Accessing Melbourne

An access guide for visitors to the City of Melbourne with mobility impairments.

Melbourne is a naturally welcoming city, with well laid out wide streets, beautiful parks and gardens and plenty of retail, entertainment, recreation and leisure opportunities. As one of Australia's oldest cities, it is also comparatively accessible and things are improving all the time.

Tourist Information | Melbourne Visitors Centre - Phone: 9658 9658
Open Monday - Sunday 9am-6pm, Public Holidays 10am-6pm

Melbourne's Visitor Information Centre is located in Federation Square on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets. The centre provides information and a booking service for tours and accommodation. Access is level from the street and a lift then takes you down to the centre. An accessible toilet is available on this level.

Information Booths in the Bourke Street Mall and Flinders Street Station provide free city maps, including the CBD Mobility Map. Open Monday - Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 11am-4pm.

The Melbourne Greeter Service - Phone: 9658 9658

Volunteers provide free half-day guided tours of the City of Melbourne, with orientation available in more than 15 languages. Some of Melbourne's Volunteer Greeters are skilled in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

City Ambassadors - City of Melbourne Hotline: 9658 9658

City Ambassadors are trained volunteers who answer all kinds of queries. Easily identified by their red uniforms and red caps, they can be found in the retail heart of Melbourne in the area bordered by Elizabeth, Flinders, Russell and Latrobe Streets.

Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Sunday, noon to 3pm
(excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day)

Victorian Tourism Information Service - Phone: 132 842
Call between 8am-6pm daily, for information on public transport and general tourist information.

Public Holidays

-:- New Year's Day: 1 January
-:- Australia Day: 26 January
-:- Labour Day: First or second Monday in March
-:- Easter: Good Friday to Easter Monday (from late March - early April)
-:- ANZAC Day: 25 April
-:- Queen's Birthday: Second Monday in June
-:- Melbourne Cup: First Tuesday in November
-:- Christmas Day: 25 December
-:- Boxing Day: 26 December

Melbourne Public Holiday Guide | Religious Observances

Arriving In Melbourne

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is located about 25 kilometres north of the city and Avalon Airport is approximately 60 kilometres south west from the city. Melbourne Airport is the main domestic and international arrival point while Avalon Airport is serviced by the Jetstar Airline.

The Arrivals area at Melbourne Airport is on the ground floor, and Departures is on the first floor. Both are linked by escalators and lifts. The lifts have tactile buttons but don't have audio voice cues.

The Travellers Information Desk - phone: 9297 1805 - is located on Terminal 2 Arrivals and can provide a wheelchair if requested. However, most airlines can provide wheelchairs if notified in advance and provide a "Meet and Assist"service to help passengers with mobility difficulties. Travellers should inform the relevant airline of their requirements when booking a flight.

Accessible Toilet facilities are well signed and located throughout Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Accessible toilets are well located near most departure and waiting lounges. An accessible toilet is also located on the ground floor of the Short Term Car Park at the southern end (T3).

Designated Accessible Parking spaces are well signed and conveniently located in each car park near the bridges connecting to the terminals. Short Term Car Park lifts have wide doors and the controls are set at a reachable height for wheelchair users. The control panel comprises Braille buttons but no audio voice-over.

A valid "Disabled Permit"must be displayed when using the designated disabled car parking spaces. Vehicles that do not display a valid permit will be fined.

Avalon Airport

Avalon Airport is located about 60 kilometres south west of Melbourne. The small airport is serviced by the budget carrier Jetstar. There is an accessible toilet and dedicated parking spaces.

Accessible transport to Avalon is either by private vehicle or an accessible taxi. There is a bus service (Sunbus) however this is not accessible as it involves climbing a set of stairs. Avalon Airport is serviced by two operators to and from Melbourne and Geelong. View Shuttle Bus Services

Arriving by Rail / Bus

Southern Cross Station

Southern Cross Station is the major transport hub for Victoria's country train and coach services (V/Line). The station is undergoing significant redevelopment, and once complete will be a state-of-the-art transport centre. It will provide fully accessible facilities, and a new facility operated by the Travellers Aid Society.

