Page 547 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia
P. 547
PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION 545
The platform and view of Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay station, accessible to disabled travellers
Disabled Travellers
the best places to seek advice allow others to pass. Eating and
on specialist tours and to make drinking is frowned upon while Disabled travellers can generally
bookings. Information booths on public transport, in taxis and expect the best in Australia
can also be found at airports also in many shops and galleries. in terms of facilities. Many
and tourist sites. Dress codes are casual, hotels, restaurants, tourist sites,
Smaller towns often have particularly in summer when the cinemas, theatres, airports
tourist offices in general stores, weather can be hot, but some and shopping centres have
galleries or near a prominent bars and restaurants require wheelchair facilities, and
landmark – look for the blue men to wear shirts and place a guide dogs for the blind are
and white information symbol. ban on jeans and trainers. always welcomed.
In remoter areas, national park Topless bathing is accepted Traditionally, public transport
visitors’ centres will provide in designated areas on some is a problem for wheelchair
useful information. beaches, but it is advisable users, although most states
to see what the locals are have adapted their systems
doing. While a tiny bikini may more accessible to disabled
Opening Hours and go unnoticed on the beach, travellers. Contact the transport
Admission Prices
it is considered polite to cover authority state by state for
Most major tourist sites are up when sitting in a café more detailed information.
open seven days a week, but it or restaurant. Tourist information centres and
is advisable to check first. Many Continental table manners council offices can provide
places are closed on Good apply in restaurants. Placing your maps that show sites with
Friday, Anzac Day (25 April) and knife and fork together on the wheelchair access.
Christmas Day. In smaller plate indicates to wait staff that One of the most useful
places, galleries and other sites you have finished your meal. Tip organizations for disabled
are often closed for part of the ping is optional; however, 10 per travellers is the National
week. Admission prices are cent of the final bill for good Information Communication
generally moderate and, in service in a restaurant is Awareness Network (NICAN)
some cases, free. Exceptions are appreciated, as is rounding up to in Canberra. This nationwide
major touring exhibitions, zoos, the nearest dollar for taxi drivers. database provides information
theme parks and specialist Smoking is prohibited in all on disabled facilities in different
attractions such as Sovereign public buildings, on public parts of the country and, if they
Hill in Ballarat (see p437). Make transport, in taxis, stores, sports don’t have the appropriate
the most of weekdays – locals grounds, cafés, and restaurants, information at hand, they will
will be competing for viewing as well as in a wide range of do their best to seek it out.
space at weekends at major open public spaces. Depending They also have details of many
events and exhibitions. on the state, smoking is also publications written for disabled
banned in pubs and nightclubs, travellers in Australia.
with many providing a desig One particularly good
Etiquette
nated outdoor smoking area. publication is Easy Access
While Australian society is To avoid causing offence, Australia, written specifically
generally laidback, there are always ask before taking some for people with mobility
a few unwritten rules which one’s photograph, especially if problems. The Information
visitors should follow. the person is an Aboriginal on Disability and Education
Australians drive on the left Australian. If taking photographs Awareness (IDEAS) website has
and, generally, walk on the left for commercial purposes, an extensive listing of disability
hand side of a path. They stand permission is required before friendly accommodation in its
on the left of a busy escalator to photographing on private land. travel section.
