Access for People with Disability

Sydney Harbour Bridge Night

The City of Sydney is committed to the rights of all people to participate in social, cultural, economic, environmental and civic life and is therefore is taking active steps to make its services, amenities and facilities accessible. Sydney New Year’s Eve unit has considered how the City of Sydney’s Inclusion Action Plan could be applied to the Sydney New Year’s Eve event.  In consultation with representatives from the disability sector an access and inclusion plan was developed specifically for the event. Strategies within the plan aim to progressively improve access to this popular community event so that everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the celebrations, whether they are at a live event site or at home. Some of the key accessibility initiatives and strategies that will be offered in 2012 Sydney New Year’s Eve include:

  • Dedicated accessibility page on sydneynewyearseve.com
  • Dedicated email address nyedisability@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for individual accessibility enquiries and process requests for information in alternative formats
  • Audio description of 9PM Family and Midnight Fireworks displays broadcast on 1224AM, 100.5FM and via 2RPH Digital Radio and 2RPH post casts at 8.30pm-10.00pm and 11.30pm-12.30pm (a transcript will be available after New Year’s Eve)
  • Captioning on Channel 9 Broadcast of 9PM Family and Midnight Fireworks displays
  • NYE accessibility CBD map and step free route maps to three of the City’s serviced sites

The Sydney New Year’s Eve Unit is interested in obtaining  feedback on your experience  and access to  the event. We would also like to determine how useful the information  on this website is in assisting people with disability to plan their participation in the event. Your feedback will be used to guide our planning for future Sydney New Year’s Eve events. If  you are interested and willing to provide feedback, you can fill in the feedback form that will be available on our website after the event, or email your comments to nyedisability@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Map

Although a number of the free public vantage points around the Sydney Harbour foreshore are accessible sites, these areas do experience very high levels of pedestrian traffic. Movement therefore around these areas will be limited for all spectators. There are a number of alternative accessible vantage points, not far from the city, which also provide great views of the fireworks. These sites are less congested and therefore offer a more comfortable experience then the CBD foreshores. Please refer to the section on accessible vantage points below for accessibility considerations for some of Sydney New Year’s Eve’s vantage points. There are also links with further details on recommended accessible sites. pdf Download - NYE12 Access Maps CBD (1.41 MB)

Ticketed events

The City of Sydney does not produce any public ticketed events. A full listing of events on New Year’s Eve can be found at whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Broadcast

TV

Captioning will be available on the Channel 9 Broadcast from 8.30pm on Monday 31 December 2012.

Radio

104.1 2DayFM will simulcast the soundtracks for the 9PM Family and Midnight Fireworks displays.

Audio Commentary

For those who are visually impaired, an audio commentary will be available on 31 December on radio station 2RPH. 2RPH broadcasts on 1224AM, 1005FM, 2RPH Digital, and streams online via the 2RPH website. The commentary will include descriptions of the fireworks displays, as well as interviews with the event’s organisers so listeners can get a behind-the-scenes insight into the planning of this world-leading event.

pdf Download - 9PM Family Fireworks Audio Commentary (250.12 kB)


pdf Download - Midnight Fireworks Audio Commentary (195.41 kB)
 

Information booths

There will be three information booths on Macquarie Street, as well as one information booth on George Street adjacent to Bridge Street. Volunteer Spectator Services staff will be available to provide information and direction to the public including details on accessible routes, transport and services.