Most V/Line trains and coaches are wheelchair accessible, however it is important to know what type of train you may be travelling on so you can make appropriate arrangements.

Sprinter trains

Sprinter trains are the most accessible trains and provide wide doors, accessible boarding, and accessible toilets. Sprinter trains are mainly used for the shorter regional trips such as Bendigo and Ballarat.

Diesel trains

Older Diesel trains carry a portable ramp for boarding. If you have a wider wheelchair you will be assisted to board using a narrow chair, like the skychair used at airports. Passengers must be able to transfer themselves into the chair and seat. If you need to remain in your wheelchair, the other option is to travel in the buffet car. As there is limited turning space, people who use larger type scooters usually need to leave them in the luggage carriage areas.

CountryLink's XPT train runs to Sydney, via Wangaratta, Albury and Yass, and provides several specially designed wheelchair accessible carriages. It is important to phone ahead to book wheelchair spaces.

Coaches

Some V/Line coach services can accommodate wheelchairs. These coaches are lift equipped with lock down straps, and provide space for two wheelchairs. Passengers must make a booking at least 24-hours prior to their journey to discuss their travel needs and confirm a wheelchair accessible coach.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are available at most regional stations - check ahead if needed.

Arriving by Road

The main roads leading to Melbourne's city centre are the Hume Highway from the north (Albury Wodonga, Yass and Sydney), Western Highway from the west (Adelaide), Princes Highway from the east (Gippsland), and Princes Highway from the south-west (Geelong).

CityLink

CityLink is Melbourne's toll road system embracing the north-south and east-west corridors, Tullamarine Freeway and the Monash Freeway, respectively. Visitors often use CityLink without realising a toll is payable. You can purchase daily passes in advance or you can get an invoice forwarded to your car's registered address (at an additional cost).

Accessible public toilets

Travellers undertaking a road trip may benefit from "Likely Loos", a guide to accessible public toilets published by Paraquad. The guide costs $12 (members) or $14 (non members), and can be ordered from the Paraquad website www.paraquad.asn.au or phone 9415 1200. You will find some public toilets along highways and at some service stations or eateries along the way.

Getting Around Melbourne

Melbourne is an accessible city working towards improving access for everyone. Fortunately for visitors, the city was specifically planned with a rectangular street layout so its wide streets meet at right angles making orientation straightforward. Footpaths are paved, offering plenty of seating and generally offering a clear path of travel.

The Melbourne City Council has improved street access for wheelchairs, prams and people with mobility difficulties by ensuring crossovers or kerb ramps are in place at nearly all intersections.

City intersections are normally equipped with audio pedestrian crossing signals and directional Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (tactile tiles or TGSI). TGSIs identify tram stops along Swanston Street and its major intersections: Flinders, Collins, Bourke, Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets.

The city's topography comprises a general fall from the north towards the south leading down to the Yarra River -the highest point is La Trobe Street and Russell Street and the lowest point along Flinders Street. Gradients in the main shopping and entertainment precincts around the Bourke Street Mall (the centre of the city) are not significant until you move outside the Mall, east or west along Bourke Street or north along Swanston Street.

When moving around the city remember the numbering system for street addresses commences with the low numbers at Flinders Street for streets running north-south, and rising as you head north. For east-west streets, the numbers start at Spring Street and increase as you head west.

Mobility and Access Maps

Mobility maps show access and facilities for people with limited mobility in central Melbourne and Docklands.

Entertainment and sporting precinct map

Docklands mobility map

CBD mobility map

Active City sport and recreation guide

Parking for people with disabilities

Map Services and facilities

Baby change rooms

Child care centres

Public toilets in the CBD

Accessible parks and recreation

Sports and recreation

Vehicles in parks

What's On

Arts and entertainment venue access

This Melbourne CBD Mobility Map (2011) includes the locations of accessible toilets, on-street accessible parking spaces and accessible commercial car parks, accessible pay phones and public TTY phones.

