Accessibility

We welcome people with disability and their carers and families, to join us at the Ballarat Winter Festival events and attractions.

Before deciding what events to attend, we recommend you contact the event organiser and discuss your requirements.

Kerb and footpath standards in main commercial areas are generally suitable for people using wheelchairs, scooters, or other aids. We recommend that wherever possible you use designated crossing points for improved access.

Venue & Event Specific Information

Ballarat’s Pop-up Ice Rink – Corner of Sturt St and Armstrong St South, Ballarat

Entrance
The Ice Rink is wheelchair accessible from Sturt Street via a carpeted ramp on the side closest to Myer.

Access Throughout

• There is accessible viewing and waiting areas with two different table heights available.
• An accessible free water station is available.
• There is a temporary ramp over cabling that crosses the Armstrong Street South footpath closest to the Town Hall
• The rink is accessed via a rubber matted ice skate area on the LHS which is straight ahead from the entrance. Some assistance may be needed in this area.
• Wheelchairs can access the ice rink with assistance and prior arrangements, please contact info@starsonice.com.au or 0424 615 644.
• Companion cards are accepted.
• Sensory sessions with no music or flashing lights and restricted numbers are available every Thursday from 9am – 10am. Parents with children are still welcome to attend during these sessions.

Toilets

• During business hours only, an all-gender accessible toilet and adult changing facility can be accessed at the rear of the Town Hall via the footpath with handrail.
• Due to the nature of the event, a temporary additional accessible toilet is available for use at the rear of the Town Hall in a sectioned off area within the carpark.

Parking

• One accessible carpark is located behind the ice-rink on Armstrong Street South (parallel with Town Hall).
• Further, one accessible park is located behind the rink on Armstrong Street South (outside the Phoenix building ).

Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are welcome.

Ukiyo Spiegeltent – intersection of Sturt / Armstrong St, Ballarat

Entrance

The spiegeltent is wheelchair accessible from the Intersection of Sturt and Armstrong Street via a ramp.

Access Throughout

Wheelchair access and viewing areas available. For more information and for all bookings requiring wheelchair access, please contact laugh@laughterhouseentertainment.com in advance.

Toilets

During business hours only, an all-gender accessible toilet and adult changing facility can be accessed at the rear of the Town Hall via the footpath with handrail.

Due to the nature of the event, a temporary additional accessible toilet is available for use at the rear of the Town Hall in a sectioned off area within the carpark.

Parking

One accessible carpark is located behind the ice-rink on Armstrong Street South (parallel with Town Hall).

One accessible park is located behind the rink on Armstrong Street South (outside the Phoenix building).

Further, one accessible park is located on the Corner on Armstrong Street North & McKenzie Street (outside Cash Converters).

Assistance Animals

Assistance animals are welcome.

Sovereign Hill – Bradshaw Street, Ballarat

Entrance
Entry to the main building and ticket office is via a ramp at the front of the building.

Accessible Parking
Accessible parking bays are located in front of the main building.

Access Throughout

• Roads and pathways are gravel, with a hard-packed surface of fine aggregate (<13 mm). All paths are step-free.
• Main Street is a gentle slope, increasing near the red brick chimney at the mine tour office.
• Bluestone gutters run along the edges of Main Street.
• Boardwalks provide access to shops, with wooden bridges connecting boardwalk sections.

Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are located:

• Behind the photographic studio
• In the United States Hotel
• Next to the fire brigade
• Next to the main theatre in the entrance building
• At the cafe

Assistance Animals
Assistance animals, including assistance dogs as defined by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), are welcome.

Kryal Castle – 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek

Entrance
Kryal Castle has Wheelchair Access via the “Traders Gate” to the left of the Main entrance.

Access Throughout

• Wheelchairs are not available to hire at the venue
• The pavements have cobble stones and so some small wheelchairs may have some difficulties if they have very small wheels
• Seating is available throughout the venue and benches are provided around the arena, playground and ale house · More Information: Kryal Castle – Visitor Info – Kryal Castle

Toilets
There are 2 x Accessible toilets – one is located near the main castle entrance and the other one is located near the accommodation

Parking
There is Accessible parking available and please advise ticketing staff when you arrive of you need access.

Mining Exchange – 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

Entrance
The Ballarat Mining Exchange is wheelchair accessible from the east side of Lydiard Street North footpath via a slight incline (some assistance may be needed).

