As cities go, Canberra wins by a landslide for its accessibility and range of family-friendly activities.
Although within easy reach of Sydney for a weekend visit, there was so much to do, with an abundance of fun and educational activities for kids in Canberra. As our kids have turned into teens, our last visit had me wondering if the Capital could meet the current needs of our family – the demands of the notoriously tricky teen phase.
Catering to everyone on a family holiday can be tricky, and we have the additional need of finding wheelchair-accessible accommodations and activities. I’m happy to say that Canberra delivered on all fronts.
While we only had a weekend to discover new attractions, our family’s vote is in: Canberra continues to win across the board, keeping everyone happy, engaged and entertained. And yes, even teenagers.
Wheelchair-accessible accommodation in Canberra
Novotel Canberra
With only two days to explore Canberra on our first trip, we chose centrally-located accommodation at the Novotel Canberra, within easy reach of all the main attractions. It was the perfect base for our weekend adventure. All areas of the hotel are wheelchair accessible and staff went out of their way to ensure our comfort.
The hotel is family-friendly with kids menus, an indoor pool, and a small play area for children, and our two interconnecting rooms – one was accessible and the other a regular hotel room that had all of the facilities we needed, like a wheelchair accessible bathroom, and plenty of space to spread out.
The cost of traveling as a family adds up so any inclusions in an accommodation package are always welcome! Novotel Canberra’s family packages include buffet breakfast daily and family passes to some of Canberra’s most popular attractions. With twelve options to choose from, there’s something for everyone; most are wheelchair accessible (and suitable for families travelling with a pram).
Before heading out for the day, the kids loved making their own juice and using the pancake machine at the Novotel’s buffet breakfast. Then they were raring to go and well-fuelled for their jam-packed day.
East Hotel Canberra
Taking a keen interest in our hotel choices during our second visit, our teen daughter checked out East Hotel online before we arrived, and gave it her seal of approval for its wide range of entertainment and all-important free Wi-Fi.
East Hotel appears to understand its youngest guests’ requirements, providing both Disney and Nickelodeon channels, a selection of on-demand movies, Xbox consoles, DVD players (available to hire), and even bikes for guests to use to explore Canberra’s extensive cycleways.
We chose a large two-bedroom apartment for our stay to ensure all family members had their own space. I appreciated the kitchen that allowed for some self-catering (always helpful for the travel budget), and two bathrooms meant there were no scuffles over first dibs on showers. The hotel also has excellent wheelchair accessible accommodation for guests with mobility restrictions.
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Best wheelchair-accessible activities in Canberra, ACT
Although we felt at home in our comfy apartments, we were keen to get out and explore the region. I admit our kids are fairly easygoing, but as a parent I like the challenge of finding activities that will engage them, rather than have them dragging behind us looking bored.
Tour of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
I felt a bit of a fraud doing the AIS tour. I don’t have an athletic bone in my body and only take an interest in the sport when the Olympics roll around every four years. So it was surprising that I loved the AIS. Our guide for the morning was Reece, an athlete training in track and field for a future Olympics.
The first stop on our tour was an interactive experience that was a hit with kids and adults alike. We tried out lots of activities including wheelchair basketball, soccer, bike riding, and rowing.
With the Olympics so close, it was lovely to be able to show the kids real Olympic medals, an Olympic torch, team uniforms, and photos from previous games.
We spent the rest of the tour learning about the training routines of the athletes, including the Paralympians. At the training facilities, we were lucky enough to see male gymnasts practising their routines, and other athletes working out. For any budding athlete, it’s a good insight into the dedication and work that goes into becoming an elite athlete. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder of why we never became one!
Cockington Green Gardens
Cockington Green is set on just over two hectares and the displays are all at perfect pram and wheelchair height. Children excitedly rush from one display to another. There is much detail to be appreciated in the small buildings that set a scene of village life, with quirky touches including a dog running off with sausages from the butcher shop, and someone performing CPR in the street! The kids always love the interactive displays where they can guide the trains or make the windmills move.
We’ve visited Cockington Green many times so there was an element of sentimentality to seeing the miniature village and gardens again. We watched our old home movies before our trip and I was reminded how quickly kids grow! It also reinforced the ways in which travel bonds families, through shared experiences and memories.
The steam train ride is a must – not only it is fun but gives a great view of the displays – followed by a stop at the café because the homemade scones are divine.
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
We saved our favourite attraction for our last day. Questacon’s aim is to make science fun for all and judging by the anticipation around our visit, they succeeded. Questacon encourages hands-on experiments and it’s wonderful to see the parents’ and kids’ interaction while exploring the science behind the displays. We caught the lift to the top and worked our way down, stopping at each level.