Copies are available at Melbourne Town Hall, the Victorian Visitor Information Centre and the City of Melbourne website at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Many attractions offer access or mobility maps, which can be downloaded from the following websites:

Docklands Visitors Map: www.docklands.com

Melbourne Museum Access Map: melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Royal Botanic Gardens Access Map: www.rbg.vic.gov.au

Grand Prix Access Map: www.grandprix.com.au

Flemington Race Course Access Map: www.vrc.net.au

Attendant Care

Attendant care and equipment hire can be arranged in advance but most agencies stress that as much notice as possible is preferred.

Travellers Aid

Travellers Aid

TRAVELLERS AID AT SOUTHERN CROSS STATION

This service offers a comfortable lounge, amenities, and rest area. It also provides assistance to older, frail, and people with disabilities to ensure safe passage through Southern Cross Station, via free buggy transport, manual wheelchair access, and personal guidance. To access Travellers Assistance bookings are essential.

Travellers Aid at Southern Cross Station also offers clean and accessible rest rooms (to provide comfortable relief during long journeys), baby change facilities, showers (with towel hire), stroller hire, and information on transport and accommodation in Melbourne.

Main Concourse,
Southern Cross Station,
99 Spencer street,
Docklands VIC 3000.
Telephone: (03) 9670 2072.
Fax: (03) 9600 1174.
Email: scs@travellersaid.org.au
Website: Travellers Aid at Southern Cross Melway Ref: 1A A5.
OPEN 7 days a week 7.00am - 11.00pm.

EMERGENCY RELIEF ASSISTANCE

Travellers Aid at Southern Cross Station also assists travellers at the point of need, who experience transport and social disadvantage, who are vulnerable, and distressed, through the provision of travel related emergency relief. To make an appointment please contact our emergency relief staff.

Main Concourse,
Southern Cross Station,
99 Spencer street,
Docklands VIC 3000.
Telephone: (03) 9670 2873.
Email: er@travellersaid.org.au
Website: Emergency Relief Service
Melway Ref: 1A A5.
This service operates via appointment, so please telephone prior to coming in.
OPEN Monday-Friday 9.30am-4pm

TRAVELLERS AID AT FLINDERS STREET STATION

This service is located within the ticketed barrier area of Flinders Street Station and offers a comfortable lounge, amenities, rest area, and practical assistance to the travelling public, through a number of services.
Travellers Aid at Flinders Street Station are able to offer a safe community space to wait between trains or to have a rest after a busy period. Our dedicated support staff are able to assist with meals and toileting, advocacy and internet access.
Main Concourse,
Flinders Street Station,
Corner Flinders street and Swanston street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Telephone: (03) 9610 2030.
Fax: (03) 9614 1249.
Email: fss@travellersaid.org.au
Website: Travellers Aid at Flinders Street Station Melway Ref: 1B M11.
OPEN Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 8.00pm
Friday and Saturday 8.00am - 10.00pm

DASSI : Phone: 9481 2355 - www.dassi.com.au

DASSI provides one-to-one attendant care support, including assistance with personal care, mobility, rehabilitation, social/ recreational, educational and community access. DASSI offers a "short term booking service"but you must contact them at least five days in advance to discuss your needs.

Paraquad Victoria : Phone: 9415 1200 - www.paraquad.asn.au

Paraquad provides a wide range of services for people with physical disabilities, and specialises in spinal cord injury and polio. Paraquad is able to provide attendant care but will require a minimum of two weeks notice and longer if possible.

Ablecare - Phone: 9845 2860

Ablecare offers a range of services, including basic or high support personal care and community access support. Clients should contact Ablecare at least four days in advance to discuss their support needs.

MSSA : Phone: 1300 362 190 - www.mssa.com.au

MSSA can provide short-term attendant care or community access services, but they need one to two weeks notice.

