.
Several exhibits are “must sees”; the Gorilla exhibit where you peer through tall
cane to see a family group of gorillas, a firm packed gravel path leads through a
Rainforest habitat, but down a steep slope to a large glass window where you can
see other members of the gorilla group. The path then leads (again down steeply)
to one of the kiddies favourites, the Pygmy Hippopotamus. There is a steep climb
up to the Mandrills and Tree-top monkeys and a very steep slope back down to
the gravel path. The Butterfly House is a favourite with colourful and rare
butterflies such as the Ulysses butterfly from Far North Queensland, landing gently
on visitors heads. There is a solid gradient (10%) up to the entry doors which are
heavy to open ensuring the humid conditions are maintained inside the exhibit.
The Great Flight Aviary is one of the original exhibits but involves some steep
slopes in and out. The Lions can be viewed from above by heading up the steep
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Main paths are bitumen and lined by shallow “spoon” drains which can be
awkward to cross but other paths are hard packed gravel. Five toilets are
designated accessible but three; near the Main Entry, by the Butterfly House and
towards the Rail gate are the most accessible options. The toilets by the Bistro and
near the Central gardens are in narrow rooms. Food outlets are located near the
Butterfly House and Lakeside Bistro, you can bring a picnic or even have a barbeque.
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MORE ATTRACTIONS
Access Map – The Royal Melbourne Zoo
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ramp from the bitumen path. You return the same way as there are steps at the
other end. The Seal Pool provides an excellent view of these sleek creatures
playing underwater. You can view them from below water level by heading down
the slope near the Cockatoos. You come up a ramp on the other side to look down
into the pool.
The recently opened Australian Bush Habitat Zone provides innovative viewing of
Echidnas, Monitor Lizards, Koalas and Wombats. Exhibits are behind glass
screens providing viewing from ground level up. The packed gravel path slopes
generally up to the Koalas and then steeply down to the Wombats and climbs again
back to the main path. Look for a Monitor Lizard sunning itself on a tree stump (you
may pat it) but don’t get lost in the Wombat tunnels. When exiting the Wombat
exhibit the path heads up to an outside viewing area but then slopes down
dangerously to a small lake. It would be easy to lose control and wind up in the
water! A gate leads to the Kangaroo enclosure before rejoining the main path.
Visitors should allow a full day to full appreciate the zoo.
The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds
Parking is in Leonard Crescent where dedicated parking is available adjacent to
Gate 3. During showtime cars park in the racecourse carpark, however, the
pathways are steep up to the entry making access very difficult. A better option is
to drop off a passenger by the Main Gate but there is no vehicular access to the
showgrounds during the show. Trams stop also at the Main Gate. Prices for the
2000 show were; adult $17.50, child $7, concession $12, family $45, admission for
seniors on Seniors Day is reduced to $8.
For 11 days in September, close to three quarters of a million visitors taste, touch
and experience the biggest event in Victoria. “The Show” offers something for
every member of the family; exciting and thrilling rides, street theatre, showbags,
animals of all shapes and sizes, horticulture, education, Main Arena entertainment
and hundreds of competitive judging classes and events, from making jam to
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The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Ltd (9281 7444/fax 9376 2973,
www.royalshow.com.au), is based at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and is the
venue for the annual Royal Melbourne Show. Located 4 kilometres northwest of
the city on Epsom Road, the showgrounds sit next to Flemington Racecourse
sharing the railway line. Special Show trains run direct to the Showgrounds from
Flinders Street and Spencer Street stations arriving at the Main Gate at the eastern
entry to the showgrounds.
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woodchopping. The Show is built on the display and judging of animals with more
than 32,000 competitive entries in cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, cats, poultry,
rabbits, canaries and pigeons. Pavilions are also set aside specifically for
interaction with and learning about farm animals and pets.
Royal Melbourne Showgrounds hosts a number of other events during the year
including the Royal Melbourne Horse Show (January), Big Day Out (January)
Sheep and Wool Show (July) and Oktoberfest (October).
The Showgrounds topography has the Main Arena at the summit of a hill and all
gradients lead up to and around it. Most gradients are not steep at up to 5% or 1:20
but there is nearly always a crossfall to cope with. Most buildings were erected
many years ago without the provision for access, ramps and grades being added in
later years. The ramps are often steep so care and assistance may be necessary.
Accessible toilets are available but are not to standard, however RASV is reviewing
the quality of its facilities and seeking to make improvements.
Buildings of interest during showtime and other events include, the Showgrounds
Exhibition Centre (SEC) and the General Exhibition Centre (GEC) which form the
main exhibition space for shows, demonstrations and launches. Access to the GEC,
a two level circular building, is via a 17m long ramp (grade 12%) up to the top level
and two ramps (10%) down to the lower level with M&F well signed accessible
toilets. The upper level exhibition space includes a Theatrette, and a link through to
the SEC.
MORE ATTRACTIONS
Entry to the Showgrounds Exhibition Centre (SEC) is from Plummer Ave is flat
through double glass main doors leading to a huge exhibition space. The SEC has
an accessible toilet towards the rear. While fast food vendors are everywhere
during the show, better quality food can be found at the Royal Cafe, access via the
footpath from the SEC, Rustlers Restaurant with flat access from Degraves St and
Walters Wine Bar (of Southgate fame), at the rear of the Mitchell Stand.
Other key exhibition spaces include, Centrepoint, Art Gallery (steep ramp 12%
from the front grass), the Art & Craft Hall, Vintage Farm Machinery and Cattle
Pavilions, Horses for Courses, the Clydesdale Pavilion and Woodchop Stadium
which are generally easy to access but watch for deteriorating bitumen and spoon
drains.
The show is famous for showbags full of goodies (generally lollies for the kids),
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AR
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RV
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Pie in the Sky
KFC Outlet
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Australian Stockman Statue
Parking
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PROUDLY DESIGNED BY BOUQUET PRODUCTIONS PTY LTD
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Disabled Toilets
STA
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MEMBER'S
DINING ROOM
TER STAND
HUN
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LENNON AVENUE
LIVESTOCK PAVILLION
JUDGING
LAWN
Between 1:20 and 1:14
Less than 1:20
FROM RACECOURSE
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GRADIENTS UP
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THEATRE
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CAR PARK
AMUSEMENT AREA
AUSTRALIAN
STOCKMAN
STATUE
RASV 1
ADMIN
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CITY
15 Mins
POLICE
STATION
MAIN GATE
THE SHOWGROUNDS
EXHIBITION CENTRE
AMUSEMENTS
WALKWAY
PLUMMER AVENUE
PUBLIC
ENTRANCE
DEGRAVES STREET
FOOTSCRAY
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TRAM
STOP
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TRAM
STOP
EPSOM ROAD
TRAM ROUTE No. 57
LANGS ROAD
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 12
Access Map – The Melbourne Showgrounds
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Accessing Melbourne
located in the Hall of Manufacturers (access from side entries). The PB Ronald
Pavilion has a long two stage ramp (to 7.4%, 4.1%, up to 11.4%) before double
glass doors. An accessible toilet is located via the Lennon Ave entry. The kids will
love the Animal Nursery where there is flat access at either end with a crossfall
but watch the mess on the ground.
Three access points are available to the Main Arena, to view the Grand Parade,
animal judging, displays and the fireworks. Between the AG Hunter Stand and AR
Creswick Stand, the gradient up is steep, (14%). Viewing is available from the front
of the AR Creswick Stand or from the front section of the Mitchell Stand, but there
is a significant slope towards the track.
An area between the AG Hunter & Wilson Stand, via a gradient up (15%) allows
viewing from a flat fenced off section next to the AG Hunter Stand or between the
Chirnside & Cliff Stands, gradient (11%). Again there is a forward slope so the
viewing area may be at an uncomfortable angle.
Yarra River Cruises
Several cruise companies operate scenic, barbeque, lunch and dinner cruises on
the Yarra River, departing from “the wharf” at Southgate.
The wharf is accessed from a two stage ramp (8.6% and 8.9%) down to a long,
wide, stone built wharf where the following cruise companies operate:
Melbourne River Cruises (9614 1215) operates regular and function cruises.
Boomerang Waters (9696 0311) operates lunch and dinner cruises.
MORE ATTRACTIONS
Melbourne City Penguins (9645 0533) operates cruises to the penguin
colony in Port Phillip Bay and barbeque cruises.
Melbourne’s Steamboat Elizabeth Anne 1 and Williamstown Ferry
(9682 5711) runs cruises upstream and the ferry to Williamstown.
While access to the wharf is easy, access onto the various vessels is very difficult.
The tidal variation in the river is about two meters so at almost any time there is a
significant step onto the deck of any vessel, then there is a substantial distance
down into each vessel. Some vessels have steps, some don’t, while the Steam Boat
would be impossible to get into with a wheelchair - a floating pontoon or wharf
would help access greatly.
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Melbourne River Cruises has been operating for the longest time and is probably
the biggest operator and does accommodate people in wheelchairs - the crew
physically lifting the chair into the boat. Once inside, the deck is flat and wide but
there are no accessible toilets. Melbourne River Cruises departs on its group
cruises from a wharf just alongside Princes Bridge and accessed from Batman Ave.
If considering a cruise, call the operator and discuss your needs to arrange
assistance.
The Melbourne City Baths
The Melbourne City Baths (9663 5888, 6am-10pm Mon-Fri, 8am-6 pm Sat & Sun,
public holidays 10am-6pm) were built in 1859 in an attempt to improve hygiene in
order to combat the cholera epidemic that had become prevalent in Melbourne.
Opened as first and second class baths including turkish and vapour baths, they
were renovated in 1981.
The Baths consists of two pools on ground level. The larger pool is for lap
swimmers divided according pace. The second, smaller pool is a hydrotherapy
pool, which must be booked through the adjacent clinic (9639 2286).
On-street parking with one disabled persons parking space is available on Franklin
St. The main entrance is up steps so wheelchairs gain access through the Franklin
St emergency exit. Phone in advance and the door will be propped open with a
brick or have a companion go to the office. An hydraulic lift is available from the
pool attendant, but the change rooms and toilets present some problems. Separate
facilities for members include accessible toilets but no grab rails in the showers.
Casual visitors with a disability are permitted to use the facilities but assistance
with a short steep ramp may be needed.
Rialto Towers
The Rialto Towers are office buildings with main entry off Collins St back from the
corner as Collins St slopes towards King St. Revolving glass doors can be slowed
with the push of a button and security will direct you to the appropriate tower and
lifts. Accessible toilets are available in the towers. Cafe and Bar, Paninoteche is
accessed from a two stage ramp (grade of 7%) off Collins St or via the lift lobby.
The basement car park has its entry off Flinders Lane at the rear of the building.
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525 Collins St, Rialto Towers, towering over the corner of King St with the
Observation Deck a popular attraction for visitors.
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Access to the Observation Deck (9629 8222, open 7 days 10am till late, adult $9,
child $5, students $5 and family $25), is past the towers and next to Le Meridian
Hotel. The gift shop, ticket office and theatrette have flat entry with an accessible
toilet near the ticket office. Wheelchair access to the Observation Deck is via the
goods lift (also used to remove rubbish!), staff will provide the directions for you.
The view is spectacular and there is a set of wheelchair accessible binoculars
available. You can even get outside into the wire enclosed balcony teetering above
the city. The view is breathtaking by day and stunning by night. (There is also an
accessible unisex toilet and a cafe.)
The Melbourne Aquarium
The Melbourne Aquarium, (open daily 9am-6pm, 9pm in January, A$17.50,
S$12.50, C$8.50, F$45, 9920 05999, www.melbourneaquarium.com.au)
Queenswharf Rd, just off King St and Flinders Sts.
Marketed as Melbourne’s newest major attraction and a journey into subspace
where you get "virtually" wet, visitors get to experience a 10m diameter floor to
ceiling Coral Atoll, several small tanks highlighting sea dragons to frogs, get to feed
stingrays in a Mangrove Swamp, see a Giant Murray Cod in the Billabong and enter
the Deep Sea Oceanarium through an acrylic tunnel on a moving walkway and a
unique 360degree "fish bowl". This is where you will see Grey Nurses, Bronze
Whalers and Sevengills sharks, 2,500 colourful fish and even dive with them!
MORE ATTRACTIONS
Three 24 seat simulators are rides which "plunge you into the deep" and will thrill
the kids. An Education Program – Melbourne Aquarium’s Blue Zoo, two cafes;
Ocean Theatre Cafe and Moorings Brasserie and changing exhibitions in the
Tattersalls Exhibition Gallery are available.
Access from King or Flinders St with dedicated parking. Flat entry into the
aquarium and an accessible unisex toilet and baby change facility located at
reception. Lifts convey you to all levels, lighting is bright and audio guided tours are
also multi-lingual.
In April 2000 the aquarium tragically saw an outbreak of the Legionella virus linked
to the water cooled airconditioning towers. As a consequence of the outbreak the
water-cooling system has been replaced with an air-cooling system which
eliminates the possibility of another Legionella outbreak.
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Melbourne’s key sporting venues are close to the CBD, just south
east of the city. Major venues are the MCG in Yarra Park,
Melbourne Park (the Tennis Centre) and the Sports &
Entertainment Centre (Olympic Park and Glasshouse). The
MCG is venue to Australian Rules Football, Cricket and the
occasional mega rock concert, Melbourne Park is home to the
Australian Tennis Open (and the Australian Wheelchair Tennis
Open) and concerts, the Glasshouse features basketball and
concerts while Olympic Park is home to athletics and Rugby
League team, Melbourne Storm.
Also covered in this chapter are Flemington Racecourse and
Albert Park, the former where ‘the race that stops the nation’ is
run every year – The Melbourne Cup and the latter host to The
Australian Grand Prix and home to the Melbourne Sports and
Aquatic Centre.
The Arts Access publication, The Vic Venue Guide, includes
detailed floorplans of the MCG, Tennis Centre and Glasshouse
showing seating arrangements and hearing loops (where
provided).
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (Events Department, 9657 8888, call to obtain a
copy of Melbourne Cricket Ground, Information for people with disabilities).
Cricket has been played here for over 120 years and the first game of Aussie Rules
Football was played in the immediate region.
