Brisbane, a city that prides itself on adventure, culture and inclusion for all. Brisbane is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place where everyone can enjoy amazing experiences, catered for all-abilities. We at What Ability are here to make sure our participants have the opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime, from accessible outdoor adventures to sensory-friendly attractions.

These Brisbane recommendations are perfect for NDIS participants working towards their goals! We’re looking at venues that provide a fun and inclusive environment that promote:

• Social interaction
• Skill development
• Community engagement

We are here to highlight the hidden gems and must-see attractions to make your days-out in Brisbane as fun-filled and inclusive as possible. So without further ado, here are our favourite accessible activities for you to enjoy in Brisbane this Spring!

AND if you haven’t already, you can sign up with the What Ability Foundation to unlock your first experience!

Variety Livvi’s Place Playground

📍 Hawthorne Park, 100 Riding Rd, Hawthorne QLD 4171

A playground for all ages and abilities, Variety Livvi’s Place Playground leads the way in endorsing inclusive play. The play space ensures people of all abilities can play and learn in a safe environment alongside friends and family.

The playground was designed in tandem with the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ guidelines, created to ensure play spaces are inclusive for all abilities.

So what entails an ‘inclusive play space’?

An inclusive play space caters for all-abilities and is specifically designed for kids and adults with Autism as well as vision, hearing and mobility impairments. The playground is built-in with colour and textural changes in the playground, musical sculptures which exhibit vibrations and sounds, and is also equipped with a ‘Sway Fun’ swing for people in wheelchairs.

Variety Livvi’s Place Playground in Brisbane is located in Hawthorne, thirteen minutes from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. They have accessible toilets located on the opposite side of the playing field and an electric barbeque, sheltered picnic tables, bench seats and grassy open space, making for endless fun in the sun with friends.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

📍 395 Hamilton Rd, Chermside QLD 4032

Ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of freefall without jumping out of an aeroplane? Welcome to the exhilarating world of indoor skydiving, where you can feel the rush of flight in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, located in Chermside 10 km north of Brisbane’s CBD.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving allows people of all abilities to take to the skies assisted by world-class instructors to make your time learning in the skies as fun and safe as possible. Your instructor will guide you through a pre flight tutorial, starting with a mandatory training video. They will also make sure the flight suit is properly fitted and all signals are communicated to make the experience effortless and safe. After your tutorial is finished, you will enter the wind tunnel and experience the freedom and thrill of indoor skydiving. 

The iFLY venues are accessible throughout, including wheelchair-friendly entrances, elevator access, accessible bathrooms, open floor plans, and accessible parking locations nearby. It is also important to note that some flyers have been able to access NDIS Funding to participate in indoor skydiving, making it a regular social activity for many.

Archie Brothers

📍 30 King St, Bowen Hills QLD 4006

Visiting an arcade is like taking a joyful trip back in time, where the clinking of tokens and the beeps of vintage games set the stage for endless entertainment yet, Archie Brothers by Fun Lab is far from your everyday arcade. 

Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by a spectacle for all ages and all abilities. This fan favourite arcade has easy access to bowling, laser tag, VR experiences, as well as Dodgem Cars! In our opinion, it’s a fun-filled destination for all ages – thank you Funlab crew!

Archie Brothers also accepts Companion Cards and offers free bowling, laser tag & arcades for carers. To help make the venue more accessible, they offer all-day discounted bowling, laser tag and game cards to all people with a disability.

Archie Brothers in Brisbane is located in Bowen Hills, a 9 mins drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

Looking for more fun in Brisbane with your support worker? Follow us on socials or if you’re a What Ability participant, check out our activity planners here. 

If you’re keen to know more about how What Ability can support your needs, head to our website or call the team on 1300 358 714. Our Brisbane team can’t wait to hear from you!

Winter can be a tricky time of the year navigating the weather to experience your favourite activities, trust us we hear you! Good news, our What Ability participants are out in the community 365 days a year, so this was an easy list for us to share.

These winter recommendations are perfect for NDIS participants working towards their goals! We’re looking at venues that provide a fun and inclusive environment that promote:

• Social interaction
• Skill development
• Community engagement

Here’s our top winter activities around Australia right now; from adventurous expeditions to cosy cinema nights, these favourites will ensure fun and safe disability support for you these Winter months!

Now, if you’re not with What Ability yet, and you’re looking for new support workers? Our team is ready! You pick the adventure and we’re in! To get started check out our top pages:

• How to book a Meet and Greet
• OR get started with What Ability and sign up here

New South Wales

Macquarie Ice Rink

📍Corner of Herring Road and, Waterloo Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Cold days are perfect for skating across the rink and channelling your inner Elsa or Olaf. Sydney offers a host of ice skating rinks to choose from with locations in Alexandria, Macquarie and Liverpool. 

Fun fact! Did you know that Macquarie Ice Rink permits wheelchairs on the ice during certain quiet or designated sessions? Ready to glide into action? Email their team to arrange! 