Equipment Hire

The following organisations provide a range of equipment hire, including beds, wheelchairs, hoists, cushions or scooters. It is always best to call ahead, but same day or next day delivery can also be arranged.

Lifestyle & Rehab : Phone: 9384 1846 - www.lr.com.au

Lifestyle & Rehab has a wide range of equipment. Delivery charges depend on individual items. Same day delivery is sometimes more expensive.

Maroondah Home Health Care : Phone: 9879 8885

Maroondah Home Health Care provides a wide range of equipment for hire. Delivery fees range from $6.00 (small local delivery) to $66.00 (larger delivery such as a bed).

Able Medical Hire : Phone: 9808 9273 - www.ablemedical.com.au

Able Medical Hire hires out a range of equipment, particularly wheelchairs and pressure care aids. The organisation can provide same day delivery as long as equipment is ordered before 9.30am, but you are best to order a day in advance.

Independence Solutions Phone: 1800 816 615607
www.independencesolutions.com.au

Independence Solutions specialises in continence and other healthcare products. You can order over the phone, or download an order form from their website. Independence Solutions offers home (or hotel) deliveries.

Melbourne Mobility Centre at Federation Square

First Floor, Federation Square Car Park
Phone: 9650 6499
Freecall: 1800 735 266
TTY: 9650 9316

The Melbourne Mobility Centre is located on the 1st floor of the Federation Square Car Park (ground level adjacent to the ArtPlay playground).

This service was developed by the City of Melbourne in partnership with the Department for Victorian Communities (Community Support Fund) and the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination. The centre enables easier access to central Melbourne, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, for people with disabilities, older persons, and those with temporary disabilities.

Features of the service include:

* equipment for hire including motorised wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, children's manual wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, crutches and canes;
* two fully accessible toilets;
* information for people with mobility and sensory disabilities;
* TTY telephone and accessible web access;
* wheelchair battery re-charge facilities;
* an accessible tea, coffee and water facility; and
* volunteer-driven commissionaire services including companion services, transfer services and "meet and greet"services.

Disability Parking Permits: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/permits

Disability Parking Permits may be obtained by residents of the City of Melbourne with significant ambulatory difficulties or intellectual disabilities, under the Statewide Disabled Person's Parking Scheme.

Disabled City Access Permits entitle the holder to parking bay time extensions. People who come into the city for work, study, medical appointments or for entertainment may seek the permit by applying online.

The Statewide Disabled Person's Parking Scheme entitles a person holding a blue, Category 1, Disability Parking Permit to park:

1. In a Wheelchair Symbol displayed bay for fee payable (if applicable), shown on the parking sign or road marking,

2. An ordinary parking bay for twice the time limit indicated on the parking sign upon payment of an initial parking fee, if applicable.

Permits issued in any Australian state or territory are recognised in all states, subject to local regulations. A brochure on other states and territories called Disabled Person's Parking Schemes in Australia (July 2005) is available at: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au /vrpdf/trum/TR2005260v4.PDF

Public Transport Victoria | 1800 800 007

Meltrip | www.meltrip.com - An easy to read website on public transport that includes information on wheelchair accessibility.

Department of Infrastructure | Phone: 9655 6666 - www.doi.vic.gov.au

The Public Transport Division of DOI works with public transport operators to ensure all members of the community including people with special needs, can access train, tram, bus and taxi services. A newsletter entitled: Easy Going Transport is produced by DOI and provides information on initiatives, projects and announcements that promote accessibility of Victoria's public transport service. It can be accessed via the website.

Vision Impaired Travel Pass : Phone: 9619 1159

Holders of a Victorian Vision Impaired Travel Pass can travel free on metropolitan trains, trams, buses and V/Line trains and coaches in Victoria. The pass can also be used on public transport in other states of Australia.

Trains

There are two main railway stations in Melbourne's CBD: Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, which is the main terminus for Melbourne metropolitan rail services; and Southern Cross Station, at the intersection of Bourke and Spencer Streets, which is the main hub for country rail services.