Fondly referred to as The “G”, it holds nearly 100,000 people and was the main
venue for Melbourne’s 1956 hosting of the Olympic Games.
The Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum is located at the city end,
off Jolimont Terrace, refer to the Museums and Galleries chapter for tour times and
prices.
Access to the “G” is available from the city with car parking in Yarra Park on game
and match days. Disabled persons parking is made available relatively close to
each end of the ground.
The Paths are bitumen and well sealed with red brick paved spoon drains which
can be difficult to cross where the slope meets the pathway. Pedestrian access is
available from Swan St via elevated walkways above Brunton Ave and the railway
lines to each end of the ground. Take care as the gradients can be steep, easily
exceeding 7.2%.
Most wheelchair visitors will sit in the huge Great Southern Stand, where there is
provision for 191 wheelchair patrons and 220 attendants, although only three bays
are “reserved seating” so it pays to call ahead and book your seats.
Access to the stand is best at the eastern end where a wide bitumen grade leads
up to Gates 6 or 7. Attendants in Blue blazers or Red coats will assist you find your
seat. Accessible toilets are well signed, but they are not unisex. Benches for the
catering facilities have been made at a wheelchair friendly height.
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Access Map – M.C.G., Melbourne & Olympic Park
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Melbourne and Olympic Park
Melbourne and Olympic Park Management (9286 1600, Tickets 9286 1234,
www.melbournepark.com.au) operates the three sporting and entertainment
venues located on Swan St, south of the city: The Tennis Centre, The Glasshouse
and Olympic Park.
The Tennis Centre
The Tennis Centre is easily accessed from the city via Batman Ave at Princess Bridge.
The centre is open to the public (9am-5pm), and tours are available and conducted on
a demand basis so it is advisable to call ahead and book. The only way to view the
centre court (via the wheelchair lift) is on a tour, cost adult $5, child $2.50.
Pedestrians can access the Tennis Centre by walkways from Yarra Park (take care
as the gradients can be steep, exceeding 7.2%). Parking is limited, there are
several spaces available on Swan St, you can park in the commercial car park next
to Olympic Park (across Swan St), or book one of only a few spaces under the
centre when you arrange your tickets.
Access into the venue is not plainly visible, you can head under the centre to
Administration Reception or see an attendant (particularly during the Australian
Open tennis), who will show you through a side door. In each case you will be
shown to a lift to the concourse level which provides access to the Centre Court
and to the outside courts, Show Courts 1 & 2. You will need to seek directions to get
to Show Court 3 and other outside courts. Accessible seating is prearranged on
Centre Court while platforms cater for wheelchair seating on Show Courts 1, 2 & 3
(the best position at these courts).
Access to Centre Court is via small lift located by door 8 and operated by an
attendant. A unisex accessible toilet is also by this door. F accessible toilets are
near doors 3 & 7, a M accessible toilet is by door 4. There is a unisex accessible
toilet on the side of Show Court 3.
Improvements are ongoing, for example, a hearing induction loop for Centre Court
productions has recently been installed, and an addition to the sports and
entertainment precinct is currently under construction next to the tennis centre. A
Multi Purpose Venue (tennis, basketball, cycling etc), will include much improved
bridge access above the railway lines from Yarra Park and linking the MCG. When
completed (late 1999/early 2000) it should exemplify perfect access and viewing
for people with disabilities.
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The Glasshouse, opposite the Tennis Centre, is accessed via the flat Swan St foyer and
accessible unisex toilets are available along with M&F accessible toilets. Identify your
needs when making your booking for allocated seating, a hearing loop is available.
Olympic Park
Olympic Park, opposite the Tennis Centre, is accessed from Gate 3 off Swan St or
via the Eastern Entrance from Olympic Park Car Park. Olympic Park is an old venue,
however with Melbourne’s Rugby League team taking up residence access
improvements have been made.
Seating is close to Gate 3 and accessed via bitumen (rough in places but generally
level) pathway from behind the eastern entry. Wheelchair accessible viewing is
available in the General Admission raised platform (accessed by ramp), under the
“control tower” and in the Western Grandstand, at Level 3, provision has been
made for at least 24 wheelchairs and additional chairs will be made available to
accompanying guests. Access is by lift with brail call buttons all within reach.
A unisex accessible toilet is close to the lift and another is located towards the
southern end of the stand.
The food and alcohol sales area is to the rear of the stand, near to the accessible
seating and generally flat entry except for a slight lip, however there is a step up to
the alcohol serving counter. Counters appear to be at a friendly height.
Flemington Racecourse
Flemington Racecourse (9258 4763/fax 9376 5349, www.ozracing.net.au), about
4km north west of the CBD off Epsom Rd and bounded by the Maribyrnong River to
the west, is home to one of the most famous horse races on the world racing
calendar, The Melbourne Cup.
Recognised as “The race which stops the nation”, The Cup is a 3200 metre
(originally two miles) handicap race for horses of at least three years and held on
the first Tuesday in November.
The Cup is a public holiday and Melbourne’s social event of the year, drawing
crowds of almost 100,000 people wearing high fashion, outrageous fancy dress
and wonderful hats – some even go to see the races! Flemington’s Rose Gardens
are a colourful attraction in addition to the races.
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Access Map – Flemington Racecourse & The Melbourne Cup
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Situated on 127ha, Flemington Racecourse was originally known as Saltwater Flats
and saw its first race meeting in 1840. The first Cup was held in 1861 and was won
by a horse named Archer. The most famous Cup winner is Phar Lap (meaning
lightning in Thai), whose statue stands proudly outside the members entrance.
You can get to Flemington by taxi or car by entering through gate H off Fisher Pde or
Gates C or D off Epsom Rd which lead to a large area with 18 dedicated parking
spaces and room for many more. This car park is bitumen and flat and leads to the
walkway to the main entry.
On Cup Day trains arrive from Flinders St Station. Access for wheelchairs is approx
50m up the hill from the station to the rear of the Prince of Wales Stand. Access into
the stand is gained by double glass doors and a unisex accessible toilet is available
on this level, it is well signed. Fantastic views over the course can be had by the
huge glass windows and a goods lift, accessed from the kitchen via the public area
will take you down to ground level. The Prince of Wales Stand becomes Members
Only on Cup day.
Access on the paved and bitumen site slopes gently from the Betting Ring up to the
food and bar areas, and becomes steeper up towards the Prince of Wales Stand
(and the lift). You can head under the stand to the lawn by the Mounting Yard or up
the rise to an open area adjacent to the Lawn Stand.
Dedicated viewing areas are provided in the Lawn Stand; at the east end a section
allows five wheelchair spaces, at the west end there is a bluestone building
allowing space for many wheelchairs and there are two unisex accessible toilets.
You get to this section by ramp from the lawn area in front of the Lawn Stand or by
coming through the standing room area (Undercroft Terrace) behind the seats.
Excellent views of the course can be had from the area behind the seats but watch
out for the three steps in front of you - the course manager may place seats or a
hand rail to eliminate the danger.
Accessible Male and Female toilets are provided in the building next to Casualty,
underneath the Members Stand (male only), east end of the Lawn Stand (female
only) and in the Prince Of Wales Stand, Level 1. Renovations to the Prince of Wales
Stand will include additional levels, lift access and full wheelchair access linking to
the Hill Stand.
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Access Map – Albert Park & The Australian Grand Prix
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Only a few kilometres south of the city is the picturesque Albert Park, site for the
Australian Grand Prix. It also features the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic
Centre, a golf course, fantastic children’s playground and Albert Park Lake with
walking track around its perimeter. The Point Restaurant is easily accessible with
an accessible toilet and available any time of the year.
The Australian Grand Prix
Annually for four days early in March Albert Park becomes home to a Grand Prix
racing circuit for the first race of the GP season. In 1999 the Grand Prix attracted
record crowds on each of the four days, almost totally bringing Melbourne to a
stand still with GP fever. Vehicles and parking are restricted in the immediate area
as Melbourne’s whole transport system focuses on shifting the vast number of
spectators to and from Albert Park, free of charge!
Access to the Grand Prix has been well catered for with transport, seating in stands
and toilets provided for people with disabilities. The following facilities were made
available for the 1999 Grand Prix; a carer ticket available free of charge when a
person with a disability purchases a ticket, wheelchair accessible buses operate
free of charge from Spencer St and Flinders St stations taking you straight to the
nearest appropriate gate at Albert Park, two dedicated accessible General
Admission stands along with accessible seating in the Jones, Prost and
Schumacher Stands.
The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (9926 1555, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park),
open daily except Christmas day, facilities are available at various times, so check
first. Use of the pool area costs $4 per day, $3 concession/child. A cafe and clothes
shop are on the entry level.
Free car parking spaces for 500 cars in Aughtie Drive with ten disabled persons car
spaces near the entrance.
Facilities include a 75-meter competition pool, a diving tower, leisure pools, spa
bath, gymnasium, squash, badminton, volleyball and basketball courts and table
tennis tables. All pools are accessible via portable hydraulic lift. Staff will assist
relocate the lift but will are not permitted to help you in/out of the lift, pool etc). Two
accessible bathrooms are in close proximity to the pools.
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The Docklands Stadium
The Colonial Stadium (8625 7700, www.colonialstadium.com.au), a "state of the
art" venue, seating 55,000 patrons in stands can move changing the shape of the
playing surface, puts patrons "on top" of the action. Most staggering is the stadium
is enclosed by a moveable roof!
Patrons are encouraged to use public transport and existing city car parks the stroll
to the ground. Pedestrian access from Spencer St is via a walkway from Spencer St
Station above the railway tracks and directly into the ground. Access to the
walkway is by ramp at the Bourke St end or lifts from Spencer St platforms.
Stadium lighting is bright, signage for lifts, toilets (four accessible unisex toilets
with baby change facility on each level) etc white on blue and 600 wheelchairs and
carer seating positions provided (approximately 1wheelchair:two accompanying).
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It is a testament to good planning and an ounce of good luck that
Melbourne is surrounded by a number of beautiful, tranquil parks.
Nearly all CBD workers are within easy access to a park and the
opportunity to relax during their lunch break. The city’s residents
are increasingly drawn to the lush parklands as are inhabitants
from suburban Melbourne, not to mention the wildlife; possums,
fruit bats, bellbirds, lorikeets, cockatoos and the occasional parrot.
The parks consist of vast, open, grassed areas dotted with large
mature trees (providing plenty of shade) and magnificent garden
beds displaying a range of colourful planting arrangements.
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All of the parks detailed in this guide provide wheelchair access, but to varying
degrees of gradient, pathway surface (many paths are in need of substantial repair)
and availability of accessible toilets.
PARKS & GARDENS
Melbourne’s parks form part of the cultural life of the city. As part of Melbourne’s
Open Air Sculpture Museum – sculptures are placed throughout the parks with
brief interpretive details provided.
Please note the Access Maps provided are a guide to the conditions experienced in
the parks. Paths have been “expanded” (and are not to scale), to indicate the
general gradient. Path surfaces are bitumen unless stated otherwise. Most paths
are “crowned” to provide water run off and several have a crossfall which can
make moving along them difficult.
Queen Victoria Gardens (QVG)
A peaceful triangular paradise hemmed in by the busy traffic lanes of St Kilda Rd,
Alexandra Ave and Linlithgow Ave, the gardens feature a large rotunda in honour of
Janet Lady Clarke, a memorial to King Edward VII and a large memorial to
Queen Victoria, who casts her regal gaze across rose gardens, ornamental lakes
and sweeping lawns to vistas of the Melbourne Concert Hall Spire and the city.
There are also several wonderful sculptures; The Genie Play Structure, The
Hammer Thrower showing the strain of an Olympic event in incredible detail, The
Phoenix (rising from the shores of a small pond) and The Bronze Water Children.
Access points into QVG are from St Kilda Rd (flat), Alexandra Ave and Linlithgow
Ave. The crossing at Alexandra Ave is controlled by traffic lights (but no audible
signal). Take care as this is a major thoroughfare which carries a significant
amount of traffic. There are crossovers, on the Alexandra Gardens side the
crossover is steep and to access the triangular safety island there are substantial
lips to negotiate.
Two, two-hour disabled persons parking spaces are provided in Linlithgow Ave and
four four-hour spaces are across the road. There is no footpath and small brick
edging along the nearest pathway into the QVG, so you must enter the pathways
from the road. There are no accessible toilets in QVG. The nearest toilets are in
Kings Domain next to the Myer Music Bowl (unisex toilet up the steep hill),
Alexandra Gardens (M&F), across St Kilda Rd at the Victorian Arts Centre or at the
Southbank precinct.
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Access Map – Queen Victoria Gardens
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QVG topography consists of a ridge south of the ornamental lakes, sloping down
towards the city with wide lawns and large mature shade trees. Access onto the
lawns is difficult with a brick gutter/drain but paths are bitumen and only poorly
maintained in a few places. Highlights are the Floral Clock facing the National
Gallery of Victoria (under renovation) across St Kilda Rd and the pathway between
the lake and Rose Garden providing magnificent views to the city with benches
encouraging visitors to stop, sit and relax.
PARKS & GARDENS
Alexandra Gardens (AG)
The Alexandra Gardens are strip of land alongside the Yarra River with Alexandra
Ave forming the south boundary. AG are the location of much activity during
Melbourne’s Moomba celebration, held early March annually.
Access into AG is from St Kilda Rd, down a short steep grade which levels out as
you get into the park, by crossing at the lights from QVB and from the Southbank
precinct under Princes Bridge to Jeffries Parade and a small step up into the park.
Jeffries Pde is closed to through traffic but there are no dedicated parking spaces.
Accessible Male and Female toilets are provided with a ramp up at 9% to the
Female toilet.
AG topography is essentially flat except for the rise up to St Kilda Rd. Paths are
bitumen, the north path is poorly maintained and joins the footpath at Jeffries Pde.
The footpath is uplifted by tree roots and you must step down to get to the path
leading to the toilets.