Public transport

The transport information line provides details on accessible travel. Plan ahead before you start your journey. For more information and to plan your trip please visit 131500.com.au/plan-your-trip/accessible-transport Website: 131500.com.au Phone: 13 15 00 TTY: 1800 637 500 Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 13 14 50

CityRail

If you are travelling by train check that the stations you want to use have the facilities that meet your needs. For information, including accessible stations visit cityrail.info/travelling_with/accessible_services/

Sydney Buses

For information on accessible travel visit sydneybuses.info/travelling-with-us/bus-accessibility

Sydney Ferries

For information including accessible ferry wharves visit: http://www.131500.com.au/plan-your-trip/accessible-transport

Light rail and monorail

Light rail and monorail are easily accessible to the aged, families with prams and people with a disability. Visit metrotransport.com.au/index.php/special-needs Light rail services will be extended until 3am on New Year’s Day.  For details visit www.131500.com

Taxis

The crowd and road closures around Sydney on New Year’s Eve can make it challenging for taxis to safely set-down and pick-up passengers in certain areas of the City, particularly around the harbour foreshore. Taxi companies will not be able to take booking requests for pick-up in areas where there are road closures and intending passengers are advised to use the Secure Taxi Rank for taxi transport from the City. The Secure Taxi Rank is located in Elizabeth Street (East) between Liverpool Street and Nithsdale Lane. This rank has been established to assist people requiring taxi transport from the City area on New Year’s Eve and will be managed by staff to facilitate access to taxis. There will be an accessible taxi available at this rank to move passengers in wheel chairs. The Secure Taxi Rank will be staffed from 9pm on 31 December 2012 to 5am on 1 January 2013. Taxis are in high demand on New Year’s Eve and therefore delays may occur. Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATS) bookings in Sydney are coordinated through a central booking network, known as Zero200. Please call Zero200 to discuss your requirements with the booking office PRIOR to New Year’s Eve. Zero200 Phone: +61 2 8332 0200 Website: zero200.com.au

Accessible vantage points

An extensive list of all vantage points is available on the Interactive Vantage Point mapof this website. Access considerations for some Sydney New Year’s vantage points are provided below:

Sydney Park, St Peters

  • Not recommended as an accessible site. Extreme gradients up to the fireworks viewing area which are very challenging.
  • The views are limited to distant city skyline only.
  • Uncrowded site and has an accessible playground.
  • Designated toilet available.
  • Transport options to this site are limited.
  • St Peter’s station is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Accessible bus services run infrequently and cease around 8pm.

Bicentennial Park, Glebe

  • Recommended as an accessible and family friendly site.
  • Nice harbour side parkland away from the frenetic pace of the CBD.
  • Good views of the city skyline, but you can’t see the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Bridge Effect.
  • Less congested than the City foreshore
  • Designated toilet available.
  • Flat continuous accessible pathways throughout the park
  • Wide open grounds for recreational activities.
  • Some sheltered picnic areas available.
  • For further information view the Bicentennial Park Vantage Point details page

Embarkation Park, Potts Point

  • Accessible park, but there are some moderate gradients on route to the site and a steep ramp at the entry.
  • Flat accessible pathways throughout the park, narrow in some locations.
  • Temporary accessible toilet available.
  • Viewing corridors may be limited due to the trees on the site
  • Some people may be further restricted to paved areas only, as the raised lawn areas are accessed via a high retaining ledge.
  • For further information view the Embarkation Park Vantage Point details page

The Sunday Telegraph Observatory Hill

  • Great elevated views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city but the site is not recommended as an accessible site.
  • Steep gradients from transport hubs
  • Steep gradients and uneven terrain is very challenging.

Pirrama Park, Pyrmont

  • Recommended as an accessible and family friendly site.
  • Offers good views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the western barges.
  • Easily accessed via Jubilee light rail station or bus services.
  • Less congested than the City foreshore
  • Designated toilet available.
  • Flat continuous accessible pathways throughout the park
  • Wide open grounds for recreational activities.
  • Accessible playground for the children including a water feature.
  • Some sheltered picnic areas available.
  • For further information view the Pirrama Park Vantage Point details page

Giba Park, Pyrmont

  • Accessible via a lift off Pirrama Road.
  • It is not recommended for those with complex accessibility requirements.