Event Cinemas Miranda

📍600 Kingsway, Miranda NSW 2228

Going to the movies can play a significant role in achieving your NDIS goals by promoting social inclusion and enhancing quality of life. Movie cinemas provide an accessible and enjoyable outing that encourages community participation and interaction, essential for social and emotional well-being. The immersive experience of a film can also stimulate cognitive and sensory engagement, offering a fun and therapeutic break from routine.

Head over to a Events Cinema In Miranda and indulge in a movie of your choice! Their theatres also offer restricted mobility access and wheelchair spaces with companion seating. 

Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

📍9 Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park

I know what you’re thinking, swimming in the middle of winter? What are you thinking? Well Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre has you covered with heated pools and spas for you to enjoy. This activity promotes physical health, social interaction, and overall well-being. Swimming and water-based activities offer low-impact exercise, ideal for enhancing mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, the sensory experience of being in water can be both calming and stimulating, aiding in stress relief and improving mental health. By fostering physical fitness, social inclusion, and emotional well-being, regular visits to an aquatic center can help you meet your NDIS goals effectively.

Feeling adventurous? This aquatic centre is accessible and designed to accommodate a wide range of needs AND is also equipped with a massive water slide!

Queensland

Ripley’s Believe it or not Surfers Paradise

📍Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Embark on a mind bending adventure at Ripleys Believe it or not. Built with accessibility in mind; the venue has ramps, wider corridors, elevators and a team trained to host guests with all abilities! They also accept companion cards. 

There are so many unbelievable activities including peculiar pop art, pop culture memorabilia (featuring an incredibly realistic R2-D2) and reflective mirror maze to get lost in.

Let your imagination run wild at Ripley’s Believe it or not this winter!

Whale Watching

📍Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Queensland’s coastline provides the perfect opportunity to observe whales along the humpback highway. During the winter seasons, Whales migrate north through the Great Barrier Reef so hop on a cruise and watch as they swim past. This outdoor activity provides an opportunity to connect with nature, which can have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and enhancing mood. The excitement and wonder of observing whales in their natural habitat can stimulate cognitive engagement and provide a memorable and joyful experience. Additionally, whale watching tours often involve group participation, fostering social interaction and a sense of community. 

Jump on a Sea World Cruise using a companion card and set sail, oh and don’t forget some warm clothing for the ride!

Dopamine Land

📍Level Q, Uptown, 91 Queen St, Brisbane City

Dopamine Land is a multi-sensory experience where you can embrace your inner child. The space was designed to boost happiness and stimulate cognitive and emotional engagement, while also promoting social interaction. Home to a plethora of colourful installations, one being the amazing ‘Galaxy of Lights’, a room with an array of colourful reflections and pictures, this is a place where joy knows no bounds.

Eager to explore their amazing sensory rooms? Bookings are essential so make sure you plan your day in advance.

Victoria

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Chadstone

📍1341 Dandenong Rd Service Rd, Chadstone

What if I told you there was a place where you could bowl strikes, immerse yourself in VR and play your favourite games at the arcade in a circus-like atmosphere, well there is and there’s probably one near you.

Archie Brothers is an all-in-one bonanza of fun-filled entertainment. In our opinion, it’s a fun-filled destination for all ages – thank you Funlab crew! There’s lots of different games for all abilities so you can play alone or grab the crew and book a bowling lane! 

Once you’re all out of fun, reside at the candy bar and indulge in your favourite old classics from meat lovers pizza to french fries.

What are you waiting for? Grab your companion card and check it out today!

Kryal Castle Ballarat

📍121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek

Become a knight in shining armour for the day and experience a unique blend of accessible mediaeval adventure and fun at Kryal Castle in Ballarat. This inclusive and accessible environment encourages social interaction, helping to build friendships and a sense of community. 

While you’re there don’t miss out on Kryal Castle’s Frozen Kingdom. Part of the annual Ballarat Winter Festival, Frozen Kingdom is an icy spectacular offering an exciting-limited time program featuring fierce knight battles, theatre shows and amazing arts and crafts.

Still not convinced? Check out our day out at Kryal Castle with our participant Callee and her AFLW support worker, Gab Pound!

Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium

📍King St, Melbourne

Whether it’s exploring the twelve interactive animals zones or getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible animals through their amazing encounters, Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium has you covered. This venue provides an engaging and educational environment that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. 

SEA LIFE Melbourne welcomes all assistance animals and guide dogs and is wheelchair accessible!

Bring along your companion card and purchase a day pass to start your adventure.

Western Australia

Powerplay Go Karts

📍7 Sobek Pass, Bibra Lake WA 6163

Ever wondered what it was like to drive an F1 circuit? Cruise like Max Verstappen around tight bends in a high velocity go kart at Powerplay Go Karts in South Perth. 

Enjoy an eco-friendly experience with electric go karts and a unique two-level racecourse including ramps, bridges and tunnels. This exciting activity encourages participants to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and quick reflexes, all of which contribute to physical and cognitive development. The inclusive and supportive environment of a go-karting track offers opportunities for socialization, teamwork, and building friendships, which are essential for social well-being. 