Kings Domain (KD)
Bounded by Linlithgow Ave on the north, St Kilda Rd to the west and Alexandra Ave
to the east, Kings Domain is a huge parkland which eventually merges into the
Royal Botanic Gardens. Key features are the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, King
George V Memorial, the Pioneer Women’s Garden and wide open grassed
spaces. KD is significant to the history of Melbourne; as the location for Governor
La Trobe’s Cottage (steps in), Government House, The Observatory and the
Shrine of Remembrance.
Kings Domain encompasses a hill which rises steeply from the Yarra River,
Alexandra Ave and Linlithgow Ave then falling gently to St Kilda Rd. There are four,
four-hour disabled persons parking spaces in Linlithgow Ave and two (two-hour
spaces across the road) with a crossover to the “Tan Track”, a sand and crushed
rock running track which circumvents Kings Domain and the Botanic Gardens. The
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Access Map – Kings Domain
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parking spaces provide the closest access to the Myer Music Bowl when a
concert is held, otherwise there is poor access to Kings Domain. The grade up to
the Bowl is steep and as the Bowl is fenced off, there is no access to other paths,
except by crossing a large gutter to a very poorly maintained and steeply sloping
path. The majority of paths in Kings Domain are surfaced with a sand and crushed
rock mixture which is stable but can be soft when wet.
Best access to KD is to the King George V Monument from Birdwood Ave or from
the Shrine by crossing Birdwood Ave and Government House Drive. The King
George V Memorial (1937-52) is of bronze and sandstone, representing Britannia
and her Dominions and Colonies, guarded by two lions. An accessible unisex toilet
is available in the block adjacent to the “Bowl” but cannot be accessed from other
parts of Kings Domain. The nearest accessible unisex toilet is near the Shrine or in
the Observatory Gate Visitors Centre.
It is probably best to enjoy Kings Domain by ignoring the north-east edge which is
too steep (and possibly dangerous if unaccompanied) and just enjoy the grassy
spaces, shady trees and gardens. You can cross Government House Drive,
crossovers are available to a path leading to Birdwood Ave and the Shrine.
The Sir Thomas Blamey Memorial (1960) owes its existence to the efforts of
officers who served under Australia’s first Field Marshall, renowned for standing up
to Churchill and MacArthur during WWII. The South African War Memorial (1904)
is a sandstone memorial honouring Australians who fell in the Boer War (18991902). The Walker Fountain (1981) was donated to the people of Victoria by
former Lord Mayor of Melbourne Ron Walker – there are 46 underwater lights and
144 separate streams of water. The Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Statue (1995) is
made from bronze, granite and metal spikes from the Burma-Thailand railway.
Weary Dunlop was known for his humanitarian acts while a prisoner of war in
Changi prison. The names of other doctors who were also POW’s at Changi are
listed on the steps leading to the sculpture.
Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance, which stands on lush green lawns between St
Kilda Road and Birdwood Avenue is a magnificent monument inscribed in large
letters high up on the east side with the words: “This monument was erected by
a grateful people to the honoured memory of the men and women of Victoria
who served the empire in the Great War of 1914-18.”
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Access Map – Kings Domain/Shrine of Remembrance
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The monument comprises the Shrine and forecourt, including a WWII Memorial,
the Eternal Flame, Cenotaph and Flagpoles. Upon closing each day the last post
is played as the flag is lowered. Access to the Shrine is limited. Large flights of
steps limit access from the lawns. A brass plaque on the east side informs
visitors to telephone the Commissionaires to arrange access. For wheelchair
visitors you must ring 24 hours in advance. A stair-climber chair will be
available but a transfer to this chair is required.
Access to the gardens and lawns is via the packed sandy path off Anzac Ave.
Excellent crossovers are provided at the roundabout in Government House Drive
and Birdwood Ave. The long wide pathway to the Shrine provides dramatic
views up St Kilda Rd to the city but access to the Shrine is barred by a large
flight of steps.
Memorials to significant contributors to Australia’s war efforts are found throughout
the gardens, Simpson and His Donkey, Legacy Garden symbolising the work of
legacy supporting war widows and the Memorial located on the west side of the
Shrine, accessed from the quite steep path. The war efforts of Korea, Malaya,
Borneo, Kuwait and Vietnam are remembered on a granite wall and tranquil pond.
The parklands slope away steeply to the south.
Kings Domain contains a number of statues and memorials honouring Australia’s
contribution to many war efforts. The Edward George Honey Memorial (1965)
recognises the contribution by Honey who made the suggestion of a ceremony of a
minutes silence in remembrance of those who died in war. The Sir John Monash
Memorial (1950), General Monash was Commander-in-Chief of the Australian
forces during WWI. The Marquis of Linlithgow or Lord Linlithgow was Australia’s
first Governor General who arrived in Australia towards the end of the 1880’s.
Nurse Edith Cavell, an Englishwoman, was shot by German soldiers in 1915 in
Brussels. The sculptor Margaret Baskerville was one of a few professional
women sculptors of her day, constructed in 1926 from marble, granite and bronze.
The MacPherson-Robertson Fountain (1934) was designed to compliment the
Shrine, tortoises, frogs & seahorses with a figure of a boy catching a dolphin.
Simpson and his donkey (1936), by Wallace Anderson honours private John
Simpson who rescued fallen soldiers on his little donkey.
An accessible Unisex toilet is available however there is no accessible pathway to
it. Just beyond is the timber cottage erected (this is not the authentic location) by
Governor La Trobe.
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The Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG)
The Royal Botanic Gardens (open 7.30am – dusk, 9252 2300, www.rbgmelb
.org.au) are about 1.5km south east of the CBD comprising 36.4ha of manicured
lawns, formal garden beds, displays of exotic plants and stunning vistas of the city.
Observatory Gate is the new formal entry to the RBG, it opened in March 1999.
Consisting of a Visitors Centre, Gardens Shop (open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am5.00pm Sat&Sun, 9252 2300) and Observatory Cafe (open 7am-5pm daily), it
includes Melbourne’s refurbished 1860s Italianate Observatory Buildings (no
access).
The Visitors Centre is where you book a tour; Garden Highlights, Special Interest,
audioguide or Aboriginal Heritage Walk; view a series of botanical displays, or hire a
wheelchair ($20 deposit). There is an accessible unisex toilet inside and another by
the side of the building, off the pathway leading into the gardens.
The site for the Gardens was reserved in 1846, six years after the foundation of
Melbourne, by Superintendent of the Port Phillip District, Charles La Trobe. The
location, on the south bank of the Yarra, was well suited to the purpose. The
Gardens embrace a valley which faces north catching the sun but involving quite
steep slopes.
Many curators have influenced the gardens development over time but probably
the most influential was William Guilfoyle (1873-1909) who reorganised the
gardens by establishing sweeping lawns, laying wide, curving paths and
transforming the valley swamp into an ornamental lake. These influences are seen
today and he achieved his aim of maintaining a scientific balance with expectations
for a popular garden and scenic views resembling landscape paintings.
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La Trobe’s Cottage
Charles Joseph La Trobe, Superintendent of the Port Phillip District and the first
Governor of Victoria. La Trobe’s Cottage was Victoria’s first Government House
and one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings. It epitomises Melbourne’s early
domestic architecture. The cottage was originally located at Jolimont on a large
tract of land and was erected in 1839 consisting of a prefabricated two room
structure manufactured in London. The dining room, erected in 1840, was the
first of many additions made during La Trobe’s tenure. The surviving Cottage
has been dismantled, restored and reconstructed several times but does
contain many of La Trobe’s personal effects. Access is limited by steps in.
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Access Map – Royal Botanic Gardens
Shelter
Men’s/Women’s Toilets
Women’s Toilet only
Toilets for disabled visitors
Scenic views
Difficult access, steeper than 1:14
Disabled parking
There are ten entrances to the Gardens,
A to H, O and the Lych Gate
1 - Camellia Collection
2 - Herb Garden
3 - Fern Gully
4 - Australian Rainforest Walk
5 - Arid Garden
6 - Species Rose Collection
7 - Southern Chinese Collection
8 - Perennial Border
9 - New Caledonia Collection
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Access Map – Royal Botanic Gardens
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The gardens serve as a focal point for socialising and recreation but should also be
considered as a place of science and a botanic reference library; there are 51,000
plants representing 262 families and about 12,000 species. Visited by about
1.5million annually, the gardens are a major tourist attraction in Melbourne.
PARKS & GARDENS
Disabled persons parking spaces are provided at Gates F, D and A and adjacent to
Observatory Gate. Accessible toilets are located in the Visitors Centre, National
Herbarium (access via ramp from the pathway leading from Gate F), and in the
Botanic Gardens Cafe which overlooks the Ornamental Lake. Access around the
gardens is provided on often wide sweeping bitumen paths but there are some
significant gradients to be encountered in some places.
The Access Map details the main paths, includes smaller paths and highlights main
features. For example, the Separation Tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) pre dates
European settlement and was associated with public celebrations of the Bill which
“separated” the colony of Victoria from New South Wales in 1850. Other key
botanic features such as the Australian Rainforest Walk, Ornamental Lake, Fern
Gully and Herb Garden, which caters for visitors with low vision, are identified on
the map and a brief description of the feature is included below.
The RBG is not just home to plants and trees, many animals inhabit the gardens.
While wandering around you will see Cockatoos, Grey Headed Flying Foxes in the
Fern Gully, Black Swans and Pacific Black Ducks skimming across the Ornamental
Lake and if you look closer many eels. During the evening possums and the
occasional fox have the run of the gardens.
Arid Garden
The plants in this garden come from arid regions of Africa, the Americas and
Australia. They live in conditions that most plants would not survive: intense
heat, minimal water, and in some cases high levels of salt. Adaptations such as
succulent or hairy leaves enable these plants to survive the harsh conditions.
Australian Rainforest Walk
This collection displays plants from the fragments of rainforest that remain
along the east coast of Australia: from the moss-covered forests of Tasmania to
the lush, sub-tropical rainforests found in Queensland. Most of the plants
growing here were collected in the wild as seed or cuttings. An audiotour of the
Australian Rainforest Walk is available from the Visitor Centre.
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Fern Gully
In the Fern Gully you can feel what it is like to stroll through a rainforest. The
plants here are mostly from temperate and subtropical rainforests of southeastern Australia. Notice the difference in temperature and humidity as you
enter this gully. The Fern Gully provides a sheltered haven for a variety of birds
and animals such as the Superb Fairy-wren and the Flying-foxes.
Herb Garden
Herbs have been cultivated since ancient times for their scents, flavours and
medicinal properties. This garden was originally developed in the late 1800s as
a collection of medicinal plants. In 1986 it was redesigned to display a variety of
herbs in their family groups. The properties of the herbs are indicated on the
plant labels. In this garden raised beds provide easy access for wheelchair
users, and a large-print brochure for vision impaired visitors is available at the
entrance.
Southern Chinese Collection
The plants in this collection grow in the understorey of woodlands and open
forests of Southern China. Many are uncommon in cultivation and are rarely
seen outside China. Others, such as camellias and viburnums are well-known
in Melbourne gardens. These plants have been obtained by staff on collecting
trips to China, and through seed exchange with Beijing and Guangzhou Botanic
Gardens. They mostly flower during winter and spring.
Camellia Collection
Camellias are native to the forests of south-east Asia, southern China and
Japan, and north east India. They were introduced to Europe during the 1600’s.
Since then some 30,000 hybrids and cultivars have been developed. Growing in
this collection are Camellia species and 19th and 20th century western
cultivars. They mostly flower during winter and early spring.
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Ornamental Lake
The Ornamental Lake was formed at the turn of the century when the Yarra
River was straightened to control the frequent flooding that was occurring. Prior
to that a marshy billabong from the Yarra River flowed into the Gardens. The
Lake is a central feature of the Gardens, it supports a wide variety of native and
exotic water birds and is home to eels and tortoises.
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PARKS & GARDENS
Species Rose Collection
This collection features a variety of old-fashioned and species roses. They are
generally recognised for their highly-perfumed flowers, colourful hips and
thorny stems. They are also significant for their role in the development of the
modern shrub roses we know today. The roses in this garden generally flower in
early summer and produce their colourful fruit in autumn.
Perennial Border
In this collection large drifts of perennials are interspersed with structural
ornamental plants. It is a garden of contrasts where the character of each plant
contributes significantly to the overall effect of the border: the colour and
texture of the flowers as well as the form of each plant. Summer is when most
of the plants here flower. The Perennial Border also provides the foreground for
Gardens House. This building was constructed in 1856, and was the home for
Directors of the Gardens until 1991.
New Caledonia Collection
The sub-tropical islands of New Caledonia support an unusual group of plants.
They grow in soils that have near-toxic levels of metal which deprive them of
essential nutrients. As a result the plants on New Caledonia do not grow to their
full size. Watch this collection to see whether the plants here grow more
vigorously in Gardens soils.
Flagstaff Gardens
Bounded by La Trobe, William, King and Dudley Sts, the gardens are probably the
most used by CBD workers from the northern part of the city but probably not many
people are aware of their importance to the colony of Victoria.
Flagstaff Gardens was used as a Cemetery in the 1830s and in 1840 the New
South Wales Colonial Government erected a Signalling Staff on the hill. This was
one of several within the Port Phillip District which were used for communicating
with Sandridge (Port Melbourne) and with ships on the Bay. The Signalling Staff
was also equipped with a Time Ball, dropped at noon every day. Flagstaff Hill was
also a prominent site for public gatherings including the announcement in
November 1850 of Victoria’s Separation from the Colony of New South Wales.
In 1857 a cutting was excavated through the hill to ease the gradient of King Street
and this created the high bank which still forms the present western boundary. A
memorial to Melbourne’s pioneers was erected on Flagstaff Hill in 1871 and a
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PARKS & GARDENS
Access Map – Flagstaff Gardens
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children’s playground was opened in 1918, apparently the first in Melbourne City
Council’s park system.
PARKS & GARDENS
The character of Flagstaff Gardens is principally created by large mature trees set
in open lawns. The southern end of the Gardens is dominated by deciduous trees
whilst the northern end contains many eucalypts. Elms are planted to define the
edges of the site and as avenues along paths. The gardens contain many fine
Moreton Bay fig trees, and eucalypts, including spotted and sugar gums. The site
contains at least one river red gum, possibly indigenous to the site.