Bennelong Point:

  • Accessible site with reasonably flat access and accessible toilet facilities available. Large crowds however are expected so thoroughfares between viewing areas and amenities may become congested. Movement around the site therefore may be limited for ALL spectators.
  • There is limited availability to an accessible viewing area, but this area cannot be pre- booked.
  • The accessible viewing area will be filled on a first in basis and access cannot be guaranteed as the site may reach capacity and close before the viewing area is filled.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point:

  • Limited access as there are moderate and steep gradients to negotiate in some locations. Large crowds are expected, so thoroughfares between viewing areas and amenities may become congested. Movement around the site therefore may be limited for  ALL spectators.
  • There is limited availability to a wheelchair accessible viewing area, but this area cannot be pre- booked.
  • The accessible viewing area will be filled on a first in basis and access cannot be guaranteed as the site may reach capacity and close before the viewing area is filled.

Sydney Harbour Foreshore: East Circular Quay, Circular Quay Promenade, Campbell’s Cove, The Rocks & First Fleet Park.

  • These sites are accessible, but they attract large crowd numbers and so the area does become very congested, even in the pedestrian thoroughfares.
  • Movement around the precinct, as well as travel to and from amenities, will therefore be challenging for ALL spectators.
  • There are no dedicated accessible viewing areas at these sites.

Barangaroo:

  • This site does have disability access and has accessible amenities, but please note there are very steep gradients from Wynyard Station on York Street down to Hickson Road. The site is terraced, with very few accessible pathways, which makes it difficult to move around the site.

 

Harbour of Light Parade™

Below is a list of vessels participating in the Harbour of Light Parade™ with accessible features. Please visit the Harbour of Light Parade™ pagefor further information.

Aussie Venture
Fixing Points, Accessible Toilets
Blue Room – Sydney Harbour
Wheelchair Access, No Other Facilities
Captain Cook II
Fixing Points
Captain Cook III
Fixing Points, Accessible Toilets
Coast
Wheelchair Access, Steps down to Ladies Bathroom
John Cadman II
Fixing Points
John Cadman III
Fixing Points
Matilda III
Fixing Points, Accessible Toilets
Ocean Dreaming II
Wheelchair accessible
Olympic Storm
Wheelchair Access, No Other Facilities
Supercat
Wheelchair Access, No Other Facilities
Sydney 2000
Fixing Points, Accessible Toilets
Sydney Crystal
Fixing Points, Accessible Toilets
Sydney Glass Island
Stair Chair & Accessible Bathroom

 

Accessible Accommodation

A useful resource for accessible accommodation is the Easy Access Australia website. This website offers detailed access information on some hotels in the Sydney CBD. For other website resources for accessible or wheelchair friendly accommodation options please visit: Stayz Travel IntelligenceWe highly recommend that you also contact the hotel to discuss your requirements and confirm their available facilities.

Planning

Sydney New Year’s Eve draws large crowds of spectators to the Sydney Harbour foreshore. There is extensive temporary infrastructure, road closures, changes to parking conditions and variations to ordinary services from 12am Monday 31 December 2012 to 6am Tuesday 1 January 2013. The New Year’s Eve website will provide comprehensive information for planning closer to New Year’s Eve. We suggest having alternative plans to avoid disappointment if a vantage point has reached capacity before you arrive, road closures are enforced earlier than expected or temporary infrastructure has blocked a path of travel. If you require further details to plan a safe and enjoyable experience, please contact us using one of the methods below.

Website

This website aims to conform to Level AA standard of the W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The website will include an accessibility page with details about planning for people with disabilities, and an accessibility layer on the NYE12 accessibility map.

Accessibility contact details

The City of Sydney is committed to the rights of all people to participate in social, cultural, economic, environmental and civic life and therefore to making its services, amenities and facilities accessible. The Sydney New Year’s Eve team has been improving the information it provides to the public with regards to accessibility options for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve activities.   The details on this accessibility page will be updated as more information becomes available. To discuss your accessible requirements or request information in alternative formats, please contact the City of Sydney: Email: nyedisability@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Phone: +61 2 9265 9325 National Relay Service (NRS) Tel: 1800 555 677 Website: relayservice.com.au Voice / Text phone users: 13 36 77 Speak and Listen Service (SSR): 1300 555 727