I absolutely LOVE living in Perth, and it is indeed a beautiful Holiday Destination for people of all cultures, ages, interests, and I'm proud to say abilities! Especially now that Spring is here, we can safely venture outside most days, knowing that we won't be soaked by winter showers.

The City of Perth and surrounding suburbs and councils have really done a great job in creating more and more accessible public areas, playgrounds, parks and beaches!

1-Elizabeth Quay

While Perthiens have divided opinions about many of the newer developments, including Elizabeth Quay, one thing is sure, it has a beautiful view out over the Swan River. Once we have all stopped arguing whether it's too big too small, a waste of money or just another gimmick, we should all make the time to go and visit Elizabeth Quay for a quick bite to eat or a cold ice cream and soak in the springs summer rays. Elizabeth Quay is fully accessible with ramps and bridges, and if you're lucky, some great event might be hosted on-site as an extra bonus. Elizabeth Quay is also equipped with Changing Places toilets to take advantage off.  Check out this handy little site to see what's coming up https://www.mra.wa.gov.au/projects-and-places/elizabeth-quay

2-Optus Stadium

One of Perth's newest additions is the Optus Stadium. When designing the new Perth Stadium, the goal was to create a space that can cater to people of all ages, experiences or abilities. The access and inclusion group was engaged in the planning process since 2012, and I think had a BIG impact on the development and why it by far exceeds the government accessibility standards currently in place. Below is a brief summary of just some of the features that are accessible, be it by a mobility scooter, powerchair, electric wheelchair, walker or any other mobility device.

Parking
ACROD parking bays eight times the number required under the building codes equaling to 60 purpose-built permanent ACROD bays, as well as a  convenient drop-off area near the Bus Station for ACROD holders.

More accessible Seats
28 per cent more wheelchair positions than required across all levels and price points. Choose from general admission to premium seats. These spaces include cup holders and flexible seating arrangements for carers and groups.
Plus an additional 327 enhanced amenity seats for people who have mobility requirements that are not in a wheelchair!

Amenities
Three Changing Places toilets for users requiring specialised assistance are readily available at the venue.
PLus 60 universal access toilets, with 16 in the general admission area having electronic push button access. There is also an ambulatory accessible toilet in each toilet block to provide greater flexibility for patrons.

But wait there is more...

If you are a bit more like me and prefer the natural beauty of our beautiful Western Australia over the Hustle and bustle of city life, you won't be disappointed!

You can head to the Beach.
Every time I go on an overseas holiday I always want to go to the beach. Every country has the "most beautiful" "Best" and "spectacular" beach... But every time I get there I find myself comparing it to Perth's Beaches.
And frankly, it's very very hard to find a place that measures up! Especially since we have developments that allow you and your mobility equipment to take in our beautiful coastline.

3-The North Mindarie Trail

This is a gorgeous coastal cliff path that caters to everyone. It's an enjoyable way to get out and about and spend time soaking up the sun and looking out over our beautiful Perth beaches. At the end of the path, you can grab a coffee or some lunch at a local Cafe as well as access a universal ramp, which allows access to the beach using mobility equipment such as scooters and Electric Wheelchairs.

4-Scarbourough Beach

The newest Beachfront development is at Scarborough beach, north of the city. Aimed at young children and big children alike, you will enjoy the beautiful beach promenade. Stop by to watch some serious skateboarders in the skatepark, grab some lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars and finish your day with a dip at the pool, overlooking the ocean and beach, complete with a wheelchair ramp into the pool for easy access.

5-Perth Zoo

Now I think it's not just children that enjoy the Zoo. It's a fabulous day out for young and old alike. For me, the Zoo isn't just about the animals, but I really enjoy the landscaping, it feels like a big park! While the cafe at the Zoo is ok, my recommendation would be to pack a big picnic lunch and find a sunny or shady spot around one of the many benches.
Perth Zoo also allows access to assistance animals, as long as a request is made in writing a minimum of two weeks before the visit to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
Carers and companions of an individual with a Companion Card also receive free entry and are handed an accessibility map to help guide them through the zoo. Perth Zoo also allows access to assistance animals, as long as a request is made in writing a minimum of two weeks prior to the visit to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.

6-Kings Park

One of the best-known places on the "must see" list in Perth is Kings Park. Located close to the city and overlooking the Swan River, the City & Elizabeth Quay it is indeed a beautiful spot for a day out and about!
Kings Park is well set up at catering for people of different abilities and different walks of life.

Kings Park has many different areas and attractions, this is truly great as on weekends, both locals and tourists alike flock to Kings Park to either enjoy the beautiful views and landscaping, enjoy a day out with the family or to attend one of the numerous events hosted at the Park.

Parking
ACROD bays are located at all parking locations throughout the park. There are also numerous drop of points at convenient locations.

Getting around
Kings Park is HUGE, and I doubt you will be able to manage walking through all of it in a day. If you are on a powered mobility device such as a mobility scooter or a Powerchair your chances may be higher.  If you don't own a mobility device, but find the walking a bit daunting, you can hire a wheelchair for free for use in the Park. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Access
Ramps and footpaths are available to most of the Park's attractions, cafes, restaurants and BBQ facilities. Drinking fountains across the Park are at an accessible height, and interpretive signage is designed and positioned at an appropriate height and angle for all people.

Facilities
All toilet facilities in Kings Park include disabled access, as well as an Adult Change Room being available at Wadjuk Carpark, the main visitor precinct. There are plans to add a second Changing Room facility at the Saw Avenue Picnic Area Toilets.

7-Araluen Botanic Park

Located in our scenic Perth Hills, Araluen Botanic Park is the perfect destinations for people who love the outdoors. If you get a chance try to visit the Park during Tulip season or one of the many events held at this magical venue.

Parking & Access
The Park has a special needs access road that is located off Croyden Road.
The Park map also outlines which paths are easily accessible by scooters or electric wheelchairs. If you require a wheelchair for the day, you can contact the park to hire a wheelchair to use at the park.

Facilities
All public toilets in the Park have accessible toilets, and the Chalet Healy Cafe is wheelchair friendly.

8-Aviation Heritage Museum

This little-known museum is situated in the Air Force Memorial Estate on in Bull Creek, 20min south of the river, easily accessible via the freeway. If planes "float your boat" this is the right stop to make.

This aviation museum houses 28 planes, thousands of model aircraft and thousands of more pieces of memorabilia which are of historical significance to Australian aviation, both civilian and military.

There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend a few hours at this museum without realising it. The museum also offers guides and tours if you want that little bit of extra information.

The planes on display in the north wing of the museum include a real MK 22 Spitfire, a 'de Havilland' Tiger Moth, the 'de Havilland' Vampire and a magnificently maintained Lancaster – which is only one of two in Australia. In the south wing, there is a huge and meticulously restored Catalina Flying Boat which was used in the US Navy Patrol and Horrie Miller's CAC Wackett which is of significance in WA's aviation history.

Parking
I've been told by staff that parking is not a problem and that a designated ACROD parking bay is also present.

Access
The museum itself is easily accessible using wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility aids.

Facilities
While the Museum itself doesn't have accessible toilets, the Club House, which is located 50m away has accessible restrooms.

As you can see, there are many many things to do in our beautiful Perth and many more that didn't make this list. So please come and visit our fair city, or explore the beautiful city you live in! I'm sure you will fall in love just like I did!