The Pioneer Memorial (erected in 1871) to mark the site of Burial Hill, Melbourne’s
first burial ground, is located slightly further down the hill. The sculpture “The
Court Favourite” is situated towards the William Street frontage of the gardens.
The gardens slope severely up from King St then down towards William and La
Trobe Sts. Steps and steep paths form the entry points from King St with a steep
grade greeting the visitor on the corner of King and La Trobe Sts. Best entry is from
William or Dudley Sts, the path off La Trobe is very rough and potholed in places.
The paths generally in Flagstaff gardens are in need of substantial repair.
Treasury Gardens
Treasury Gardens sits between Fitzroy Gardens and Spring St, the eastern
boundary of the CBD. A small but peaceful off-square shaped garden, it is home to
city workers relaxing at lunchtime and (along with Fitzroy Gardens) a multitude of
possums at night.
Smooth bitumen paths with brick paved spoon drains are easily traversed but the
ground slopes steeply down from Treasury Place, the north boundary and Spring
St. The Sir William John Clarke Memorial, circa 1902, greets visitors from the
city. Clarke was a wealthy pastoralist who contributed to the funding of St Paul’s
Cathedral. The Robert Burns Memorial is a replica of a sculpture in Ayr, Scotland,
birthplace of the great writer. Nearly every Scot in Melbourne contributed towards
the commission. The President JF Kennedy Memorial sits by the secluded lake,
there is a small step up but it is to be removed.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is one of the major nineteenth century landscaped city gardens in
Australia. Proclaimed in 1848 as Fitzroy Square, and designed in 1857, the first
curator was James Sinclair, from 1857-1881. He naturalised the formal design and
created a dense woodland with meandering avenues and a gully of ferns and
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willows. The great meandering avenues reflect the original plan and the Gully also
survives. Colourful flower beds and lawns reflected the taste of the boom period of
the time.
Access is gained from Lansdowne St, Clarendon St, and Wellington Pde with best
access from the crossover at the intersection of Lansdowne St. and Wellington Pde.
Two, two hour dedicated parking spaces are provided in Lansdowne St and an
accessible unisex toilet is available. The gardens encompass a south facing valley
falling steadily and quite steeply from Lansdowne and Clarendon Sts and from
Albert St to Wellington Pde. The west side of the park has been upgraded with
smooth bitumen paths and large gutters have been replaced with attractive brickpaved, spoon drains, which do not hinder easy access onto the lawns.
Access is up a short bitumen pathway to the Model Tudor Village, circa 1948, a
gift from a grateful 77 year old, British immigrant pensioner, Edgar Wilson, who
created the cement and paint village to thank Melbourne’s generosity in sending
food to Britain during WWII.
The Pavilion Restaurant is up a driveway where a short grade leads up to the
outdoor seating area, then there is a small step into the restaurant. Access into the
Conservatorium is flat at the rear past a wonderful waterfall/statue. The
Conservatorium is a magnificent place to visit at most times of the year with
flowers in bloom, particularly around Spring. Cooks Cottage (often known as
Captain Cooks Cottage) was the Captain’s parents home, purchased in Great Ayton,
England and transported to Victoria in 1933. There is access through a ticket office
and into the small and narrow entry. A motorised wheelchair may have difficulty.
You can also wander through the small herb garden at the rear.
Fitzroy Gardens has plenty of wonderful sculpture, The Grey Street Fountain was
erected in 1863 and consists of three finely carved tiers mounted on top of artificial
rockeries set in an informal lake with a rockery border. Diana and the Hounds,
circa 1940, was cast in bronze by the founder of the Sculptors’ Society of Victoria,
Bowles, it replaced an 1860’s copy of a Roman sculpture of Diana, Goddess of
Mood and Contemplation. The dolphin sculpture is visited across the firm grass to a
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The gardens form a wonderful transition between the city and East Melbourne. The
park is full of mature trees, formal colourful gardens a children’s playground,
sculptures, Cooks Cottage, The Conservatorium, Model Tudor Village and The
Pavilion Restaurant.
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Access Map – Treasury Gardens
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Access Map – Fitzroy Gardens
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small lake. The River God Fountain, circa 1862, was built to commemorate
Melbourne’s first reticulated water supply, with construction of the Yan Yean Dam.
Behind the Conservatory is the Statue of Meditation (1933) which was presented
to the City to honour the sorrow of mothers who had lost their sons during WWI.
The Fairies Tree (1934) was carved from one of the gardens original river red
gums. The Dolphin Fountain (1982) was donated by the Krongold Family, small
bronze dolphins, crabs, starfish and sea horses surmount a series of boulders.
PARKS & GARDENS
Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Gardens are bounded by Nicholson St (Exhibition St), Rathdowne St
and Victoria St with the main entry from Nicholson St (park all day for $6). Another
entry is from Rathdowne St where there are two dedicated parking spaces and six
dedicated spaces located on the street.
The essentially flat, formal entry into the Royal Exhibition Building faces Nicholson
St. The IMAX theatre has been built on this site (see Chapter 9 Theatres) as part of
Victoria’s new Museum, currently under construction and due to open late in the
year 2000.
The Exhibition Fountain (1880) was commissioned for the 1880 International
Exhibition, its design reflecting co-themes of commerce, industry, science and the
arts with merpeople, innocent children and native flora and fauna.
The Carlton Gardens help form part of the “ring of greenery” around Melbourne,
they are compact, very green and shaded, sloping gently from north to south with
an accessible unisex toilet available on the west side (also in the IMAX theatre).
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PARKS & GARDENS
Access Map – Carlton Gardens
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Chapter 15
Accommodation
Information was gained by inspecting the hotels listed and
recording the key measurements based upon the Department of
Sport and Recreation’s, Access for All publication. A diagram or
floorplan of the bathroom layout together with key measurements
for the room is provided.
Please note that “Rack or Published Rate” has been used as a means
of comparing the relevant prices of the accommodation available. All
hotels offer specials including much cheaper rates, breakfast etc, so
when making your booking do not settle for Rack Rate prices.
Always ask for any specials on offer and seek to negotiate the rate.
Remember that hotels are rarely 100% occupied.
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ACCOMMODATION
The City of Melbourne contains plenty of four and a half and five
star hotels and several serviced apartments providing the option of
self catering accommodation. The standard of accessible
accommodation varies from hotel to hotel, while the number of
accessible rooms per establishment is often limited.
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ACCOMMODATION
SHERATON TOWERS
SouthBank Boulevard.
Reservations:
1800 073 535, 9696 3100, 2 accessible rooms, rate $291, 5 stars.
Location and environment:
Part of the Southgate leisure precinct south of the Yarra River. The area is flat
with wide promenade to the Casino Entertainment precinct.
Transport and path of travel:
Trains to Spencer and Flinders St Stations with pedestrian access over Spencer,
Kings, Queens and Princes bridges. Trams along St Kilda Rd.
Parking:
Valet parking. A separate lift outside the hotel services the car park with
disabled persons spaces. A drop off area is located adjacent to the main entry,
however the nearest crossover is at the corner, approx 20 metres away.
Main entry and foyer:
The main entry, has automatic doors (>850mm), opens to a foyer with the
porters desk, lifts and escalators leading to the Reception area. The floor is
polished marble. There is no high counter at reception, transactions are handled
at antique desks.
Signage, Toilets and Telephones:
Exits are well signed and public areas brightly lit. Accessible toilets are located
in M/F toilets in the passageway to the conference rooms, but are not well
signed. An accessible telephone is located at the Reception area. Credit card
operation, key pad 1250mm high.
Lifts:
Easily identified and call button easily used but has no braille indication. Audio
signal sounds upon arrival, internal call buttons are high at 1550mm and has no
braille indication.
Corridors:
Wide (>1500mm) with thick carpet and rooms.
Other features:
Restaurants, gym. Southgate restaurants.
Key Measurements:
Room: The room is an unusual shape with entry area (1960 x 2100mm) on an
angle across a corner. Both bathroom and bedroom open off the entry foyer.
The door is 750mm with a lever handle, automatic heavy door closer. The
bedroom measures 3m x 5.2m, there is a queen size bed at 530mm, space
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under the bed is about 10cm. Lights,
telephone, TV (remote) can be operated from
bed. A/C controls are at 1.5m. The wardrobe
has a clothes hanging rail 1.5m.
Bathroom: Door width 760mm, lever handles
900mm. Wheel-in-shower, hand-held
shower rose, grab rails at 840mm,
capstan taps 1220mm, fold down
shower seat 520mm high, 400mm x
455mm. There is a bath. Toilet
410mm, 700mm front to back,
480mm centreline to side wall, grab
rails 840mm. Basin 650m high at
front, capstan taps and no access for knees.
Switches at 1220mm and the shaver switch/hair dryer are located by mirror.
Whiteman St, SouthBank.
Reservations:
1800 811 653, 9292 6868, 6 accessible rooms, rate $275, 5 stars.
Crown Towers forms part of the Southbank leisure precinct. The area is flat with
wide open promenades along the Yarra River with views to the city.
Train arrival at both Spencer and Flinders St Stations. Trams and pedestrian
across Spencer St, Kings and Queens Bridges. Taxis.
Parking:
Valet parking and commercial off Whiteman St.
The Main entry is accessed from Yarra Promenade and pedestrian crossing of
Queensbridge St. Entry doors are double hinged (>850mm) with heavy returns,
not automatic, porters and concierge staff open doors for guests. The entry
opens directly to a huge foyer. The reception desk is 1150mm and the floor
made of polished marble.
Lighting is dark without good contrasts and Exit signage is good but other
signage is poor. Toilets and telephones are hidden in a corner behind the
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ACCOMMODATION
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staircase. There is an accessible phone card telephone (key pad 1150mm). The
toilet was probably designed to be accessible: three doors to negotiate before
the cubicle (1.6m x 2m), toilet 420mm but no grab rails. Accessible toilets are
plentiful in the Crown Entertainment complex.
Lifts:
Lifts are easily identified, the call buttons are easily pressed (not braille), there
is an audible arrival signal. Doors have a clear open width (>880mm) and
internal buttons extend outside the range 700-1250mm and are not braille.
Corridors:
Corridors are >1500mm, no hand rails and are carpeted. Accessible rooms are
located near the lifts.
Other features:
Easy access into the Crown Entertainment complex including Casino. Access to
restaurants (Breezes is difficult via several ramps) and gymnasium with pool
which has a wide graded entry.
Key Measurements:
Room: Door 775mm with lever handles 1100mm, magnetic card entry.
Automatic door return is heavy and access space is limited to open the door
from inside. Two American double beds 590mm high. Lights, telephone TV
(remote) can be operated from bed.
Bathroom: Door width 875mm, lever handles. Wheel-in-shower, hand-held
shower rose, grab rails at 790mm, lever taps 1m, fold down shower seat
500mm high, 960mm x
350mm. Toilet 470mm
high, 690mm front to
back,
450mm
centreline to side wall,
grab rails slope from
750mm to 880mm.
Basin 900m high, lever
taps and access for
knees. Light switches at
1m and the shaver
switch/hair dryer are
conveniently located for
the mirror.
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485 Collins St.
Reservations:
1800 331 330, 2 accessible rooms, rate $286, 5 stars.
Le Meridian is situated in an historic precinct of Collins St, next to Rialto Towers
and Observation Deck.
Trams run along Collins St and Taxis drop off at the main entry, however there is
no crossover. There is a general downwards gradient west along Collins St
towards William St.
Parking:
Valet parking. A commercial car park is available in the basement of the Rialto
Towers, off Flinders Lane.
A flat path of travel leads from the drop off to Main entry (>850mm), no automatic
doors but there is a doorman and the Porters desk is close to the main door.
Exit signage is clear, the main entry floor is marble and the foyer is well lit.
There are no accessible telephones. An accessible toilet is located in the
corridor leading to the conference rooms.
Lifts:
Easily identified by the reception desk. Call button is easily located but is not
braille. There is an audible signal upon lift arrival.
Corridors:
Corridors (>1500) are carpeted and the accessible rooms are located towards
Flinders Lane, a long way from the lifts.
Other features:
A Restaurant is located on the lower level reached by the lift. Access to the
restaurant is awkward as you must cross part of an old bluestone laneway (all
enclosed within the building) to a 5cm lip up to a walkway which takes you to a
small ramp up to the restaurant. Unisex toilet access is available but you must
follow the bluestone laneway which becomes very uneven where historic horse
and cart traffic has worn grooves in the surface. A small cubicle with sliding
door, grab rails and limited circulation space.
Key Measurements:
Room: Door 860mm with lever handles 1100mm, magnetic card entry. There is
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ACCOMMODATION
no door closer and plenty of space on the inside to open the door. The room
measures 4.2m x 6m with plenty of circulation space, queen bed is 520mm
high but space underneath is limited. TV remote controlled. Lights and
telephone can be operated from the bed. Air conditioning is automatic.
Bathroom: Door width 850mm, lever handles but there is an automatic door
return and a slight graded lip
up into the bathroom. Wheelin-shower, hand-held shower
rose, grab rails at 920mm,
capstan taps 1.2m, small fold
down shower seat 500mm
high, 310mm x 350mm. Toilet
500mm, 620mm front to
back, 420mm centreline to
side wall, grab rails 810mm.
Basin 860m high at front,
capstan taps and access for
knees. Light switches 1.3m,
shaver/hair dryer are convenient for the mirror.
HOTEL SOFITEL
45 Collins St.
Switch/Reservations:
9653 0000, 4 accessible rooms, rate $301, 5 stars.
At the East or “top end” of Collins St forms part of the Collins Place precinct.
Trams along Collins and Spring Sts. Trains at Parliament Station. Taxis drop off
at the main entry. Collins St slopes gently towards Exhibition St.
Parking:
Valet or a commercial basement car park. The drop off area is from a roadway
leading off Collins St. Lifts to reception are located through glass doors to the
right of the main entry area, ask the doorman.
Foyer is on the upper level. Reception desk is high.
The main foyer is mainly carpet. Exit signage is clear. No accessible telephones.
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Accessible toilet located off corridor to function rooms - metal ball door knobs.
