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Gordon River, Tasmania

Gordon River, Tasmania
Photo by: Lisa Liew (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, mates! Today’s post marks the end of our Australian access guides, as we visit Tasmania.

Around the world, Tasmania is well known for the animal and cartoon “devil” that bears its name, but many people are unclear on just what Tasmania is, let alone whether it’s friendly to handicapped travelers.

Well, here’s the scoop: Tasmania is a land of about 26,000 square miles, located just 140 miles south of the southern state of Victoria. With nearly 40% of its land in protected status as a reserve or World Heritage Site, it’s known for its biodiversity and unique animals, many found nowhere else. The capital is Hobart; that’s where we’ll focus our quest for the best accessible attractions! [more]

A stormy sunset in Australia’s Northern Territory

A stormy sunset in Australia’s Northern Territory
Photo by: Juho Tastula (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers! As we wind down our stupendous and compendious series of access guides for Australia, we come to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. Though it’s the least populous capital on the island, it’s the heart and soul of the Northern Territory and well-known as a jumping off point for Asian destinations. Darwin Harbor and surroundings have grown from pioneer days and include historic shipwrecks and terrific fishing. But how’s the wheelchair access? Let’s see …

One of the biggest attractions in Darwin is the harbor area, so let’s start with accessible hotels around Darwin Harbor. You can also get plenty of listings for wheelchair-friendly accommodations from PleaseTakeMeTo, Australian Bed and Breakfast, and of course, Stayz. One very well-located and reputable option is the Darwin Central Hotel, which has a selection of accessible rooms. There’s also Escape Travel for even more hits. If you’re headed between Darwin and Adelaide, or planning to pop by famous Alice Springs, you’ll want to hear about The Ghan, one of Rail Australia’s most historic trains. Of course, Darwin International Airport is another handy option. [more]

Grange Jetty, in Adelaide

Grange Jetty, in Adelaide
Photo by: Matt Wall (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers! We’re getting a good, close look at Australia; there are so many great cities and attractions that it’s easily become our longest series yet, even surpassing Paris.

Today, we provide access guides to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

Like many of the country’s most beautiful and accessible locales, it’s a coastal city, and is known for its orderly grid arrangement.

The city incorporates a whole heckuva lot of parks and the beautiful River Torrens on the nearby plains. [more]

A view of central Perth from the Bell Tower

A view of central Perth from the Bell Tower
Photo by: Vaughan James (Stock Exchange)

We’re on an Australia marathon here at Disabled Travelers, and we’re coming ‘round the bend to the sun-soaked city of Perth, capital of Western Australia and fourth-largest city on the island, known for its brilliant beaches and lively nightlife, made even more lively by the steady stream of able-bodied and handicapped travelers who visit on a regular basis. Perth is a beautiful city, and a big part of our access guide countdown to hit all the major metro zones in the wacky and wonderful Land of Oz.

So far, local airports and airlines have been a little hit-or-miss with accessibility, and that’s a shame. Perth Airport is pretty terse about accessibility within the terminals, but you can get a wheelchair by calling ahead to the airline you’re flying with. Better news is provided by official outlets: the City of Perth website affirms its commitment to universal access in a glowing and detailed listing of accessibility features, including transit, parking, streets, and buildings. Ramps, tactile indicators and audible street signs are common throughout the city. For a more whimsical take on the city’s attractions and offerings, try Perth Tourist Centre Online. [more]

City lights of Melbourne

City lights of Melbourne Photo by: Timo Balk (Stock Exchange)

Are you ready for even more of the Disabled Access Australia series?

Today, we’re hitting the bush trail once again to visit Melbourne, the second most populous city, on the bay of Port Phillip.

A major cultural hub, home to the Australian film industry, television, and avant garde art, it’s an eminently livable place and a great base for your visit to the Land Down under.

But how does it rate for accessibility? Well, we’re about to find out! [more]

City skyline of Brisbane

City skyline of Brisbane
Photo by: Graham Ironside (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, mates!

Today’s installment of our Australia access guides brings us to beautiful Brisbane, capital of Queensland.

Located on the east coast, and bisected by the Brisbane River, it is the third-most populated city anywhere in Australia.

Being coastal, its climate is less arid and more hospitable for handicapped travelers visiting Oz from afar. The Central Business District is largely walkable, and the city is known for its burgeoning live music scene, which incorporates new and classic flavors.

Off we go … [more]

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Sydney Harbor Bridge
Photo by: Claire Cresswell (Stock Exchange)

Good day, everybody!

Disabled Travelers’ Australia access guides are shaping up nicely, as we’ve hacked through the Outback and visited the capital, Canberra.

Now we have what’s arguably the most famous city in Australia in our sights: Sydney!

Home of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, now the most recently constructed UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth, situated in the city that’s easily the biggest tourist draw on the whole island. Without further ado, let’s explore! [more]

Telstra Tower in Canberra, Australia

Telstra Tower in Canberra, Australia
Photo by: Nafrea (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers!

We have been wandering around the Australian outback for a few posts now, and it is time to check out accessibility in some great cities.

Sydney may be the most famous, but the capital of Australia is actually Canberra, in the southeast corner of the continent.

Called the “Bush Capital” for its lush greenery and wide-open public spaces, it has some of the country’s oldest and most distinguished museums and art collections, plus all the historic government sites you would expect from a world capital. [more]

An Australian rainbow

An Australian rainbow
Photo by: Thomas Hotopp (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers, all!

After dropping by Oceania a few posts back and taking a look at Australia, a vast and unique country that’s working hard to leave behind a checkered past in accessibility, I’ve decided it’s finally time for the long-awaited Disabled Access: Australia series.

We’ll be visiting the major cities as well as touring the wilderness – which is exactly what’s on today’s agenda. [more]

Tasman Lake Iceberg, New Zealand

Tasman Lake Iceberg, New Zealand
Photo by: Robert MacDonald (Stock Exchange)

Good day, all, and welcome back to your Disabled Travelers blog. Yesterday we talked a little bit about Australia, the “land down under” famous for its kangaroos and laid back attitude. Now we’re headed out to visit its “next shore neighbor”, New Zealand. Together, these two countries are the most visible tourist destinations of the Oceania area, hosting millions of able and handicapped travelers each year. I don’t really know what to expect from accessibility in New Zealand, so let’s enjoy a journey of discovery together. [more]