Access

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.

Art Gallery of Ballarat – 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
• Level entry from Lydiard St via self-opening doors.
• An accessible toilet is located on the ground floor.
• A small elevator services the two levels.
• Large power wheelchairs and mobility scooters may require the service elevator to gain access to the second level.
• All spaces are large and easy to navigate.
• More information: Art Gallery of Ballarat artgalleryofballarat.com.au/visit/plan-your-visit

Ballarat Library – 178 Doveton Street North, Ballarat
• Automatic Entry Doors
• Accessible toilet facilities
• Changing Places facility, including shower
• Elevator services the first floor
• Computers are Wheelchair accessible, and chairs will be taken away to accommodate access.
• There are allocated Accessibility parking spots on streets surrounding the library.
• More information: Ballarat Library – https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/libraries/new-ballarat-library-facility-and-services.

Ballarat Mechanics Institute (BMI) – 117 – 119 Sturt Street, Ballarat
• The BMI is completely wheelchair accessible with lift access throughout the building.
• There is a LH accessible bathroom on the mezzanine floor (accessible via the lift).
• For theatre seated performances seats can be reserved for people who use a wheelchair, and for an accompanying person (if required).
• The lift is located on the ground level to the right just past the main stairs. The lift will take you to each of the spaces throughout the building.
• The lift also has a voiceover to notify you of which level it is stopping at, and which way the lift is heading (up or down).
• The BMI has two accessible bathrooms.
• Assistance animals are welcome in the building.
• More information: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (ballaratmi.org.au)

Ballarat’s Pop-up Ice Risk – Corner of Sturt St and Armstrong St South, Ballarat
• The Ice Rink is wheelchair accessible from Sturt Street via a carpeted ramp on the side closest to Myer.
• 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
• 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, two temporary additional accessible toilets are available for use at the rear of the Town Hall in a sectioned off area within the carpark.
• 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.
• Assistance animals are welcome.
• 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.

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 – https://www.travellersaid.org.au/our-services/connection-assistance/
• More information: V/Line accessibility – vline.com.au/Fares-general-info/Accessibility

Ballarat Town Hall – 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat
•The Town Hall houses the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre
• The Visitor Information Centre is located to the rear of Town Hall, closest to Bath Lane.
• An adult changing facility with full-service hoist and a non-peninsula toilet is available behind the Town Hall in Bath Lane.
• Parking is available off Bath Lane, and in other nearby streets.
• The Visitor Information Centre can be accessed from the rear of the Town Hall through self-opening doors and is well laid out with easy access to brochures and staff.
• The Town Hall has a self-guided tour via a downloadable app and QR Codes.
• Access to the upper level is via a lift in the foyer.
• More information: Town Hall – City of Ballarat | City of Ballarat

Ballarat Wildlife Park – Cnr of York & Fussell street, Ballarat East
• Assistance Animals are NOT permitted – The Position Statement from the Zoo Aquarium Association is available on request.
• Wheelchair access is available throughout the park although there are some steep paths at times.
• Accessible toilets are available and are located near the reptile house.
• There is accessible parking at the Park.
• Bench seats and tables and chairs are scattered throughout the park.
• More information: Ballarat Wildlife Park –
Ballarat Wildlife Park – A park for conservation and recreation
Ballarat Wildlife Park Audio Guides and Accessibility Information — Vacayit

Civic Hall – 300 – 304 Mair Street, Ballarat
• The Civic Hall consists of 2 levels – Auditorium and Balcony
• Wheelchair access to both levels is available.
• Accessible toilets are located on the ground floor.
• There are 3 large double doors for entry. The larger access door suitable for wheelchair access is located on the far left.
• There are no fixed seatings so wheelchairs can be accommodated easily.
• More information: Civic Hall City of Ballarat – ballarat.vic.gov.au/city/facilities-and-venues/civic-hall

Eureka Centre – 102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat
• The Eureka Centre has designated accessible parking in the main car park opposite the centre.
• A gently sloping concrete path leads to the centre.
• Entry to the foyer is through a wide self-opening door.
• Wheelchairs are available on request. If required, we suggest that you book one to avoid disappointment.
• A ramp leads to the lower-level exhibition space.
• 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 at either side of the theatre in the front row are removable to allow for wheelchair seating. The theatre is also equipped with hearing loop augmentation.
• The displays and cafe have good circulation space.
• There is an accessible toilet on the upper level opposite reception. It has side and rear grab rails and a padded back rest.
• More information: Eureka Centre – eurekacentreballarat.com.au/visit

Mining Exchange – 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
• The Mining Exchange is ground level only.
• 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.
• There is an accessible toilet within the facility.
• There is no fixed seating so wheelchairs can be accommodated easily, along with sufficient circulation room.
• More information: The Mining Exchange Ballarat Mining Exchange

Sovereign Hill – Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
• Accessible parking bays for people with disability are provided in front of the main building.
• Entry to the main building and ticket office is via a ramp in the front of the building.
• Road and pathways through the site are gravel. The surface is fine with aggregate of less than 13mm and is hard packed. All the paths are step-free.
• Main St is a gentle slope until the red brick chimney at the mine tour office where the slope increases.
• On the edges of Main St are bluestone gutters.
• A boardwalk is in front of the shops on both sides of the road.
• Wooden bridges give access to the boardwalk between each set of steps.
• Most of the museum shops have wide level doorways allowing access.
• 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, and at the cafe.
• Full accessibility information (including Auslan, Social Scripts and a downloadable PDF map) is available.
• More information: Sovereign Hill – sovereignhill.com.au/accessibility

Kryal Castle – 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek

• Kryal Castle has Wheelchair Access via the “Traders Gate” to the left of the Main entrance
• There is Accessible parking available and please advise ticketing staff when you arrive of you need access.
• Wheelchairs are not available to hire at the venue
• There are 2 x Accessible toilets – one is located near the main castle entrance and the other one is located near the accommodation
• 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

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