Lifts:
Easily identified at reception. Call button easily located but not braille, audible
signal, large buttons, some high but no braille.
Other features:
Restaurants, The Atrium, Cafe La and Le Restaurant, are on the 35th floor with
stunning views of the city. Access is via the 34th floor service lift through the
kitchen. Accessible toilets on the 35th floor are provided in M&F but the doors
have heavy returns and metal ball door knobs.
Key Measurements:
The accessible rooms are located at building corners with spectacular views
but there is an awkward corridor with a right angle turn inside the room and
limited space to open the door from the inside.
Room: Polished metal door knobs both inside and out. The internal corridor is
1.6m wide opening to a room 4.8m wide and 2.7m from the end of the bed to
the window. King sized bed at 550mm, limited space underneath but ample
side access. Lights, telephone and TV (remote) can be operated from bed.
Airconditioning controls are high by the door. Table height for knees 630mm.
Bathroom: Door 780mm with knob. Basin height 800mm can get knees under,
capstan taps, and shaver convenient for mirror. Light switches 1150mm.
Wheel-in shower, hand-held rose, capstan taps, small shower seat 500mm
high, 450mm x 300mm, grab rail 800mm. Toilet height 520mm, front to back
wall 560mm, centreline
to side wall 430mm, side
grab rail 850mm.
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ACCOMMODATION
THE GRAND HYATT
123 Collins St.
Reservations:
Formal entry is off Russell St which slopes quite steeply towards Flinders St.
Stairs and lifts convey you to the Reception level. Another entry is off Collins St
through heavy glass doors and short ramps to the foyer.
Trams along Collins St with Flinders St and Parliament Stations nearby, Taxi
drop off at main entry.
Parking:
Valet in basement carpark.
Reception areas have polished marble floors but well lit, and the reception
counter is high.
Exit signage is clear, poor signage to toilets and telephones. Accessible M&F
toilets located behind reception, however doors are awkward to open.
Accessible telephone coin operated.
Lifts:
Near reception, call button
1300mm, audio signal but no
braille buttons.
Corridors:
Wide and carpet.
Other features:
Max’s
Restaurant
accessed by lift (ask at
reception), Deco Bar by
ramp. Gym and pool
(raised surround 470mm
high & 430mm across),
accessible toilet/shower.
Key Measurements:
Rooms are spacious with
ample circulation space.
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Room: Door 860mm magnetic card, lever handle 1.05m, heavy door return.
Internal corridor 930mm at narrowest point. King bed 480mm, limited space
underneath. Lights, telephone and TV (remote) can be operated from bed.
Knees can fit under table (>650mm).
Bathroom: Door 720mm, basin height 840mm, can get knees under, capstan
taps. Wheel-in shower, hand held shower rose, capstan taps 1m, small and low
shower seat 400mm (slope forwards), 350mm x 350mm, grab rail 830mm.
Toilet 440mm, front to back wall 640mm, centre line to side wall 460mm side
grab rails 820mm. Bath has grab rails and capstan taps.
Reservations:
9648 2708/fax 9629 5624, centra@centra.com.au
4 accessible rooms, rate $210, 4.5 Stars.
The Hotel forms part of the Melbourne Convention Centre development in
Spencer St overlooking the Yarra River. There is access via a steep driveway
from the main entry to Spencer St bridge, the Exhibition Centre and Crown
Entertainment precinct.
Taxis drop off at the main entry, trams run along Spencer St and Spencer St
station is approx 500m away.
Parking:
Valet parking.
Main entry is via a steep driveway to undercover drop off area. Short but steep
ramped crossover to gently sloping tiled area to automatic glass doors. Large
open foyer with Porter desk just inside the entry. Reception desk is next, and
both counters are high. Floors are highly polished granite.
Exit signage clear, no accessible telephones. Accessible toilet near the lift on
Level One (down one level from Reception).
Lifts:
Opposite Reception, near the bar is a wheelchair symbol indicating location of
the lift. Up one level, left through a short and reasonably narrow (approx 1m)
passage way, right towards the main lifts. Lift call buttons about 1m.
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ACCOMMODATION
Corridors:
Wide and carpet.
Other features:
Several good restaurants overlooking the
Yarra located on Level One.
Key Measurements:
Room: Room door 760mm, magnetic card,
lever handle 1.1m, no door return (good) but
polished metal ball knob on the inside. Double
bed 650mm high (can be lowered if needed).
Lights can be operated from bed. Circulation
space:
1.1m&1.2m either side of the bed and 1.5m
bed end to wall.
Bathroom: Plenty of turning space to enter
the bathroom, door 760mm, lever handle
1.1m. Small shower seat 350mm x 270mm,
500mm high, hand held shower, grab rails
940mm. Basin taps capstan. Toilet front to
rear wall 590mm, side bowl to wall 210mm,
grab rails 940mm.
ALL SEASONS PREMIER GRAND HOTEL
Spencer St.
Reservations:
9611 4567, 2 accessible rooms, self catering, rate: $207, 4.5 stars.
The Premier Grand is situated on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Sts in the
historic Old Railways Headquarters building. Spencer St slopes up away from
Flinders St and there is a cross gradient to be wary of.
Trams run along Flinders and Spencer Sts, Taxis drop off at the main entry and
Spencer St Station is about 200metres away.
Parking:
Valet parking. An off-street drop off/parking area has several parking spaces,
but none dedicated.
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A gentle gradient slopes towards the entry from the drop off area. The Main
entry is flat with circular (>850mm) automatic doors. The Porters and Reception
desk are visible and close to the main entry.
Exit signage is clear, the main entry floor is carpet and the foyer is well lit.
Telephones and an accessible toilet (door width of 920mm while the corridor is
1m) are located in a corridor past reception. The telephone is coin operated with
key pad 1250mm.
Lifts:
Easily identified near the reception desk. Call button is easily located but is not
braille and there is an audible arrival signal. On exit from the lift you must pass
through a set of glass doors (heavy returns) to access the corridor.
Corridors:
Corridors (>1500) are carpeted and the rooms are located at the far end of the
building, a long way from the lifts.
Other features:
A Restaurant and small library is located on the same level as reception.
Key Measurements:
There are two accessible rooms but one is smaller with limited access to the
kitchen.
Room: Door 900mm with lever handles 800mm, magnetic card entry. The door
closer is heavy with limited space on the inside 1200mm to open the door. The
room is large offering a kitchenette (1550mm x 1600mm) with knee space
750mm under the bench depth 660mm, lever tap and electro-magnetic cook
top (much safer than a naked flame). A TV stand is centrally located forming a
room divider and limiting space by the foot of the bed. Space either side of the
Queen size bed is tight, 700mm and
820mm. Bed height 570mm with
10cm underneath. Lights, telephone
and TV (remote) can be operated from
the bed. Air conditioning is at
1470mm.
Bathroom:
Door
width
800mm, lever handles 1m.
Wheel-in-shower, hand-held
shower rose, grab rails at
840mm, lever taps 980mm on
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same wall as shower seat, fold down shower seat 460mm high and 800mm x
400mm. Toilet 460mm, 600mm front to back, 390mm centreline to side wall,
grab rails 800mm on the side only. Basin 800m high at front but no access for
knees. Light switches are at 1150mm and the shaver switch/hair dryer are
conveniently located.
ACCOMMODATION
HOLIDAY INN ON FLINDERS
Corner Spencer St and Flinders Lane.
Reservations:
9629 4111, 2 accessible rooms, rate $175, 4.5 stars
Situated on the corner of Spencer and Little Collins Sts, the main entry is off
Little Collins. The gradient south in Spencer St is quite steep.
Trams run along Spencer and Collins Sts, Spencer St Station is across Spencer
St and just north while Taxis drop off at the main entry.
Parking:
Valet parking is provided in the on-site carpark.
Main entry is up steps from Little Collins St. Flat entry is available via a side
door from the carpark driveway/drop off point. Main doors are automatic but the
side door is heavy, glass with D handle, staff are quick to assist. Reception
counter is high and in view of this door.
No accessible telephones or toilets in the foyer. Exit signage is clear.
Lifts:
Adjacent to reception, audible signal but no braille.
Other features:
Restaurant overlooks Spencer St.
Key Measurements:
Both accessible rooms are adjacent to lift lobby and next to each other.
Room: Door 880mm, lever handle, opens in against heavy door return. Hotel
will disconnect return upon request. Internal corridor width 1400mm gives
space to open the door. Ample circulation space with 1370mm from bed end to
cupboard and (>800mm) side access to bed. Queen bed 500mm high but
limited space underneath. Lights, telephone and TV (remote) can be operated
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ALL SEASONS PARAGON HOTEL
600 Little Bourke St.
Reservations:
9672 0000, 1300 360 262, 3 accessible rooms,
rate $180, 3.5 stars.
Just off King St, Little Bourke St slopes down gently west to Spencer St. This is
an older part of the city and underdeveloped but The Hotel Paragon is a new
development next door to the Tunnel nightclub.
Trams run along Bourke, Lonsdale and Spencer Sts and Spencer St station is a
block away. Taxis drop off on the street, there is no crossover but access to the
driveway next to the hotel provides a rough crossover. The footpaths are narrow
and rough, particularly at the hotel entry.
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ACCOMMODATION
from bed. Air conditioning
controls are high at
1460mm.
Bathroom: Door 850mm,
swings out, round knob.
Lip of 10mm in, basin
1170mm, can get knees
under, lever taps. Wheelin shower, shower seat
460 high, 320mm x
270mm, hand held rose,
lever taps 1m, grab rails
900mm. Toilet 490mm,
front to back wall
630mm, centreline to side
wall 480mm, side grab
rail 810mm.
ACCOMMODATION
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Parking:
The hotel provides a Valet service in its on site parking.
There is a gradient at the entry with automatic doors to a small foyer with
polished timber floor. Reception counter is in full view of the entry, but high. A
short steep grade leads to the cafe.
Exit signage is good, sign on the accessible unisex toilet is good. No accessible
telephones.
Lifts:
Up a slight gradient and around corner from Reception. Call button and internal
buttons within 700-1250mm, no audible signals or braille buttons.
Corridors:
Width 1080mm and carpet floor covering.
Other features:
Restaurant located on the first floor.
Key Measurements:
Entry to the room from the external corridor via a tight turning circle
through door of 820mm into corridor of 990mm. The entry corridor
is “L” shaped and measures 970mm at the short leg of the “L”.
There is a heavy door return, however a button on the wall
releases and opens the door from the inside.
Room: Door opens automatically once
pushed, card, lever handle opening.
The room is small with no space to
move between the end of the bed and
cupboard to get to the far side of the
King size bed. Access to one side only.
Lights and TV (remote) can be
operated from the bed.
Bathroom: Door 820mm. Circulation
space, basin 1040m, can get knees
under, lever taps. Wheel-in shower,
hand-held shower rose, lever taps 1m,
shower seat 900mm x 400mm, grab
rail 1m. Toilet 420mm, front to back
wall 840mm, centreline to side wall
430mm, grab rails 790mm.
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630 Little Collins Sts.
Reservations:
9622 8882, 1 accessible room, rate $192, 4.5 stars
Opposite Spencer St station the area is flat.
Trams along Spencer St. An entry to an under road passage to Spencer St
station is available but not wheelchair accessible. Taxis drop off at the front but
there is no crossover, nearest corners with crossovers are 30 meters away.
Parking:
Valet parking.
Flat entry off the footpath through large, heavy, glass doors, however porters
are on duty to open doors. Foyer area is well lit with marble and carpet floor. The
Reception desk is in view of the entry and high.
Exit signage is clear. No accessible telephones. Accessible toilets available on
second floor by the
restaurant but access is
difficult through hinged
but narrow doors. A more
accessible toilet is on the
ground floor.
Corridors:
Overlook the central
atrium and carpeted.
Other features:
Accessible bar opposite
reception.
Key Measurements:
The room is huge with
plenty of circulation
space with a door to an
interconnecting room.
The bathroom door opens
inwards and the shower
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is basically a cubicle with the hob or step removed.
Room: Door 770mm, key and lever handle 990mm with heavy door return.
Plenty of circulation space either side of the door. Queen bed 520mm, but
limited space underneath. Lights, telephone and TV (remote) can be operated
from bed.
Bathroom: Door 780mm, lever handle, basin height 835mm, capstan taps and
can get knees under. Shower difficult to access, hand-held shower, small seat
360mm x 280mm, grab rails 900mm. Toilet height 480mm, front to back wall
760mm, centre line to side wall 450mm, grab rails 780mm.
ACCOMMODATION
STAMFORD PLAZA MELBOURNE
111 Little Collins St.
9659 1000, 3 accessible rooms, rate $229, 4.5 stars.
Located in Little Collins St between Nauru House and Russell St, the hotel
occupies two buildings straddling Alfred Place, connected with footbridges at
levels 1 & 2.
Taxis drop off in Little Collins St which slopes down towards Russell St, the
footpaths are narrow and awkward where driveways cross. Nearest transport
Collins St trams.
Parking:
No valet parking, commercial car parks are nearby.
A short ramped entry through glass doors, porters are on duty to open doors
and reception counter is in full view but high. Area is brightly lit, floor is polished
granite and glarey.
Clear exit signage, no accessible telephones. Accessible toilet located on 1st
floor.
Lifts:
Easily identified, no audible signal, internal call buttons within reach, no tactile
buttons.
Corridors:
1.2m wide, carpet floor covering and hand rail.
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Other features:
Built as serviced apartments, the rooms are large
with plenty of circulation space and equipped with
kitchenettes. However, there is no
knee room under the sink or
cooker. Restaurant and bar located
on ground level of “west building”
but there are six steps up to the
restaurant and one step to the bar.
Key Measurements:
Large main room and living room,
4.2m across, 2.1m between
cupboards and the end of the bed.
Room: Door 830mm, key and
lever 960mm. Door return but
there is plenty of space next to door.
Queen bed 510mm, limited space
underneath. Can operate lights,
telephone, TV (remote) from bed.
Bathroom: Sliding door 750mm,
wheel-in shower, hand held shower,
shower seat 350mm x 310mm,
grab rails 930mm. Toilet 500mm,
front to back wall 560mm, centre
line to rear wall 450mm, grab rail 810mm. Taps opposite seat 1100m.
NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS
260 Collins St.
9650 5800, 4 accessible rooms, rate $170, 4.5 star.
The Hotel forms part of the Australia on Collins retail development consisting of
shops and restaurants. Collins St slopes gently from east to west.
Trams along Collins and Swanston Sts. Flinders St Station is a block away. Taxis
drop off at the entry.
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Parking:
Commercial car park opposite the hotel across Collins St. Pedestrian crossing
with crossovers and pedestrian lights.
Short graded entry to porters desk on Collins St. Take the lift to Reception on 6th
level.
Exit signage is clear. Accessible coin operated telephone near reception. An
accessible unisex toilet by the bar.
Lifts:
Easily identified, audible signal, tactile surface call buttons within useable
height range.
Corridors:
Wide carpeted corridors.
Other features:
Restaurant is accessible and the toilet (room 2m x 1450mm) is behind the bar
area.
Key Measurements:
Large room, tons of circulation
space, bath with grab
Room: Door 900mm, lever
handle 1m, magnetic key card,
door return, plenty of space to
open door from inside. Queen
bed 530mm, limited space
underneath, lights, telephone
and TV (remote) operable from
bed.
Bathroom: Door 860mm sliding,
basin height 830mm, can get
knees under, lever taps. Wheel-in
shower, hand-held rose, lever
taps 1m, grab rails 900mm,
shower seat 400 high, 600mm x
300mm. Toilet 460mm, front to
back wall, 600, centre line to
side wall 450mm, grab rails
840mm. Bath had grab rail.
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195 Swanston St.
Reservations:
1800 331 966, 9663 4711, 3 accessible rooms, rate $180, 4.5 stars.
Located on the edge of Chinatown. Swanston St Walk is generally flat with wide
footpaths. Connects with the All Seasons Welcome at street level.
Trams run up Swanston St, trains at Melbourne Central and Flinders St Stations
(two blocks north and south) and taxis drop off in Little Bourke St.
Parking:
Valet parking. There is a drop off area in Louden Place but this leads to steps
into the Hotel. There are a couple of commercial car parks in the vicinity.
The main entry is flat from Swanston St through automatic sliding doors. The
foyer is carpet and the Reception desk high.
Exit signage and lifts visible. No telephone. An accessible toilet or first floor,
sliding door 760mm (room 1660mm x 1630mm).
Lifts:
Easily identified, call buttons high, no audible signal.
Corridors:
Carpet.
Other features:
Restaurant accessed via
goods lift, Pokies are
accessible via short ramp.
Key Measurements:
Room: Door 800mm, knob
1m, heavy return. There is no
space to get door open,
corridor 1130mm. Queen
underneath. Can operate
lights, telephone and TV
(remote)
from
bed.
Circulation space is 800mm
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front bed end to cupboard, 1500mm and 1200mm bed side access.
Bathroom: Sliding door 800mm, basin height 780mm, can get knees under,
switches at useable height, wheel-in shower, hand-held shower, plastic shower
chair, grab rails 820mm. Toilet 480mm, front to back wall 670mm, centreline to
side wall 460mm, grab rails 820mm.
ACCOMMODATION
ALL SEASONS WELCOME HOTEL
265 Little Bourke St.
Reservations:
1800 337 315, 2 accessible rooms, rate $137, 3.5 stars.
Just around the corner from Swanston St. The area is flat. Chinatown begins on
the opposite side of Swanston St and continues up Little Bourke St. The
Welcome connects with the Swanston Hotel at street level.
Trams run up Swanston St, trains at Melbourne Central and Flinders St Stations
(two blocks north and south) and taxis drop off In Little Bourke St.
Parking:
Valet parking may be arranged upon request. There are a couple of commercial
car parks in the vicinity. There is a drop off area in Louden Place but this leads
to steps into the Hotel.
Flat through automatic doors to the Porters desk. Take the lift up one level to
reception. The counter is high.
Exit signage clear. An accessible unisex toilet is through doors to the business
centre, but the toilet door is kept locked, the key is held at reception. Sliding
door of 720mm, basin has capstan taps. A telephone is accessible by the
business centre, coin operated.
Lifts:
Compact lifts with audible signal and tactile buttons located between 7001250mm.
Corridors:
Carpet, 1100mm wide.
Other features:
Seasons Restaurant, flat entry opposite Business Centre. There is a ramped
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walk way connecting to David Jones department store (locked when the store
is closed).
Key Measurements:
Entry into the room is tight with narrow corridor and heavy door return. Very
compact room, self catering facility with a sink, microwave, table & chairs.
Compact bathroom, there is circulation space but it may be difficult using a
commode over the toilet.
Room: Door 760mm, knob, heavy closer and internal corridor 960mm. Queen
underneath, space of 660mm
between bed end and fixed desk,
accessible side of the bed is
950mm. Lights and telephone can
be reached from the bed. No remote
for the TV.
Bathroom: Sliding door 800mm, lip
in 10mm, basin height 800mm, can
get knees under, capstan taps.
Wheel-in shower, hand-held shower,
capstan taps 1.26m, shower seat
500mm, 600mm x 390mm, grab
rails 880mm. Toilet 440mm, front to
back wall 570mm, centreline to side
wall 390mm, grab rails 800mm.
HOLIDAY INN PARK SUITES
333 Exhibition St.
Reception:
9663 3333, 2 accessible rooms self catering, rate $225, 4.5 stars
Situated north of Lonsdale St adjacent to Carlton Gardens, the historic
exhibition buildings. The gradient slopes towards Lonsdale St.
Trams along Lonsdale St and taxis drop off at the entry but there are no
crossovers.
Parking:
Basement carparks are available but no disabled persons spaces, book in
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advance. On street metered parking on the opposite side of the street.
The gradient is quite severe, the pavement wide and paved. There is a flat entry
and automatic doors. Reception desk is high.
Exit signage is clear but the foyer is dimly lit and with a granite polished floor.
No accessible telephones. Toilets are located on the lower floor adjacent to the
restaurant entry. However, while a cubicle in the M & F toilets has been
available the doors are narrow and circulation space tight.
Lifts:
Easily identified near Reception, call button reachable, audio signal but no
braille buttons. Door width 870mm.
Corridors:
Carpet 1180mm.
Other features:
Access to the restaurant and car park via the lift.
Key Measurements:
Rooms are self catering with small kitchenette which is not accessible and a
large lounge area leading to a small bedroom. Bathroom is off the bedroom.
Room: Door 800mm with lever handle opens to very limited circulation space.
Cannot get a wheelchair past the end of the bed to the far side. Air conditioner
control is high at 1.5m.
Bathroom: Contains laundry facilities; trough and washing machine. There is
circulation space but shower has fixed rose. Door 790mm lever handle 950mm,
shower seat 510mm
high, 600mm x 350mm,
lever taps, grab rails
910mm. Basin, with
lever taps, and paper
dispenser
obstructs
access to toilet which is
460mm high, 770mm
front to back wall and
450mm centreline to
side wall. Grab rails at
810mm.
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15 - 21 Therry St.
Switch/Reception:
9639 2399/fax 9639 1988
4 accessible rooms, rate $108, 3 stars
Therry St is just north of the CBD, very near the Queen Victoria Market and
Melbourne Baths.
Trams run up Swanston and Elizabeth Sts, Melbourne Central Station is four
blocks away and Taxis drop off at the main entry. The footpath for Therry St is
rough and bumpy but the area is generally flat.
Parking:
Limited parking is available in a basement car park down a steep gradient.
Commercial car parks are near by.
A long ramp of three 10m stages lead up to automatic doors. Foyer is carpeted
with a high reception desk.
Exit signage is clear. No accessible telephones. Accessible toilets on lower level
near restaurant. M & F, 800mm door, cubicle 1740mm x 1500mm.
Lifts:
Easily identified, call buttons easily reached, audible arrival signal.
Corridors:
Carpet.
Other features:
Self catering apartments with large
lounge areas and open kitchens but
no allowance to get knees under
benches.
Key Measurements:
Room: Door 810mm,
knob 1m, door
return, space
inside
door.
Separate
bedroom, tight
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spaces, queen bed 450mm, limited space underneath, space of 750mm from
end of bed to cupboard, accessible side of bed 950mm, 620mm on other side.
Bathroom: Door 840mm, basin height 870mm, wheel-in shower, handheld
shower, capstan taps, shower seat 450mm, 600mm x 300mm, grab rails
900mm. Toilet 480mm, front to rear wall 745mm, centreline to side wall 600m,
grab rails 800mm.
ACCOMMODATION
THE HILTON
192 Wellington Parade.
Opposite Treasury Gardens and The MCG, the Hilton has an outlook over trees to
the south east of the city.
Trams and Trains are nearby (Jolimont station is opposite but not easy to
access). A taxi rank is on the same corner and a drop off area is provided at the
entry.
Parking:
Valet parking in the basement car park where there is a disabled persons
parking space by a short ramp to lift to reception.
The main entry off Wellington Pde curves for the benefit of taxis to drop off, but
a footpath provides unimpeded access up the gentle grade. Main doors are
revolving with two heavy hinged doors, staff are on hand to assist. The foyer is
well lit with polished marble floors. Reception desk is high.
Signage is not clearly contrasting. An accessible telephone is by reception.
Lifts:
The lifts are easily identified, reachable call button, high internal buttons and
audible arrival signal. Accessible rooms are on level 3, lift button for this level is
within reach.
Corridors:
Wide and carpeted. Separate doors, hinged and not heavy open from lift foyer to
corridors.
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Other features:
Gym accessed by lift from the
second floor. Cafe bar and
bistro are accessed from
reception by a short ramp.
Key Measurements:
Rooms are large with plenty of
circulation space apart from
the narrow entry corridor.
Room: Door 890mm, magnetic
card key with lever handle
1100mm. Entry corridor is
940mm wide and narrows to
790mm with door open on an
angle. There is no door return
so opening the door from the
inside is not too difficult. Queen
side bed at 560mm and limited space underneath. Slightly narrow on one side
of the bed 510mm but the bed can be moved. TV, lights and telephone operable
from the bed. Air conditioner control is out of reach and coffee making facilities
are difficult to reach.
Bathroom: Sliding door 870mm. Shower seat 500mm high, 600mm x 310mm,
lever taps, grab rail 800mm. Basin 650mm, lever taps. Toilet 400mm high,
560mm front to back wall and 740mm to side wall. Grab rails fold out from the
wall either side of the toilet at 790mm. There is limited room between shower
seat and toilet 360mm. Light switch and shaver reachable but hair dryer is
high.
THE RADISSON
380 William St.
9322 8000, 3 accessible rooms, rate $180, 4.5 stars.
Located to the north west of central Melbourne the Radisson overlooks
Flagstaff gardens and is close to Queen Victoria Market.
Trams run along William St and Taxis drop off at the main entry however there is
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no crossover. Flagstaff Station is less than 500m away.
Parking:
Valet parking and cars are parked in the Hotels basement carpark. A lift takes
you directly to reception, but no disabled persons spaces.
A gentle ramp leads from street level through automatic doors to a large open
foyer and reception area but with a high counter. The foyer is well lit with a dark
polished granite floor.
Exit signage is clear, the lifts are clearly visible and an accessible toilet is
available from the bar/restaurant. There is plenty of space in the restaurant. A
public telephone is provided but is too high for wheelchair use.
Lifts:
Easily identified with reachable call buttons but no audible arrival signal.
Internal call buttons are reachable but are not braille.
Corridors:
Carpeted and about 1.5m wide.
Other features:
Access to the gym/pool is via
stairs.
Key Measurements:
Rooms are large with plenty of
circulation space.
Room: Door 820mm magnetic
card key with lever handle
1200mm. Entry corridor is
1450mm wide with room to open
the door from the inside, the door
return is not too heavy. Queen
side bed at 580mm and limited
space underneath. Slightly
narrow either side of the bed. TV,
lights and telephone operable
from the bed. Air conditioner
control is out of reach.
Bathroom: Door 820mm with
lever handle at 1200mm. Slight
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grade into bathroom with plenty of circulation space. Shower seat 480mm high,
900mm x 360mm, lever taps 1m, grab rails 870mm. Basin 760mm, with lever
taps. Toilet 460mm high, 840mm front to back wall and 450mm centreline to
side wall. Grab rails at 820mm. Light switch and shaver are all within reach but
hair dryer is high.
328 Flinders St.
Located on the south side of the CBD, the Duxton is across from Flinders St
Station and close to the city centre and Southgate/Casino precincts.
Trams and buses run along Flinders St and Taxis drop off at the main entry.
Flinders St Station, about 300m, the gradient rises gently to the station.
Parking:
Valet parking, vehicles are parked in a nearby carpark. A lift takes you directly to
reception foyer.
A staircase leads up to a large open foyer. A well signed call button is located on
a side wall at the foot of the stairs, a concierge will meet you, unlock the door to
a lift and convey you to reception. The reception counter is high. The foyer is
well lit and carpeted. A threshold ramp leads up to the restored original foyer
and to the lifts. Go down one level to Cafe Citrus and a unisex accessible toilet.
The lifts are clearly visible and an accessible unisex toilet is available from a
corridor past a gift shop (another toilet is by the restaurant). Public telephones
are located in the foyer but are too high for a wheelchair user.
Lifts:
Internal call buttons are at a useable height and there is a grab rail.
Corridors:
Carpeted and wide.
Other features:
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Historic 1913 Commercial Travellers Club
building with restored
original foyer complete with Australian
gumleaf motifs, leadlight glass work,
ceramic tiled floor and
huge feature light.
Key Measurements:
Rooms have plenty of
circulation
space,
approx. 4.25 x 6m.
Room: Door 1m, magnetic card key with lever handle 1m. Door opens into the
room with space to open the door from the inside, the door return is not too
heavy. Twin single beds (on castors) 500mm high but limited space underneath.
A queen size bed can be provided but access would be limited to one side only.
TV, lights and telephone operable from the bed. Air conditioner control is out of
reach.