City trains operate via an underground rail system (City Loop). Stations comprising the City loop are: Parliament, Melbourne Central, Flinders Street, Southern Cross and Flagstaff. These are all designated premium stations and have accessible toilets and lifts. Note Flagstaff does not operate on weekends.

While all trains are accessible, there may be a vertical and/or horizontal gap to negotiate so caution should be exercised. The safest way to travel on the train system is to seek assistance from the driver to board the first carriage. A well developed system is in place to facilitate boarding.

The most forward and mid-way points on the platform are marked with a white or yellow line. During peak periods position yourself at the forward mark and during off peak times position yourself at the mid-way point. This signals to the driver that assistance with a portable ramp is required. The ramp is carried in the driver's compartment.

Trams : www.yarratrams.com.au

The options for wheelchair users or the mobility impaired wishing to use Melbourne trams are still very limited. The only wheelchair accessible tram line is the 109 service - Box Hill to Port Melbourne via the city. The tram is a "low floor tram"with access offered at superstops.

Superstops provide for roll on and off access. The tram also has a small ramp that extends out if you get off at a wheelchair accessible stop/platform but not a superstop (you will need to press the wheelchair icon call button for this facility). There are no strap downs for chairs but there are poles/handrails for you to hold onto. Superstops in the CBD are located at:

* Collins Street/Spencer Street
* Melbourne Town Hall, Collins Street/Swanston Street
* Parliament Railway Station, Spring Street
* St Vincent's Plaza, Brunswick Street/Victoria Parade
* Melbourne University, Swanston Street.

Other superstops outside the CBD are located at:

* Box Hill Central
* Burnley Street, Richmond
* Beacon Cove, Port Melbourne.

New superstops are under construction at:

* Collins and Elizabeth Streets
* Southern Cross Station
* Collins Street for access to Southern Cross Station

Taxis

Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD)

Phone: 9320 4360
Phone: 1800 638 802 (country callers)

www.taxi.vic.gov.au

The Multi Purpose Taxi Program is a fare subsidy of 50 per cent up to a maximum $25 per trip. Residents of Victoria who have a severe and permanent disability which severely limits their ability to use public transport may make application for the card to VTD. Card holders may use any taxi including "M50 Taxis"which can carry more than one wheelchair.

Access Cabs are available throughout Victoria and can be booked on Central Bookings 136 294. Alternatively, contact Silver Top Taxi Service on 8413 7202. It is wise to book ahead.

Interstate Reciprocal Scheme

All states and territories have reciprocal rights but the subsidy amount does vary between states. Vouchers can be used interstate but you must organise this at least two weeks before you travel, through the Taxi Directorate in your state.

Extra Loading Costs for Wheelchair Cabs

If you have an M50 Wheelchair Card no extra charge will be added to your trip, otherwise an extra $10.00 will be added to your fare. Visitors from interstate who use vouchers and have an M50 card in their state should not have to pay this loading fee.

Safe City Taxi Ranks

Safe City Taxi Ranks have been established in the CBD to give patrons and taxi drivers access to safe transport and fares late at night. The three Safe City Taxi Ranks are located at:

* 55 King Street

* Flinders Street Station, on Swanston Street

* 22 Bourke Street

All Safe City Taxi Ranks are staffed by a uniformed security officer from midnight Friday to 6am Saturday and midnight Saturday to 6am Sunday. There is a duress button at each location with Safe City Cameras monitoring the ranks 24 hours a day. These hours are extended during special events.

Metropolitan Bus Travel

Buses are not always a viable option for wheelchair users. All vehicles must eventually become accessible, but this process will take at least a decade. A separate but related issue is the accessibility of bus stops. An accessible bus stop is required for accessible buses to be an effective transport option. All bus stops will be upgraded by the relevant authority.