Prices range based on age/number of races however you may use a companion card when booking your first race.

Lost Reality Escape Room

📍295 Albany Highway, Victoria Park

Think you can escape from any of the seven breathtaking escape rooms at Lost Reality Escape Rooms? Think again. 

The seven escape rooms are uniquely themed with rooms in Tokyo, London and even in the Jungle, all designed with high-tech missions and mysterious clues to help you on your journey. 

To make it even better! Their team are committed to accommodating any visual, audio, or sensory requirements you might have. Reach out to their team to discuss this more.

Archery @ Forrestdale Indoor Archery

📍12 Alex Wood Drive, Forrestdale

Embrace your inner hawk-eye at Perth’s only 24/7 air-conditioned indoor archery range! 

There are many sessions throughout the day but make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out on the fun! Their team is on hand to ensure the session is accessible for everyone!

Looking to have more FUN with your support worker? Follow us on socials or if you’re a What Ability participant, check out our activity planners here. 

If you’re keen to know more about how What Ability can support your needs, head to our website or call the team on 1300 358 714. Our Melbourne team can’t wait to hear from you!

AND if you haven’t already, you can sign up with the What Ability Foundation to unlock your first experience!

We love our local Melbourne gaming arcades – especially since they are open rain, hail or shine. When it comes to What Ability and providing the safest disability support for our participants, we’re big fans of our local arcades!
When it comes to supporting NDIS participants and ensuring inclusive community access, Melbourne’s arcades shine bright. These venues provide a fun and safe environment that promotes:

• Social interaction
• Skill development
• Community engagement

For individuals aiming to improve their social skills, the arcade offers a space to interact with peers, fostering communication and relationship-building in a relaxed setting. The various games and activities available can help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities, aligning with goals related to physical and mental development.

Additionally, the arcade structure is a safe and stimulating place for participants to practise independence, build confidence, and experience a sense of accomplishment. By integrating these experiences, a local gaming arcade supports the holistic development of NDIS participants, making strides towards their personal and social goals!

Whether you’re battling it out in a classic game of pinball or teaming up for a high-stakes round of air hockey, arcades are a great tool to build confidence and improve social skills.
With participants enjoying community access year-round, the answer was clear!

Looking for new support workers in Melbourne? Our team is ready! You pick the adventure and we’re in! To get started check out our top pages:

• How to book a Meet and Greet
• OR get started with What Ability and sign up here

3. Akira’s ARCADE

326 Chapel St, Prahran

Coming in at third place is Akira’s Arcade! This vibrant, family-friendly gaming venue, combines the excitement of classic arcade games with modern entertainment. Also known as “Melbourne’s Hottest Anime-Themed Gaming venue”, it offers a diverse range of games, from nostalgic favourites to the latest interactive experiences. With a welcoming atmosphere, tasty snacks, and fun prizes, Akira’s Arcade is a great destination for a fellow quest lover or Dungeons and Dragons fan.

• Fun fact: We may be biased, but we think this arcade may have the best claw machines in Melbourne!

 2. B Lucky & Sons Melbourne Central

Level 3/211 La Trobe St, Melbourne 

Claiming the second spot on this list is B. Lucky & Sons Melbourne Central. This unique, retro-themed arcade offers a nostalgic gaming experience. With a wide selection of games and good food options, it’s the perfect spot to get the heart rate up and have a laugh! We especially love the basketball and Mario kart games. 

• Fun fact: The team at B Lucky & Sons have developed sensory maps for over five of their venues nationally! Keep your eyes peeled for yours Melbs!
• Companion card: Fun and inclusivity is at the heart of the arcade! Bring your companion card and receive free access for your carer!
• Ticket link

If you haven’t already, consider joining What Ability Foundation for your first arcade experience – you might even win a family pass to our #1 pick!

 1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Chadstone

1341 Dandenong Rd Service Rd, Chadstone

Topping this list is Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq located in Chadstone. This fan favourite arcade is much more than your typical arcade games, you’ve also got easy access to bowling, laser tag, VR experiences, as well as Dodgem Cars! 

In our opinion, it’s a fun-filled destination for all ages – thank you Funlab crew! There’s lots of different games for all abilities so you can play alone or grab the crew and book a bowling lane! If it’s a weekday, it’s likely you’ll spot a support worker or two with their participants at the Jurassic Park game. 

Good news, they also have good food. So after all that gaming, our crew typically grab lunch there. The American diner meets amusement park themed menu is definitely a crowd pleaser so the crew were very well fed! For more information or to make a booking, head to their Archie Brothers website.

• Fun fact: They serve up the best hot chips in town—crispy, golden, and absolutely addictive!
• Companion card: Good news! Archie Brothers welcomes Companion Cards and gives free arcade access to carers. 
• Ticket link

Looking for more fun in Melbourne with your support worker? Follow us on socials or if you’re a What Ability participant, check out our activity planners here. 

If you’re keen to know more about how What Ability can support your needs, head to our website or call the team on 1300 358 714. Our Melbourne team can’t wait to hear from you!