Bathroom: Door 1m with polished metal knob at 1m. Bathroom has good
circulation space measuring 2.3m x 1.9m. Shower seat 450mm high, 900mm x
360mm, lever taps 1m, grab rails 800mm. Basin 800mm, with lever tap, can
get knees underneath. Toilet 450mm high, 800mm front to back wall and
460mm centreline to side wall. Grab rails at 800mm. The light switch, shaver
socket and hair dryer all within reach.
MEDINA GRAND
Serviced apartments, 189 Queen St.
Located at the corner of Little Bourke St the Medina is very central to the
business, shopping and clubs area of the city.
Trams run along William and Bourke Sts and Taxis drop off at the main entry.
Parking:
Parking is available in a rear/basement commercial carpark, there is lit access
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to the Medina foyer.
Automatic doors lead to a gentle grade into the foyer which is well lit and with
slip resistant surface. The reception counter is high.
The lifts are clearly visible and a telephone at an accessible height is subtly
signed. No accessible toilets on this level.
Lifts:
Corridors:
Carpeted and wide.
Other features:
A restaurant is off the foyer through a hinged glass door. A gym, lap pool and
conference facilities are
located on the fifth level there is an accessible
toilet/shower on this level.
Key Measurements:
Rooms have been created
from offices and provide
plenty of circulation
space.
Room: Door 820mm, lever
handle 1m. Door opens
into the room with space
to open the door from the
inside, the door return is heavy. The room is long with table, chairs, sofa, TV and
stereo (with remotes) and kitchen with fridge, hotplate, oven, sink (lever tap) and
dishwasher. There is no space to get knees under the sink or bench and
reaching the plug for the kettle is difficult. Crockery is in a high cupboard.
Bedroom door 800mm with lever handle 1m, Queen size bed 480mm limited
space underneath but good access either side. Can operate the lights and phone
from the bed. Desk is 650mm at lowest point.
Bathroom: Door 800mm with lever handle at 800mm. Bathroom has good
circulation space approx. 2.4m x 1.95m. Shower seat 430mm high, 900mm x
400mm, lever taps 1m, grab rails 800mm. Basin 880mm, with lever tap, can
get knees underneath. Toilet 470mm high, 790mm front to back wall and
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440mm centreline to side wall (no obstructions). Light switch, shaver socket
and hair dryer all reachable. A washing machine and above it a dryer (high) are
located in a cupboard opened from the bathroom.
ACCOMMODATION
PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL
Suites, 471 Little Bourke St.
Reservations:
Located in Little Bourke St near Melbourne’s historic courts, the Pacific is
central to the business, shopping and night clubs areas of the city.
Trams run along William and Bourke Sts and Taxis drop off at the main entry.
Parking:
Valet parking is provided.
Hinged doors (not too heavy), lead past the concierge desk into the foyer which
is well lit and with polished granite flooring. Reception counter (>1250mm).
The lifts are clearly visible and an accessible toilet is located past the two
telephones which are high (>1250mm).
Lifts:
Corridors:
Carpeted and wide.
Other features:
A restaurant is off the foyer.
Key Measurements:
Long rooms from renovated offices.
Room: Door opens into the room with space to open the door from the inside,
the door return is heavy. The living room is long with table, chairs, sofa, TV (with
remote) and kitchen with fridge, hotplate, oven and sink (lever tap). Bench
height 800mm with timber angled facing under sink to protect from hot water
pipe and allow closer access. Crockery in cupboard above bench. Bedroom has
two Queen size beds 550mm; space wall to bed 1 is 800mm, between beds
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1&2 900mm and bed 2 to wall is 900mm.
Limited space, 120mm, underneath.
Lights and phone can be operated from
the bed.
Bathroom: Sliding door 790mm. Bathroom is approx. 3.2 x 1.7m. Shower seat
480mm high, 600mm x 310mm, lever
taps 1.2m, no grab rails. Basin has lever
tap, can get knees underneath. Toilet
470mm high, 810mm front to back wall
and 440mm centreline to side wall (no
obstructions). Light switch, shaver socket
and hair dryer all within reach.
1 Parliament Square, off Parliament Place.
Reservations:
Located near Parliament House and St Patricks Cathedral.
Trams along Collins St into Macarthur Place, Parliament Station is nearby. Taxi
drop off. Long gentle grade from Parliament Place to the main entry.
Parking:
Valet parking or basement commercial carpark.
Ramps (6%-7%) either side of steps, hinged doors opened by concierge. Foyer
is well lit with polished granite flooring. Reception counter (>1250mm).
Exit is clear, an accessible toilet is near Trilogy Restaurant. No accessible
telephones.
Lifts:
Easily identified with reachable call buttons and audible arrival signal (external
only). Braille internal call buttons are at a useable height and there is a grab rail.
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Corridors:
Carpeted and wide.
Other features:
Radii Restaurant has many stairs but two
stairlifts. Gym/pool accessed by ramp (7.9%)
and stairlift, no accessible change rooms.
Conference facility has an accessible toilet.
Key Measurements:
The rooms are large with plenty of circulation
space. Walk -in robes easily accessed with “D”
handles.
Room: Door 800mm, magnetic card and lever
handle 1m. Space to open the door from the
inside, the door return is not too heavy. King
sized bed 700mm high, 9.5cm underneath. End
of bed to bathroom door 1.4m. Can operate
lights, phone and TV (remote) from the bed.
Space under writing table (>650mm).
Bathroom: Sliding doors 1400mm. Shower
seat 470mm high, 900mm x 400mm, lever
taps, grab rails 810mm. Basin has lever tap,
can get knees underneath. Light switch, shaver
socket and hair dryer all reachable. Toilet
460mm high, 730mm front to back wall and
430mm centreline to side wall (no
obstructions). Grab rails 800mm.
(Note: In providing this information we have concentrated on CBD hotels with more than one accessible room. The
following hotel rooms were not inspected: Rockman’s Regency Hotel, 245 Exhibition St, (9662 3900),
two accessible rooms but with a shower over the bath, Rydges Hotel, 186 Exhibition St, has one accessible room.
The Windsor, 103 Spring St, (9633 6000), one accessible room.)
168
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 15
BACKPACKER ACCOMMODATION
Accessible backpacker accommodation is very limited within the CBD.
The Friendly Backpacker
On the corner of King and Little Bourke Sts.
9670 1111.
Provides an accessible bathroom but access into the Friendly Backpacker is via
a side entry (Little Bourke St) where a stair lift takes a wheelchair down six
steps. There are two dormitories sleeping 6 and 8 in bunk beds (accessible
beds are not provided), a kitchen, lounge area and a separate accessible
bathroom. The path of travel from the dormitories to the accessible bathroom is
through the lounge and past the kitchen.
The Queensberry Hill YHA Hostel
78 Howard St, Nth Melbourne.
9329 8599.
Provides an accessible and lockable bathroom on each of its four floors, but has
no en-suite accessible rooms. Access to the hostel is via a ramp or the
basement car park.
169
ACCOMMODATION
Key measurements to the bathroom are: Room 2.35m x 2.43m, sliding door
790mm, wheel-in shower, shower seat 480mm high, 960mm x 360mm, hand
held shower, lever taps 1010mm, grab rail on one side 790mm. Toilet 460mm,
900mm front to rear wall, 450mm centreline to side wall. Shaver and light
switches 980mm.
Chapter 16
Specialist Information
The following list consists of some key Support Organisations in
Melbourne based upon the type of disability. The list is not all
inclusive and more organisations are listed in the Yellow Pages
under Disability Services & Support Organisations and
www.yellowpages.com.au. The Sport & Recreation Industry
Directory, published by the Department of Sport & Recreation
(www.vicnet.net.au/~sportrec/srvhome.htm) presents an A to Z
of sporting and disability recreation organisations.
The first point of contact should be the key information database
Disability Information Victoria, on 1300 650 865 or TTY 9824
8442 or www.disabilityinfo.org.au
170
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 16
Advocacy
Disability Discrimination Law Advocacy Service 9602 4877, 1800 651 275,
11th Floor 343 Little Collins St, Melb 3000, open Tues - Friday to assist with legal
advice in respect to the DDA, a solicitor is available between 1 - 4pm Tuesdays and
Thursdays.
VICNORD email vicnord@connexus.apanna.org.au or 9489 2999/ fax 9489 2988,
179 High St, Northcote 3070 is auspiced by ACC. Victorian Network on Recreation
and Disability advocates for recreation including sporting opportunities for people
with disabilities. VICNORD is working with other disability groups developing a
Companion Card to facilitate ease of entry for people who need a carer to attend
venues.
General Aid Information
Disability Information Victoria 9822 9757, 454 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong 3144,
established in October 1998 to provide a telephone based information service and
an internet information clearing house providing access to information on support
services, specialist information, other disability related matters and provide links to
twenty other specialist disability information services. The partners in DIV are the
Association for the Blind, the Association for Children with a Disability and
Knowledgeworks (internet/web designer), while DIV is funded by the Department of
Human Services. The DIV freecall number is 1300 650 865/ email
div@disabilityinfo.org.au, www.disabilityinfo.org.au.
Travellers Aid Society, TADAS see General Information.
Yooralla’s head office is at 244 Flinders St, the Independent Living Services and
Recreation Services (9607 3500) are based at 212 King St. The Library and
Independent Living Centre are located at Brooklyn, south west of the city.
Ethnic Groups for People with a Disability
ADEC Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities 9388 1613/1800 626 078
freecall, 123 - 125 Sydney Rd., Brunswick 3056.
171
SPECIALIST INFO
Yooralla Society of Victoria 9650 4077/fax 9654 7779, www.yooralla.com.au,
244 Flinders St., Melb provides a range of services to people with physical and
multiple disabilities. Founded in 1919 by Sister Faith, Yooralla is an Aboriginal word
meaning place of love. A non-profit organisation providing a range of services:
Accommodation, In-home & Respite, Early Intervention, School Childrens
Intervention Services, Independent Living, Recreation, Equipment, Library and
Information Service.
Chapter 16
Accessing Melbourne
Australian Greek Association for People with Disabilities, 9482 2443, Corner
Union & Plant Sts., Northcote 3070. AGAPD was formed in 1987 to represent the
interests of people with disabilities of Greek background by providing information,
link people to services and includes service provision in Greek. AGAPD operates
Agapi (14 Showers St., Preston 3072, 9416 9768), a respite care centre catering
for all disabilities and nationalities.
Sight and Hearing Disabilities
The Vision Information Line 9864 9550 for Melbourne callers and 1800 331 000
freecall for country callers, provides advice and information covering all
organisations providing services to people with sight disabilities.
Intellectual Disabilities
Council of Intellectual Disability 9869 4300
Victorian Sport and Recreation Association of Persons with an Intellectual
Disability 9696 7907
Acquired Brain Injury
Headway Victoria 9642 2411/1800 817 964 freecall/fax 9642 2522/email
hwvceo@vicnet.net.au, 2nd Floor, 212 King St, Melb 3000. Headway works to
improve services to people living with Acquired Brain Injury which includes people
with ABI, their friends, family and carers. Headway provides information referrals,
advocacy, training, research and resources support groups throughout Victoria.
Sport and Recreation
SPECIALIST INFO
Department of Sport and Recreation 9666 4200
Arts Access 9699 8299/fax 9699 8868/ email artsacc@vicnet.net.au,
www.vicnet.net.au/~artsacc, 109-111 Sturt St., Sth Melbourne 3205. The
Entertainment Access Service, EASE is a program run by Arts Access to develop
equal access to the arts, entertainment, sporting and cultural events. It manages
programs including a low cost ticketing service to members, access information at
venues and an Industry Development Program raising awareness of access issues.
A consulting service to cultural organisations seeking to improve access. It
publishes a quarterly magazine and in conjunction with Vichealth published The Vic
Venue Guide, a guide to arts, entertainment, sporting and cultural venues across
Victoria, available at bookshops $19.95.
Yooralla Society of Victoria 9607 3500, Recreation Services can assist your
recreation needs.
172
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 16
Specialist Tour Operators
About Adventures 9819 4235/0413 807 456, PO Box 522 Ringwood 3134, is
committed to providing opportunities for fun and adventure day and weekend trips
and short holidays.
Assist Travel, freecall 1800 809 192/5284 1469, PO Box 83 Lara 3212, was
established in 1981 to make travel experiences available for everyone. It provides
accessible, supported sensible travel itineraries for holidays in Australia and
Overseas. A nurse travels on all trips and the minimum staff ratio is 1:3 without
additional cost. It also specifically designs itineraries to meet your needs
capabilities and expectations.
Australian Assisted Getaways 9438 1909, PO Box 269 Diamond Creek 3089,
takes trips to Tasmania and Victoria for the elderly and people with a disability.
Impact Leisure Service 9568 6144/fax 9658 6044/email impact@impact.
vic.edu.au, 59 Warrigul Rd, Oakleigh 3166, is a non-profit community organisation
providing day programs, recreation, respite and leisure for people with disabilities.
Impactíss holiday program includes weekend, interstate and overseas trips with a
1:3 support ratio and 1:1 can be arranged.
Leisure Options 5222 3738/fax 5222 3373/freecall 1800 801 250/email
mail@leisureoptions.com.au, 1st Floor, 79 Moorabool St, Geelong 3200, is a
specialist travel agent which can organise trips for groups or individuals and
provide qualified staff, usually on a 1:3 ratio but higher if requested. Leisure
Options takes trips throughout Australia and Overseas for people with intellectual
and physical disabilities.
Rambler Tours Pty Ltd 433 1188/fax 9436 1800, PO Box 213 Greensborough
3088, provides tours throughout Australia in busses equipped to carry up to 10
wheelchairs (more if the occupant can transfer to a coach seat). Care can be
arranged upon request and for an additional cost.
173
SPECIALIST INFO
OzMates Travel 9434 5744/fax 9434 5725, 15 Frances Ave, Greensborough 3088,
is a specialist travel agent arranging and conducting escorted holidays and tours
for mild to moderate intellectually challenged adults. Tours consist of up to 14
passengers with two or three support staff but people with higher support needs
can be accommodated.
