Accessibility


The natural features and built heritage environment of The Rocks makes it a challenge environment to navigate for many people with disabilities.

Restrictions are created by the design of heritage buildings, paving irregularities, narrow paths, steep ramp grades, stairs and the steep natural grade between Millers Point and Circular Quay.

However many attempts have been made to make the precinct more accessible.
 
Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities (with RTA permits) are located at:

  • Cumberland Street (outside KGV Recreation Centre)
  • Harrington Street
  • George Street (near the corner of Lower Fort Street)
  • Hickson Road (near the corner of Lower Fort Street)

Several commercial buildings in The Rocks including the Metcalfe Bond Store and the Foreshore Authority have lift access. 

Circular Quay train station has lift access to the platforms.

All wharves at Circular Quay ferry terminal are accessible to wheelchairs.

Accessible lifts also access the Cahill Expressway viewing platform from Circular Quay and at the Overseas Passenger Terminal to access the upper level viewing platforms.

Accessible toilets are also available around The Rocks. Refer to disability access map for The Rocks for further details.

Museum of Contemporary Art
Level access into the museum is via 140 George Street, The Rocks.

All public areas of the museum, including galleries and function areas are fully accessible.

Wheelchairs can be borrowed at no charge from the information and cloaking desk situated in the ground floor foyer.

A TTY service is available on (+612) 9241 6634

Parking is available on George Street outside the museum for vehicles displaying disabled access permit. Metered street parking and parking stations are situated nearby. The museum is less than five minutes walking distance from Circular Quay train station (with lift access to the platforms) and ferry terminal. The internal lift is available to link between Circular Quay and George Street.

The Rocks Discovery Museum
The Rocks Discovery Museum is situated in Kendall Lane approximately 40 metres from the closest passenger drop off point on Argyle Street.

The museum’s exhibits are highly interactive; using touch screens, audio and visual elements.

The Rocks Discovery Museum has ground floor level access and a lift to level 1 exhibitions. Disability access from Argyle Street to the Museum is via The Rocks Centre.

Accessible toilets are located less than 20 metres from the museum within The Rocks Centre.

Sydney Visitor Centre
Sydney Visitor Centre is located on the corner of Argyle and Playfair Streets is accessible via a lift from The Rocks Centre. 

Sydney Visitor Centres (there is a second centre at Darling Harbour) offer one-stop-shop convenience for visitor information, and can provide comprehensive details on accessible tours, accommodation and entertainment, in and around Sydney.

Access maps of The Rocks are available at the centre.

Accessible toilets are located in The Rocks Centre.

Susannah Place
Located at 54 Gloucester Street, The Rocks there are a minimum of ten steps to enter the museum with a further internal staircase to the upper level.

A captioned video and photographs of upstairs and downstairs rooms are available on request.
Guides are available in Braille and large print.
There is metered street car parking nearby and a designated parking space for vehicles displaying a disabled access parking permit on Cumberland Street, less than  two minutes from the museum

Sydney Theatre Company
Sydney Theatre Company has three venues based in Hickson Road. Wharf 1 and 2 theatres are situated at the company’s home base at Piers 4/5, and Sydney Theatre nearby opposite Piers 6/7.

Sydney Theatre Company is approximately 20 minutes walking distance from Circular Quay train station and ferry terminal.

The STC provides a bus service to Circular Quay for matinee subscribers.

There is metered street parking nearby and a commercial car park located on Hickson Road.

Wharf 1 and Wharf 2 theatres
There are a number of stairs from street level up to the theatres with the venues and bar situated a distance from the building entry.

For level access or other assistance, the STC Box Office needs to be advised at the time of booking tickets. Front of House staff will greet patrons on arrival and assist them through to the theatre.

A number of spaces are available for wheelchairs in each theatre.

Wheelchairs are available on request from the box office.

An infrared hearing assistance system operates in both theatres.

To book all these services, contact the Sydney Theatre Company Box Office on (61 2) 9250 1777 or email: boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au

Accessible toilets are located at the northern end of the wharf.

Sydney Theatre
Level access is via the Sydney Theatre's main entrance on Hickson Road.

A lift is located at the far end of the ground floor foyer, operating between ground floor and the theatre stalls and dress circle.

Some areas of the theatre and foyers are only accessed by stairs. Please ask staff if assistance is required to get to these areas. The best access point for this service is located at the cloakroom on the ground level.

There are accessible toilets on both the ground floor and the dress circle foyers.

An induction loop system is available on request in both the stalls and dress circle. To use the loop system, set your hearing aid to the "T" switch position. To ensure availability, please advise the box office at time of ticket purchase.

Headsets are also available from the cloakroom situated in the ground floor foyer.

Sydney Theatre presents audio-described performances throughout the year. Some may include a workshop and tour of the stage prior to the performance, to assist patrons with a vision impairment to familiarise themselves with the set.
 
There are three AUSLAN sign language interpreted performances each year. For more information, contact the box office.

Level access to the Hickson Road Bistro is through the ground floor foyer or via the restaurant's Hickson Road entrance.

The Foyer Bar is located on Level 1. Level access to the bar is via the lift on the far side of the ground floor foyer. There is also a bar situated in the ground floor foyer.

Sydney Observatory
The observatory is situated in Observatory Park, Millers Point.

Sydney Observatory gardens, 3-D space theatre and ground floor exhibitions have level access.

An outdoor telescope can be installed by prior arrangement.

Onsite parking can be arranged for people with a disability by calling 02 9921 3485. Metered street parking is available nearby.


WHAT’S COMING UP

Bella @ MCA: Art education for students with specific needs
1 September – 21 December 2007
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Bella program offers free art making workshops in a fun and nurturing environment for groups of young people aged 5–18 years old with specific needs or social disadvantage.

Bella is FREE for all participants.

Student groups with physical, intellectual, behavioural, and sensory disabilities, or who have little or no access to museums due to financial or social disadvantage, can benefit from the Bella experience. All MCA Bella educators are trained in the care of students with disabilities.

Advance bookings essential. For further information, or to book a group visit, contact MCA Education on 02 9245 2484, TTY 02 9241 6634, or email education@mca.com.au for further information.

Sydney Dance Company integrated classes
A class for adults and young people with and without disabilities taught by a professional dancer and run in an accessible venue by the Sydney Dance Company Dance Studios.

This is a great place to meet people while learning dance in a creative and fun environment. Classes are casual - there is no need to book or enrol for a set length of time.

Sundays 12 noon – 1.45pm. Students and organisations can receive a concession rate for classes
Please contact Sydney Dance Company to confirm details regarding access to the venue location.

Accessible Arts Training Room,
The Wharf, Pier 4, Hickson Rd, The Rocks.
Cost: $16.
Contact Sydney Dance Company on (02) 9258 4813 or email: tamaraw@sydneydancecompany.com, www.sydneydancecompany.com

 

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