Access Throughout

• The Mining Exchange is ground level only.
• This card has been developed by the Victorian Network on Recreation and Disability (VICNORD) and allows carers to attend as a complimentary guest.
• Wheelchair access is through the front doors.
• There is a large iron gate and two internal automatic glass doors that provide easy access for wheelchairs.

Toilets

• The accessible toilet is identified as a unisex accessible toilet LH facility & parent room and has both braille and raised tactile lettering on the sign.
• There is an accessible toilet within the facility.

Parking

• There is a single designated accessible parking space located in Lydiard St North approximately 100 metres from the Ballarat Mining Exchange beside Police Lane.
• In addition, four accessible parking spaces can be found near the Regent Cinema on the opposite side of Lydiard St North.
• Drop off may be possible in a large loading zone directly in front of the entrance to the Ballarat Mining Exchange, with a steep bitumen ramp (assistance will be needed) up to the footpath.
• The taxi drop off area is located on the same side of the street just past the loading zone, towards Sturt St.
• There is no fixed seating so wheelchairs can be accommodated easily, along with sufficient circulation room.

Assistance Animals
Assistance animals, including assistance dogs as defined by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), are welcome.

Ballarat Wildlife Park – Cnr of York & Fussell street, Ballarat East

Access Throughout
Wheelchair access is available throughout the park although there are some steep paths at times. · For more information, visit Ballarat Wildlife Park or contact (03) 5333 5933

Toilets
Accessible toilets are available and are located near the reptile house.

Parking

• There is accessible parking at the Park.
• Bench seats and tables and chairs are scattered throughout the park.

Assistance Animals
Assistance Animals are NOT permitted – The Position Statement from the Zoo Aquarium Association is available on request.

Civic Hall – 300 – 304 Mair Street, Ballarat

Entrance
Wheelchair access is available via a fully accessible entrance on the left-hand side, featuring widened doorways and a powered door. The entry button is located on the adjacent brick wall.

Access Throughout

• Wheelchair access is available to all areas of the theatre, including a flat-level surface in the main auditorium.
• Access to all areas at the rear of the theatre and the green room for performers is also flat.
• Two commercial lifts provide access between the ground and first floors—one in the main foyer and another at the rear of the theatre for performers.
• A hearing loop is installed in the auditorium.
• Designated wheelchair seating is available in the main auditorium.
• Companion Card affiliation is recognized.

Toilets

• Two accessible toilets are in the entry foyer.
• The closest Changing Places facility is within the Ballarat Library (during opening hours).
• The closest Adult Change Facility is located at the rear of Parent Place on Albert Street, and another is at the rear entrance of Ballarat Town Hall on Sturt Street. Refer to the National Public Toilet Map.

Parking
Accessible parking is available on Armstrong Street North (2 spaces) and Market Street (1 space) at the rear of Ballarat Civic Hall.

Assistance Animals
Assistance animals, including assistance dogs as defined by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), are welcome.

Eureka Centre – 102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat

Entrance

• Entry to the foyer is through a wide self-opening door.
• A ramp leads to the lower-level exhibition space.

Access Throughout

• A gently sloping concrete path leads to the centre.
• The upper level of the 140-seat theatre is accessible from the upper-level opposite reception. Inside, there is a large area for wheelchair users. The lower level is also accessible, and four seats in the front row are removable to allow wheelchair seating. The theatre also features a hearing loop.

Toilets
An accessible toilet is available on the upper-level opposite reception. It has side and rear grab rails and a padded backrest.

Parking
Designated accessible parking is available in the main carpark opposite of the centre.

Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available upon request. It is recommended to book one in advance to avoid disappointment.

Assistance Animals
Assistance animals, including assistance dogs as defined by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), are welcome.

General Information

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

The City of Ballarat is a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. To find Sunflower friendly locations throughout the City of Ballarat, please visit the Sunflower Map. The accessibility information for each location is detailed in the listings on this map.