The earthquake exhibit has had a makeover since our last visit. We were asked to use blocks to create a building that we thought could withstand an earthquake, and our efforts were then put to the test with a simulated earthquake! As many of them crashed down, we were given the opportunity to learn from our building’s weaknesses.
Mini Q is an area of Questacon designed for children 0-6 years where little ones are encouraged to explore and use their imaginations in the different spaces. As one of Canberra’s most popular kids museums, Mini Q draws the crowds and at peak times, visitor numbers are limited. Get there at the opening to ensure you don’t miss out.
We always try to vary the attractions we visit in Canberra, but Questacon remains a perennial favourite. On our return trip, we were delighted to discover two new zones – The Shed, which encourages invention and innovation, and Fundamental, which explores classic science with fun interactive activities.
The Shed had our whole family tinkering to combine skills and ideas to create a vibrobot. For the uninitiated, a vibrobot is a vibrating robot (news to me!). There was lively discussion around how best to build the circuit and robot to ensure it moved through vibration, and in the end, there was success!
The Australian War Memorial
Although we didn’t have time to look inside the Australian War Memorial during our first visit, we arrived at closing time for a special ceremony. Each day at 4.55 pm, the Last Post Ceremony starts with the Australian National Anthem, the laying of wreaths, and the story of one of the 102,000 Australians who gave their lives in war. It is moving and a wonderful way of connecting children to the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
On our second trip, we timed our visit for the afternoon, so we were able to tour the galleries and stay to watch the moving Last Post Ceremony in the Commemorative Courtyard. Each evening the ceremony includes the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour. Hearing an individual soldier’s story personalises the experience, and reminds us that the Roll of Honour is about people.
We were informed by a guide that the displays at The Australian War Memorial are so extensive visitors with a keen interest in history should really spend two days here. Picking out a few key exhibits is the best way to ensure kids won’t get bored.
The Discovery Zone is ideal for young children who will enjoy the military uniform dress ups, the chance to sit in an Iroquois helicopter, and the insights into life in the Western Front trenches. Volunteers keenly chatted to our kids about the hardships experienced by soldiers.
Boundless all-abilities playground
Canberra is home to a popular inclusive and accessible playground, aptly named Boundless. With ramp access to the main play equipment and sand diggers that can be used by wheelchair users, the playground’s inclusive elements mean that no one misses out.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
On a friend’s recommendation, we took a drive 40 minutes outside Canberra where we discovered an often-overlooked area with more fantastic family-friendly accessible attractions.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has 21 listed walks ranging from a 15-minute stroll to an eight- hour bushwalk. We chose the 2.1km Sanctuary Loop, suitable for prams, wheelchairs and young children with little legs that tire easily. Unseen local Banjo frogs provided the accompanying soundtrack on the (mostly) level walk. Tidbinbilla is bursting with wildlife including platypus, various reptiles, koalas, echidnas and brush-tailed wallabies. We could hear kids ahead of us excitedly calling out as they spotted turtles sunning themselves on rocks and jabirus wading in the shallow waters.
If you’re spending the day here, there’s an extensive playground and picnic facilities inside the reserve. Visitors with mobility restrictions who want to try more challenging tracks can borrow a free TrailRider from the Visitors Centre. Calling ahead to book is recommended.
Entry to the reserve is $12 per car (8 seater).
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Only a short drive away from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is an opportunity for astronaut wannabes to learn about Australia’s role in the exploration of space.
Long before we arrived at the Canberra Deep Space Centre, we could see the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere standing tall, and interrupting the otherwise typical country scenery.
We were impressed by the variety of displays and hands-on activities inside the wheelchair accessible centre. Kids will particularly enjoy the interactive opportunities, with computer games including building your own spaceship. And those tricky questions about what astronauts eat and how they go to the toilet in space are all answered with the detailed information boards.
A visit to the Canberra Space Centre is free.
National Zoo & Aquarium
On hearing the National Zoo combines a zoo, aquarium, lodge accommodation and a new open-range expansion we were keen to add this to our sightseeing list. We always love watching animal antics, but we were especially excited to see some rare species including the White Lion and White Rhino.
Following a well-marked accessible circuit around the zoo, we appreciated seeing many of the animals in a more natural setting with large enclosures allowing them to roam.
🦖 KEEP EXPLORING: 25 fun things to do on a Canberra family holiday
Canberra is a fantastic accessible holiday destination
Canberra is truly a wonderful family-friendly and accessible travel destination. The only problem? There is so much to do you’ll wish you had stayed longer!
TIP: The Old Bus Depot markets are from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm every Sunday. The market is a mix of handmade items, gourmet foods, and live entertainment. The bagels are the best.
About the author
Julie Jones is the creator of Have Wheelchair Will Travel, where she combines her skills as an ex-travel consultant with her life and experiences as a mother to her daughter AJ and son BJ, who has cerebral palsy.
