Accessible virtual tour

Introducing our new accessible virtual tour

Plan your visit with confidence

If you have higher access needs, the most stressful part of a museum visit can happen before you leave home; working out where to park, how to reach the front door, where the accessible toilets are, and whether the pathways will work for your mobility device. Our new accessible virtual tour is designed to remove that uncertainty. It’s a “know before you go” tool that lets you explore the museum’s layout and accessibility features online, so you can plan your route, timing, and support needs in advance.

Built for people with diverse access needs

Developed with accessibility specialists, the tour is designed for visitors with mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive, and sensory needs, and for the carers, companions, and support workers who plan visits on their behalf. It aligns with best‑practice inclusive design principles used across Australia’s accessible tourism sector, where clear pre‑visit information is the single biggest factor in whether people feel confident to book and attend.

Key accessibility features include:

• Keyboard and screen‑reader support so you can navigate without a mouse
• High‑contrast viewing modes and colour‑blind‑friendly palettes
• Voice‑guided navigation and text‑to‑speech for descriptive content
• On‑screen subtitles for all audio and narration
• Embedded floor plans with step‑free routes and amenity markers
• Reduced‑motion options and pause controls for animation
• Static text versions of key content for easier reading

What you can preview before you arrive

Use the tour to locate and assess the exact features that matter to your visit:

• Parking and drop‑off: See the ACROD bay in carpark #11 (~50m from entry) and the kerb‑free drop‑off zone at the slip lane.
• Front door and counter: Check step‑free entry, wide doorway with D‑shaped handle, high‑contrast signage, and seating inside/out for rest stops.
• Pathways and halls: Review wide, level pathways between displays, ramp locations, handrails, grip tape, and non‑slip surfaces.
• Accessible bathrooms: Identify both accessible toilets with grab rails, backrests, and low‑mounted sinks; Ricciardo Hall facilities are marked and volunteers can assist on arrival.
• Rest areas and seating: Spot benches and rest zones spaced throughout the halls to plan your pacing.
• Emergency and safety: See clearly signed exits and key safety points highlighted in the tour.

If you require additional support during your visit, please reach out ahead of your visit, and we will connect you with one of our wonderful volunteers who can assist on the day.

Planning tips for a smooth visit

• Map your route: Use the embedded floor plan to trace a step‑free path from parking/drop‑off to entry, galleries, and bathrooms.
• Time your visit: Email us for quieter periods or to book a specialised descriptive tour.
• Bring support: We accept Companion Cards; carers and companions enter free when supporting an eligible visitor.
• On‑site help: Speak to a volunteer at entry for wheelchair loan (free), wayfinding, or to locate accessible toilets and ramps.
• Assistance animals: Welcome throughout the museum; documentation may be requested to confirm training and public‑space standards.

Get in touch

Have specific access requirements or questions after exploring the tour? Contact us before you visit.