Green lanyards are available and free for community members with hidden disabilities to take at a range of venues including:

• Ballarat Library
• City of Ballarat Customer Service Centre, The Phoenix Building
• Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre
• Sebastopol Library
• Parent Place
• Ballarat Visitor Information Centre
• Accessible Travel and Accommodation:

For more information about accessible tourism, see the Visit Ballarat website:

• Accessible travel: Accessible travel – Visit Ballarat
• Accessible accommodation: Places to stay – Visit Ballarat

Public Toilets – National Public Toilet Map

Visit the National Public Toilet Map to navigate the public toilet network in the City of Ballarat: National Public Toilet Map

Changing Places and Adult Change Facilities

• At the back of the Ballarat Town Hall (Bath Lane – ACF)
• At North Gardens beside the Botanical Gardens (Zoo Drive Lake Wendouree – CP)
• At the Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space (Off Russell or Gillies St South Newington – CP)
• At Selkirk Stadium (989 Norman St Wendouree – CP)
• Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (off Gillies St Wendouree – ACF)
• Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre (Gillies St Wendouree – CP)
• Mars Stadium (725 Creswick Rd Wendouree – CP for events only)

Accessible Parking Permits
In the City of Ballarat, the following Australian Disability Parking Permits allow:

Category 1 Permit: If you hold a Category 1 Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit for individuals (blue, purple in colour) you can:

• Use accessible parking bays: park for the time displayed on the sign.
• Extend time in restricted parking areas: park for twice the time shown on the parking sign in time restricted areas.
• Unlimited meter parking: park in metered bays for as long as you need without paying or registering your car at the meter.

Category 2 Permit: If you hold a Double Time (DT) Permit for individuals (green in colour), you are not eligible to park in accessible parking bays. However, You can:

• Park for double the time in time-restricted parking bays: you can stay for twice the time shown on the parking sign in time-restricted bays.
• Park for double the time purchased in paid metered parking bays: you can park for double the time you have paid for at metered parking bays. You must register or pay at the parking meter or via the parking app. The first hour of parking is free

Public Transport
Access to Ballarat Train Station – Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

• The train station has easy access from the bus exchange (vline services) and from the drop off points.
• The bus exchange (vline services) has full TGSIs (tactile ground surface indicators) leading to the main platform and into the ticket office.
• The ticket and information windows are equipped with hearing loops and communication cards.
• The accessible toilet has been recently upgraded to new standards.
• The existing toilet height, handrails and basin are compliant.
• The access to the second platform is via the pedestrian crossing over the rail tracks in Lydiard St or using dedicated crossings over the tracks.
• For people travelling by train, Traveller’s Aid can provide assistance weekdays from 7:30am – 3:30pm.
• Traveller’s Aid connection assistance information – travellersaid.org.au/our-services/connection-assistance/
• More information: V/Line accessibility – vline.com.au/Fares-general-info/Accessibility

Access Travel Pass
You can travel with an Access Travel Pass if you have a permanent physical disability, cognitive condition or mental illness that prevents you from using myki, for more information visit: Access Travel Pass – Public Transport Victoria.

Companion Card
With a Companion Card, your carer or companion can travel free on trains, trams and buses when they travel with you, for more information visit: Companion Card – Public Transport Victoria.

Scooter or Wheelchair
You can travel with a Scooter and Wheelchair Travel Pass if you use a scooter or wheelchair when travelling: Scooter and Wheelchair Travel Pass – Public Transport Victoria.

Multi-Purpose Taxi Program
The Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) assists with the travel needs of people with accessibility and mobility needs by offering subsidised CPV fares to members: MPTP Members | Safe Transport Victoria

Assistance Animals
Assistance or guide dogs (and seeing eye dogs) have the right to accompany their owners almost anywhere including planes, public transport, theatres, shops, hotels and more. These access rights aren’t just for fully trained guide dogs but also for guide dogs in training and even guide dog puppies older than 7 weeks.

Ballarat Assistance Dog Relief Area
Location: Doveton St South (on the greenspace adjoining the multi storey carpark – left hand side, nearest Target)

Reporting Accessibility Issues in the City of Ballarat
To report accessibility issues throughout the City of Ballarat, report via the Snap Send Solve website or app: Report Local Issues to Councils | Snap Send Solve. The Snap Send Solve App is the fastest way to report these issues.

City of Ballarat Website
You can visit the City of Ballarat website for further Council information, programs, events, and services available: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/

UserWay App
The City of Ballarat has partnered with UserWay to ensure accessible webpage to the City of Ballarat website content. To access this app, click on the ‘Accessibility Menu’ in the bottom right corner of the webpage