Not interested in hibernating this winter? Here are some ideas to get out and about in Sydney that are safe and disability-friendly.

1.       Vivid Festival

Running from the 24th May until 15th June, the multi award-winning Vivid Festival Sydney is the largest festival of its kind in the world. Not only is it bursting with colour, light, music, art and ideas, the festival is refreshingly considered in being accessible and inclusive. There are a number of accessible viewing areas with a less obstructed view away from crowds, audio descriptions available, interactive tours via a tablet with trained volunteers for the less mobile, as well as accessible minibus parking bays. Plus, don’t miss the Tumbalong Lights inclusive playSPACE, where anyone can participate no matter what their level of ability.

2.       Sydney Film Festival

Sydney Film Festival partners with Accessible Arts as part of their Accessing Sydney Collectively campaign to ensure an accessible and inclusive event. Our tip is to see Standing Up For Sunny on June 16, a charming Australian rom-com about an isolated guy with cerebral palsy who helps a comedian overcome her shyness - starring RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad) and Philippa Northeast (Home and Away).

3.       Go to the theatre

There are plenty of musicals to choose from in Sydney this winter – including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Capitol Theatre until June 23, then Chicago starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Casey Donovan from August 20. Meanwhile at the Sydney Lyric Theatre during the cooler months the stage adaption Saturday Night Fever runs until June 2 followed by another stage adaption Muriel’s Wedding kicking off on June 28. Both theatres have accessibility considerations such as access to Hearing Aid Loop, a raised platform section reserved for wheelchair bookings, supporting service dogs as well as bookings for companion card holders.

4.       Cheer on your team at a football match

Take your beanie, your blanket, a warm jacket and your competitive spirit to cheer on your team at the Sydney Cricket Ground at Moore Park, which is host to both AFL and NRL matches throughout the winter months. The venue has developed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan to continuously improve accessibility and facilities for the disabled community. There are designated wheelchair viewing areas, disabled toilets and elevators and tours of the facility can be tailored to suit specific needs.

5.       Keep cosy in Sydney pubs

If you had envisaged relaxing by the fireplace and tucking into some comfort food in a traditional pub, Sydney has many to offer. Perhaps the most famous is The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in The Rocks, Australia’s oldest pub brewery set within a sandstone house which serves beef pie topped with mushy peas, mash and gravy. If you are after a quiet venue, try The Lord Dudley Hotel in Woollahra, which has a cosy fireplace and an equally traditional building complete with a creeping vine-covered exterior. Another beautiful old pub with a fireplace that is wheelchair-friendly is the Cricketers Arms Hotel in Surry Hills, but get there early as it tends to get busy on Friday and Saturday nights.

6.       See the latest exhibition at the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (located on William St) welcomes all visitors regardless of their ability by offering free entry to those who hold a Companion Card and are assisting as a carer, plus they have wheelchairs you can borrow, automatic doors, lifts, quiet time sessions as well as tactile and sensory tours. Now until July 21, the Australian Museum is hosting an exhibition called Capturing Nature – featuring never-before-seen images dating from 1857 to 1893 when photography was revolutionising science, art and society.

Have a list of where you want to go, but need someone to accompany you? Like Family can help. With plenty of vetted Social Carers to choose from in Sydney, Newcastle and Central Coast NSW, find a carer in your local area now who meets your needs.