Grendas Bus Company
Phone: 9791 2988
www.grenda.com.au

Grenda currently has 40 wheelchair accessible buses on suburban routes. Customers should telephone ahead to ensure that an accessible bus will pick them up, and that the bus stop is wheelchair accessible.

Melbourne Bus Link
Phone: 9689 8555
www.melbbuslink.com.au

Melbourne Bus Link manages nine major inner city bus routes. The company endeavours to assist customers who call ahead requesting wheelchair accessible buses.

National Bus Company
Phone: 9481 8222 (general enquiries)
Phone: 131 638 (accessibility enquiries)
www.nationalbus.com.au

The National Bus Company currently has 84 low floor wheelchair accessible buses, and runs about 90 per cent of services in the CBD. Customers can call to request a wheelchair accessible bus (you must call 24 hours in advance), or check the website bus timetable for information on low floor accessible buses. Buses marked with a "W' on bus stop timetables indicate that they are wheelchair accessible.

Nightrider
Phone: 131 638

The Nightrider bus service operates between 12.30am and 4.30am on Saturday and Sunday, and has nine different routes with over 300 stops. Some Nightrider buses are wheelchair accessible but customers should call ahead to confirm low floor buses.

Buses depart from the city on the corner of Swanston and Collins Streets, or Crown Entertainment Complex. Buses have a telephone and direct taxi link, so transport can be arranged to meet you at your stop.

Nightrider bus routes and contact information:
Bayswater, Croydon and Dandenong (including Lilydale, Olinda and Rowville extensions)
Phone: 9723 3529
www.mountdandybus.com.au

Craigieburn
Phone: 9338 6466
www.tullamarinebus.com.au

Eltham and Epping
Phone: 9470 3355
www.reservoirbus.com.au

Frankston/Mornington/Rosebud
Phone: 9786 7088
www.peninsulabus.com.au

St Albans (including Melton and Sunbury extensions)
Phone: 9306 3166
www.buslines.com.au/northern/

Werribee
Phone: 1800 333 388
www.dysonsbus.com.au

Demand Response Bus
Phone: 1800 012 061

Normal Met charges apply.

The service operates in the St Kilda and Port Melbourne areas for people who are unable to travel on trams or buses. Two buses, both hoist equipped, are capable of carrying up to three wheelchairs and four companions.

The buses must be booked 24 hours in advance. The service operates Monday-Friday between 7.30am and 10pm. There is no service on weekends or public holidays.

City Circle Tram

Public Transport Victoria | 1800 800 007

The City Circle Tram is a free way of getting around Melbourne's CBD but it is NOT accessible for wheelchair users.

Car and Van Hire

There are a few companies that provide accessible caravans and specialised vehicles. When booking a van, it is important to check insurance details and excess kilometre fees, as these vary from company to company.

Charter Buses

Mee's Bus Line
Phone: 9459 3000
www.mees.com.au

Mee's bus line can provide chartered buses for groups, and have a number of accessible coaches with hydraulic lifts.

Dysons Bus Line
Phone: 1800 333 388
Phone: 9335 6156073
www.dysonsbus.com

Dysons bus line has one accessible bus with hydraulic lift.

Hire and Drive

Norden Transport
Phone: 9793 1066
www.norden.com.au

Norden Transport has two accessible Toyota Hi-Ace vans, both equipped with hydraulic hoists. The vans can accommodate two wheelchairs and six passengers.

Budget
Phone: 9299 1111 (for van hire only, Richmond outlet)
www.budget.com.au

Budget has one bus for hire at their Richmond outlet. The bus is automatic, and has room for one wheelchair and 11 seats.

Wheelabout Van Rentals
Phone: 0430 963 563
www.wheelabout.com

Wheelabout Van Rentals has one accessible Chrysler van available for hire, which is equipped with an electric ramp. The van seats either one person in a wheelchair and five companions, or two people in wheelchairs and four companions.

