Australia

Australia has made significant strides in accessibility, with laws and standards in place to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 prohibits discrimination based on disability in various areas, including access to premises, goods, services, and facilities. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane generally offer better accessibility infrastructure compared to rural areas.

Australia follows the Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010, which sets requirements for accessibility in new buildings and renovations. This includes specifications for ramps, doorways, and accessible toilets. The Australian Human Rights Commission oversees compliance with these standards. However, older buildings and some heritage sites may have limited accessibility due to exemptions.

Major Australian cities offer accessible public transport options. For example, in Sydney, approximately 90% of train stations and all new buses are wheelchair accessible. Taxi services in capital cities are required to have a percentage of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Long-distance train services like The Ghan and Indian Pacific have accessible cabins, but booking in advance is essential due to limited availability.

Many popular Australian attractions have improved accessibility. The Sydney Opera House offers wheelchair access and assisted listening systems. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has wheelchair-accessible viewing areas and some accessible walking tracks. The Great Barrier Reef has tour operators offering accessible boat trips and modified snorkeling experiences. However, some natural attractions may have limited accessibility due to terrain.

Major hotel chains in Australia typically offer accessible rooms, but availability can be limited. As of 2021, Airbnb listed over 20,000 accessible stays in Australia. However, the level of accessibility can vary, and it's advisable to contact the property directly to confirm specific needs. In rural areas, accessible accommodation options may be more limited.

Plan ahead and book accessible accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider the vast distances between major cities when planning itineraries. The National Public Toilet Map (toiletmap.gov.au) is a useful resource for locating accessible public toilets across Australia. Be prepared for varying levels of accessibility in different regions, with major cities generally offering more options than rural areas.