Chapter 16
Accessing Melbourne
Attendant Care
Carers Association Victoria 1800 242 636 freecall/9650 9966/fax 9650
8066/email carers@vicnet.net.au, 5th Floor 130 Little Collins St., Melb 3000. CAV
works with carers, people with care needs, service providers and the community to
achieve quality of life for carers. CAV provides an information line, translating
service 1314 50 freecall, carer support kit, publications, library, support program,
education and training.
Gay People with a Disability
One main source of information is the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Telephone
Counselling, Referral and Information Service (www.vicnet.net.au/gls).
Established in 1991 to strengthen Victoria's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
communities, by delivering a free, confidential, anonymous, quality telephone
counselling, referral and information service provided by trained volunteers.
Switchboard's counselling lines are 9510 5488 or 1800 631 493, from 6pm 10pm daily and 2pm -10pm Wednesdays. Switchboard also offers a Venue
Information telephone line 1900 912 504 (there is a cost).
The Positive Living Centre is run by the Victorian Aids Council offering peer
support, nutritional services, treatment advice and legal services to people living
with HIV Aids, their partners family and friends. Open Mon-Thurs 10.00am to
9.00pm, Fri 10.00am to 5.00pm at 46 Acland Street, St Kilda. Ph: 1800 134 840,
TTY 9827 3733 and 9865 6700.
Internet resources to consider
SPECIALIST INFO
www.vicnet.net.au/~gadabout Gadabout (Gay and disabled) is a social group for
gay men and lesbians with physical and/or sensory disabilities. It offers peer
support, promotes social interaction and aims to educate the gay and general
community towards a better understanding of gay people with disabilities.
Members may use wheelchairs, have sight impairment or another disability which
may make meeting other people difficult. The group includes partners, friends, and
those supportive of people with disabilities.
www.vicnet.net.au/queervic/ is an information page run by Vicnet (The State
Library of Victoria) with a series of links throughout Australia and the World.
www.outmelb.com.au is an online resource guide to gay and lesbian lifestyle in
Melbourne.
174
The information is best read by identifying the street number and
name from the maps on the following two pages and finding the
relevant description in the pages beyond.
Where there is an obvious access difficulty, we have provided the relevant
information in the text. Many toilets are available in buildings which were
constructed some time ago and may not be “standard” (i.e. meet the Australian
Standards – AS 1428), but in the main, they are useable.
Toilets in office blocks are usually available during business hours except where
the building is a secure one and access is restricted to authorised personnel (which
includes authorised visitors).
The addresses contain Accessible Unisex Toilets, except where the toilets are
indicated by M&F, M or F.
The following descriptions have been used in the text:
• narrow door, means a door less than 740mm
• small cubicle, means circulation space is restricted and would be difficult
for a motorised wheelchair
• high counter, lifts buttons etc, means higher than 1250mm
At the time of writing there were no baby change tables available in the city. The
Travellers Aid Society, 9654 7690, can make a room available.
Refer to the web site www.accessmelbourne.vic.gov.au where detailed information
is continually updating the information in these pages.
175
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Chapter 17
Accessible Toilets
Chapter 17
Accessing Melbourne
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Access Toilets – CBD – West
176
Accessing Melbourne
Chapter 17
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Access Toilets – CBD – East
177
Chapter 17
Accessing Melbourne
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
La Trobe St
321 La Trobe St, the Australian Postal
Corporation National Head Quarters,
small cubicle past lifts.
Corner of La Trobe and Swanston Sts,
Melbourne Central Station.
La Trobe St, Melbourne Central, Level 1,
2, 3 & Lower Ground, La Trobe St
building and Level 3 Lonsdale St
building.
383 La Trobe, Australian Federal Police
Southern Region Headquarters, M&F
located in the passage way to the car
park, difficult turning space.
414 La Trobe, North side of La Trobe St,
is Customs House.
Corner of La Trobe and William Sts,
Commonwealth
Law
Courts
Melbourne under construction. Also
Flagstaff Station, lift access down,
available until midnight.
485 La Trobe St, Commercial Union
Centre, by the lifts for the Tower
building.
555 La Trobe St, William Angliss
Institute of TAFE, Building A, ground
and upper levels - see foyer notice
board. Building C, flat access through
automatic doors.
Lonsdale St
1 Lonsdale St, Cnr Spring St, Price
Waterhouse Coopers, past the lifts.
2 Lonsdale St, Casselden Place, several
toilets, ask at reception. Includes
Australian Government Health Service
and Australian Hearing Services.
43 Lonsdale St, Gordon Towers ground
level, near Reception.
150 Lonsdale St, Celcius House, 5th
floor, conference level.
210 Lonsdale, Queen Victoria Women’s
Centre, ground level.
300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Central,
Level 1, 2, 3 & Lower Ground, La
Trobe St building and Level 3
Lonsdale St building.
399 Lonsdale St, Taylors College, foyer
next to the lifts.
436 Lonsdale St, Supreme Courts, well
signed and accessible public
telephone.
456 Lonsdale St, Natural Resources &
Environment, by lifts.
500 Lonsdale St, Ceres House, secure
building.
509 Lonsdale St, County Court of
Victoria, secure building, located on
the 3rd floor.
525 Lonsdale St, Owen Dixon
Chambers, foyer.
550 Lonsdale St, to the rear of the foyer.
555 Lonsdale St, Sedgwick House, off
the foyer, past lifts but the toilet door
opens inwards limiting the useful
space.
565 Lonsdale St, County Courts, past
the lifts, through heavy door, small
cubicle but the door opens out.
Secure building.
Little Bourke St
22 Cohen Place, off Little Bourke St,
Chinese Museum, first floor, narrow
turning space.
178
Chapter 17
265 Little Bourke St, All Seasons
Welcome Hotel, near business centre,
but door kept locked, key at
reception.
471 Little Bourke St, Pacific
International Flag Inn, past reception.
600 Little Bourke St, All Seasons
Paragon Hotel, past reception.
Bourke St
20 Bourke St, Metro night club M & F
but not standard. M up small step and
small cubicle, F has a step up.
128 Bourke St, Welcome Stranger
Pokies. Far corner.
206 Bourke St, Village Centre, past
escalators, key
at
Puccini’s
restaurant.
236 Bourke St, Target Centre, on first
floor.
239 Bourke St, RMIT Faculty of
Business, Levels 4 and 10.
255 Bourke St, Australian College of
Tourism and Hospitality Management,
through an unsigned door off the
main foyer.
314 Bourke St, Myer, Level 1 and Lower
Ground in the Lonsdale St building.
David Jones (DJ) department store,
Lower Ground and Level 2, also baby
change facility.
Walk Arcade, left side and base of ramp
in from the Mall.
385 Bourke St, Galleria Shopping Plaza,
Bourke St level, behind cafe, through
closed door (limited space to open
from the inside) then up two ramps
11% and 9%.
470 Bourke St, The Law Institute. At
door ring for assistance. Stair lift to
restaurant, toilet used as storage
room.
500 Bourke St, is NAB House, Levels
6,18 & 37, see security.
535 Bourke St, The AMP, Level 14,
unrenovated M&F, access space very
limited.
565 Bourke St, OCBC House, past the
lifts (broken lock at time of visit).
570 Bourke St., Marland House, past
the cafe.
575 Bourke St, CIC Insurance M&F past
lifts, heavy door opens inwards to
very
small
cubicles
(hardly
accessible).
600 Bourke St, BHP Tower, North east
corner of foodcourt. Also Levels 3, 5,
24, 40 & basement car park. 24 hr
security.
628 Bourke St, Citipower House, in
passage way through hinged door
towards rear of building. Access from
Little Bourke St.
661 Bourke St, Defence Place, near the
recruiting office.
Little Collins St
111 Little Collins St, Stamford Plaza
Melbourne, on 1st floor.
130 Collins St, Uniting Church Synod
offices & meeting rooms. Also houses
Carers Association of Victoria and
Victorian Carers Resource Centre.
505 Little Collins St, Office of State
Revenue, unsigned door past lifts, “D”
handle but heavy door return.
179
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Accessing Melbourne
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Chapter 17
Accessing Melbourne
525 Little Collins St, The Menzies Tavern
(presumably unisex) located through
a door before entry to the gents. No
separate female toilet.
577 Little Collins St, Tatou Bar, two
steps entry, ground floor.
630 Little Collins Sts, Savoy Park Plaza,
ground and first floor.
Collins St
1 Collins St, M&F though unsigned
separate doors off foyer.
30 Collins St, Monash Conference
Centre, Level 7, and behind a locked
door off the foyer (building manager
has key).
45 Collins St, Collins Place, on Level 1
near Sofitel Hotel conference
facilities. Polished metal door knobs.
80 Collins St, Nauru House on level 3
(down the lift from security desk), you
must obtain the key from security. A
better toilet is on Level 29,
Department of Infrastructure.
101 Collins St, located on Level 5 Car
Park.
120 Collins St, BHP Petroleum, on upper
levels, see security.
123 Collins St, Grand Hyatt, M&F off the
food court and also reception to the
Hotel.
161 Collins St, KPMG House rear of
foyer, two hinged doors.
162 Collins St, Georges adjacent to
restaurant, lower level. (Building
closed as of July 1999.)
188 Collins St, Athenaeum Theatre, at
rear past box office.
191 Collins St, Regent Theatre, see
Theatres Chapter.
234 Collins St, Sportsgirl Centre, Level 2
by the food court and bar but the
signage is poor the door heavy and
limited space. Difficult and won’t suit
many.
251 - 257 Collins St, Retail Arcade, The
Victorian Business College on Level 2.
259 - 263 Collins St, Centreway Arcade,
Macquarie Business Coll. on Level 4.
260 Collins St, Australia on Collins,
located on Level 5 (Upper Collins) and
Food Court.
260 Collins St, Novotel Hotel by the
cafe. Available 24 hours.
333 Collins St, M&F but ask security to
unlock.
360 Collins St, Westpac Building, see
security.
367 Collins St, Optus House, secure
building, on Level 17.
446 Collins St, non standard M&F, in
foyer.
447 Collins St, National Mutual Centre,
ground floor past security and lifts.
459 Collins St, M&F toilets are located
past the cafe.
485 Collins St, Le Meridian at Rialto
Hotel, ground level near conference
rooms, and lower level, but difficult to
cross old cobblestone laneway en
route.
525 Collins St, Rialto Towers, in the
towers - see security. Observation
Deck ticket office and Observation
Deck level.
530 Collins St Stock Exchange, located
car park level B1.
180
Chapter 17
555 Collins St, Exchange House, in
passage past the desk.
598 Collins St, Transport House, by lift
to floors 10 - 17.
459 Collins St, M&F past the cafe.
452 Flinders St, are available but you
must ask security.
MCC public toilets, across Flinders St at
King St.
Spencer St
Flinders Lane
234 Flinders Lane, Manchester Lane,
from cafe.
247 - 251 Flinders Lane, Ross House
toilets on each floor.
Flinders St
154 Flinders St, Forum Theatre, see
Theatres chapter.
172 - 192 Flinders St, Centrelink M/F
are well signed in foyer.
244 Flinders St, Yooralla not easily
available for public access, see
receptionist.
256 Flinders St, Council for Adult
Education Levels 1, 2A & 5 with a
baby change facility on first floor.
300 Flinders St, Victoria University of
Technology, on the 9th floor.
300 Flinders St, Commercial Car Park,
M&F, poorly signed.
328 Flinders St, Duxton Hotel, off foyer
and restaurant, lift access into
building by drop off point.
40 Market St, Powercor poorly signed,
door may be locked.
400 Flinders St, Immigration and
Hellenic Antiquities Museum located
off the rear entry/exit ramp (awkward
threshold ramp). Also off the Long
Room in Museum.
Not included on the map are the All
Seasons Premier Grand Hotel and
Spencer St Station.
King St
55 King St, Exchange Square, passage
past lifts, small cubicle but sliding
door.
99 King St, Civic House, M passage
before lifts, locked door is locked,
difficult to access. F past the lifts.
197 King St, The Friendly Backpacker
difficult access, stairlift from Little
Bourke St.
212 King St, Yooralla, seek directions at
foyer.
William St
1 William St, Gateway Suites near cafe,
no grab rails.
45 William St, WANG, past lifts no
signage through two doors.
91 William St, Australian Eagle House,
see security.
99 William St, HongKong Bank, secure
building, Level 1.
140 William St, Deloitte Touche
Tohmatsu, see security.
181
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Accessing Melbourne
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
Chapter 17
Accessing Melbourne
192 William St, Supreme Court, M & F
near Court 8, access from courtyard
at rear of building from Little Bourke
St.
223 William St, Melbourne Magistrates
Court key at Information desk.
255 William St, Adult Multicultural
Education Service, off the foyer but
locked, ask for the key at reception
desk beyond the lifts.
Queen St
100 Queen St, ANZ. Ask for directions
from security.
123 Queen St, RACV House, M&F
accessible toilets on Ground Level
adjacent to restaurants.
167 Queen St, located in passageway
past the lifts.
300 Queen St, Australian Institute of
Family Studies. See receptionist for
access into the secure area.
Swanston St Walk
55 Swanston St, DEAC, on Level 8 and
soon on Level 6.
90 Swanston St, Melbourne Town Hall,
see security.
164 Swanston St, Midtown Plaza
Building, Nike Store lift to Level 1.
169 Swanston St, Travellers Aid Society,
Level 2. One of the best accessible
toilets in Melbourne, attendant care
assistance available. Also near
Medicare on Level 1.
195 Swanston St, All Seasons Premier
Swanston, first floor.
304 Swanston St, State Library of
Victoria, ask at information desk.
339 Swanston St, Uni Lodge, ground
level.
Exhibition St
181-183 Exhibition St, Paramount
Centre, on lower level, get key from
bottleshop or security.
186 Exhibition St, Rydges Hotel, ground
level for CBD Cafe.
242 Exhibition St, Telstra Head Office,
off passageway.
245 Exhibition St, Regency Hotel,
ground level.
Spring St
103 Spring St, Windsor Hotel, four steps
off Spring St, the hotel has portable
ramp (very steep). Toilet in Hard Rock
Cafe.
163 Spring St, Princess Theatre, see
Theatres chapter.
235 Spring St, Casselden House, rear
ground level but poorly signed.
182

Accessiblity Guide

Transcription

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