Wheelaway
Phone: 1800 133 320
www.wheelaway.com.au

Wheelaway has an assortment of mini-vans and cars for hire, with capacity for one to two wheelchairs/scooters.

Car Hire

Hertz and Avis car hire companies provide hand-controlled vehicles at no extra cost. These are available at their major corporate locations, city and airport. The cars need to be booked in advance.

Avis
Phone: 1800 225 533
www.avis.com.au

Avis will fit the Monarch hand control (right hand operation) to Commodore vehicles. Book at least one week in advance.

Hertz
Phone: 13 3039
www.hertz.com.au

Hertz will fit a push-pull hand control (right hand operation) to any of its automatic Ford Falcon vehicles, but book at least three days in advance.

Accessible Toilets

There are a number of accessible toilets in Melbourne. However, in this guide we have only listed toilets we believe provide the best access, as not all toilets meet current Australian Standards (AS-1428).

Toilets in office buildings are usually only available during business hours. We have only listed office buildings that allow public access, however you may still have to pass through a security check. Policy reviews are constantly being undertaken and building management reserves the right to allow access to authorised personnel only. Some toilets may be locked in the evenings.

The information in this chapter refers to accessible unisex toilets, except where indicated as male or female.

The following descriptions have been used in the text:
* narrow door, means a door less than 740mm wide;
* small cubical, means cubical circulation space is restricted and may be difficult for a motorised wheelchair;
* high counter, lift buttons etc means higher than 1250mm;
* Exeloo refers to a fully automated, unisex facility on street.

Parking

The CBD Mobility Map identifies dedicated, on-street accessible parking spaces and some commercial car parks offering dedicated access spaces.

This guide focuses on those commercial car parks providing better access.

The two main commercial car park operators are:

* Secure/Kings Parking: www.secureparking.com.au
* Wilson Car parking: www.wilsonparking.com.au

Please contact each operator for their costs and fees.

Some smaller car parks offer limited or no accessible car spaces. The best options for accessible car parking are within the precincts listed below. Many of these car parks also offer accessible toilets.

Specialist Information

Melbourne Mobility Centre at Federation Square
First Floor, Federation Square Car Park
Phone: 9650 6499
Freecall: 1800 735 266
TTY: 9650 9316

The Melbourne Mobility Centre is located on the 1st floor of the Federation Square Car Park (ground level adjacent to the ArtPlay playground).

This service was developed by the City of Melbourne in partnership with the Department for Victorian Communities (Community Support Fund) and the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination. The centre enables easier access to central Melbourne and 2006 Commonwealth Games venues for people with disabilities, older persons, and those with temporary disabilities.

Features of the service include:

* equipment for hire including motorised wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, children's manual wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, crutches and canes;
* two fully accessible toilets;
* information for people with mobility and sensory disabilities;
* TTY telephone and accessible web access;
* wheelchair battery re-charge facilities;
* an accessible tea, coffee and water facility; and
* volunteer-driven commissionaire services including companion services, transfer services and "meet and greet"services.

Disability Online : www.disability.vic.gov.au

Directory containing more than 36,000 disability supports and services, news and events as well as articles about disability and health issues. The website is screen readable.

Infoxchange : www.infoxchange.net.au

Website with information based on community services, disability and youth issues.

National Relay Service (NRS) : www.aceinfo.net.au

Teletypewriter: 133 677 (TTY)
Speech to Speech: 1300 555 727
Calling Australia from Overseas: 61 7 3815 8000
Emergency Relay Service Calls: 106

The National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australia-wide telephone access service available to everyone at no extra cost. If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, and you use a TTY or a computer with a modem, you can access anyone in the wider telephone network through the NRS.

Trained Relay Officers (RO) assist callers. You can type your conversation entirely via a TTY or a computer with a modem. The RO relays the message to the recipient. Conversations can be relayed in a variety of ways: from text to voice; voice to text; or even use your own voice to converse and read back the return conversation on the screen (this is called VCO or Voice Carry Over). Strict confidentiality of all calls is guaranteed.