Albany is home to a number of amazing attractions, coastline and lookout points. Currently, the following attractions and lookout points provide accessible options:
Changing Places
Albany's inaugural Changing Place is now open to eligible users. This secure and clean bathroom is specifically designed for people who need space and assistance to manage their bathroom needs. At the same time, in the community and for whom universal access toilets are not suitable.
The Changing Place is conveniently located adjacent to the Albany Entertainment Centre at 293 Princess Royal Drive. It can be accessed either via the Stirling Tce footbridge or ACROD parking directly behind the Changing Place.
Access is via a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). Temporary keys can be obtained from Albany Visitor Centre on York Street or the City's Administration Building on North Road upon payment of a $20.00 deposit, fully refunded upon return of the key. To check eligibility for an MLAK, don't hesitate to contact the National Disability Services on (08) 9242 5544 or email wa@companioncard.asn.au.
The Changing Place offers the following features:
- Fully electric, height-adjustable Adult Change Table. Before use, please download and read the manufacturer's instructions (see below). The Adult Change Table is rated to hold a maximum weight of 200kg.
- Fully electric Ceiling Hoist. The Hoist is also rated to hold a maximum weight of 200kg. Before use, please download and read the manufacturer's instructions (see below).
- Peninsula Toilet that can be mounted from the left or right-hand side.
- Shower, including a wall-mounted seat for convenience.
- Adult diaper disposal for convenience.
- Disposable Change Table covers that are placed conveniently next to the Change Table.
Users will need to supply their slings for use in the Hoist, which is designed for use with loop style slings. If you are unsure whether your sling can be used in this Changing Place, don't hesitate to get in touch with the supplier or prescribing therapist. Alternatively, you can call the Independent Living Centre Advisory Service on 1300 885 886.
This Changing Place forms part of a state-wide Network. Other Changing Places across WA can be located on the National Public Toilet Map or the Changing Places Australia Toilet Map. You can use either of these maps to plan your journey.
For cleaning or maintenance issues, or in the event of an emergency, don't hesitate to get in touch with the City's Call Centre on 1800 633 000. More information about this Changing Place can be obtained from the Community Development Team on (08) 6820 3023 or by emailing commdevel@Albany.wa.gov.au
Changing Places Change Table Instructions
Changing Places Hoist Instructions
Inclusive Recreation and Leisure
Inclusive Sporting Clubs
The City has developed a guide to assist sporting and recreation clubs to be more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. The guide was developed in partnership with the Princess Royal Sailing Club's Sailability Program. Download the guide below.
Guide to inclusion for sporting clubs
Beach Access
The City offers free use of beach wheelchairs at Binalup/ Middleton Beach and Emu Point so people who have mobility impairment can also enjoy Albany's popular tourist beaches. At Middleton Beach, there are two types of chairs available: a Beach Trekker 'all terrain' wheelchair and a Beach Access wheelchair. The Beach Trekker is suitable for land-based and water-based use. The chair will not float in the water. The Beach Access wheelchair can also be used on land and in the water, but patrons need to be aware that this chair will float in the water and therefore may not be suitable for people with high support needs. To access any of the City's beach wheelchairs, don't hesitate to get in touch with South Coast Security's 24-hour mobile service on 0417 964 102.
There is beach matting at Emu Point, enabling wheelchair and mobility aid users to access firmer sand to enjoy beach outings. This matting is periodically moved to Binalup/ Middleton Beach to support events such as Australia Day Festival.
Accessible Playgrounds
Albany continually upgrades its playgrounds and equipment and is increasingly adding accessible 'all abilities' equipment to the suite of available play equipment. Currently, the following parks offer 'all abilities' equipment for people who cannot use regular play equipment:
- Emu Point
- Cull Park (limited wheelchair access)
- Mills Park (limited wheelchair access)
- Eyre Park is currently being upgraded to be an all-abilities playground with Stage 1 completed.
Accessible Fishing
Find accessible fishing locations along our beautiful coastline using this interactive map thanks to the work of Fishability. Click below to access the map.
Link to Fishability's accessible fishing spots web page
Pedestrian Safety for Seniors
People over 65 years comprise around 12 per cent of the state's population, but around 20 per cent of those killed as pedestrians. In Albany, 38 per cent of pedestrians killed or seriously injured on local roads between 2003 and 2012 were aged 70 years or older.
To assist seniors in moving around safely as pedestrians, the City has produced Pedestrian Safety for Seniors, which can be downloaded below.
Seniors Road Safety Flyer