Accessible hidden gems in Melbourne

The city is full of surprises that go beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. From cafes in unexpected places and obscure museums to unique galleries. Discover these offbeat treasures for a fresh perspective of Melbourne.

Brick Lane Market  

Situated in the Queen Victoria Market precinct is Brick Lane Brewing’s newest spot. At the forefront of craft brewing, this independent local brewer makes a wide range of beers to suit all occasions. But Brick Lane Market is about more than just drinks. Its extensive menu makes the most of the market’s fresh foods. Cauliflower with dates. A stacked Wagyu beef burger. And market cheese platter with quince and honeycomb. Oysters, lobster, and sashimi are all served at the raw bar. Suggested beer pairings are on the menu too.

A welcome respite from the busy market, the downstairs taproom is split level. Auto-door entries on Therry Street and Queen Street allow access to both levels. There’s a mix of stools, high and low tables and bar seats. The industrial-chic vibe continues to the dining room upstairs. Accessed via lift or stairs, it’s light-filled and has lots of greenery. Banquettes, chairs with arms, and stools are seating options. Tables are a good height for wheelchair users and there’s live music and DJs. The outdoor terrace is accessible too and has great views over the market. Accessible toilets are on both levels and the nearest accessible platform super stops are on Elizabeth Street.

Lumen People  

Indulge in sardines on sourdough with tea-soaked currants and hazelnuts. A braised leek toasted sandwich. Or a chocolate and cinnamon croissant pudding. Lumen People is a day-to-night venue honouring the growers, producers and makers behind its seasonal menu. You can also enjoy beer, wine and a selection of classic cocktails.

A ramp leads you into the welcoming space with Scandi-like minimal decor. It’s cosy and has room to move around. The day's pastries are on display in a glass case on the low countertop. Linger on the built-in long bench seating which runs along one wall with low tables and chairs. Or sit on stools at the high counter. There’s outdoor seating and tables too. A linen-curtained hallway leads to the accessible toilet. Tucked away on Victoria Street, the nearest accessible platform super stops are not too far away on Peel Street.

Tram Cafe

Ding, ding, all aboard the Tram Cafe! While it doesn’t travel anywhere, you can still ring its bell. This unique cafe is part of the William Angliss culinary and hospitality school. The space provides opportunities for students to gain new skills. Dine-in and takeaway coffee and student-made baked goods are on offer. You’re in luck if you visit on the day of a chocolate-making class.

Built inside a restored and refurbished 1930s tram, it sits in the school’s courtyard. A ramp or stairs lead to the elevated area into the tram’s step-free wide doorway. Sit at one of the height-adjustable stools with views onto La Trobe Street. Or slide into a booth-style table. There are power points and USB outlets at each one.

You can order drinks and treats from the window and sit outside at bench seats and long tables too. Big umbrellas offer protection on sunny days. Accessible toilets are just down the ramp in the Building C foyer. Nearby, you’ll find accessible public transport options at Flagstaff Station and platform super stops at Spencer Street.

Australian Music Vault

Come and see the real thing at the Australian Music Vault, a free exhibition celebrating the story of Australian music. Enjoy interactive and digital experiences and explore iconic objects, from Nick Cave’s notebook to one of Kylie Minogue’s outfits. There are guitars, boomboxes and radio consoles alongside items from Baker Boy, Olivia Newton-John and Archie Roach.

A living cultural history, you are transported to different eras of the vibrant Australian music scene. Enter The Amplifier via a glass sliding door and feel the excitement of a live Countdown show or the energy of Melbourne’s massive SLAM Rally. The space is great for wheelchair users and if it’s too bright or noisy, you can watch through the door.

Nestled in the Arts Centre Melbourne, entry is via the open brass doors. Low-height screens with headphones and stools feature archival footage, interviews and video content. The Mixtape vending machines are not wheelchair accessible, however a staff member can assist with their operation. There is lots of room in all the areas and the digital label touch screens are easy to use. Accessible toilets are on the other side of the exhibition space. Located on the same stretch of road as AC/DC’s iconic 1976 music video of ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’, accessible platform super stops are on St Kilda Road.

Minotaur Entertainment

Looking for Batman or Power Girls comics? How about Doctor Who DVDs? Star Wars or Harry Potter figurines, anyone? Minotaur Entertainment, Melbourne's legendary pop culture destination, has all this and much more. Catering to fans of science fiction, movies, television, anime and manga, it stocks a vast array of products. Think books, collectibles, and merchandise.

Catering to pop culture fans since the late 1970s, this superstore is on two levels. Entering through the wide doorway, you’ll see floor to almost ceiling shelves full of goodies. A lift or the large staircase takes you down to the lower level where there is even more to explore. The wide aisles and glass cases make it easy to choose between Dungeons & Dragons or Elder Scrolls items. Ideally located between accessible platform super stops on Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, it’s a must-visit pop culture haven.

Gothic Bank Museum  

While the thought of visiting a banking museum sounds a little dull, you’ve never seen anything quite like this one. Housed in the most magnificent building, the items on display at the Gothic Bank Museum are fascinating. If you can stop looking up at the ornate ceiling, or down at the exquisitely crafted mosaic tile floor, that is. Celebrating Australia’s rich banking history, there are old ATMs and fun piggy banks. There’s even a replica Dalek, the alien from the Doctor Who TV series, once used in an advertising campaign.

Recently restored, this masterpiece of Gothic-style architecture is one of Melbourne’s most important heritage buildings. A flat, paved laneway from Queen Street leads to the Queen and Collins building’s courtyard and the bank’s auto-door entrance. There is also a stair entry from Collins Street. There's lots of room, but the plush carpeted area may hinder easy rolling for some wheelchair users. Seating options are available throughout, and accessible toilets are via a lift on the first floor of the Queen & Collins building. Accessible platform super stops are on Collins Street and Bourke Street.

O’Brien Icehouse

One of Melbourne’s coolest attractions, O’Brien Icehouse is a world-class ice sports and skating rink. Catering to all ages and skill levels, it offers activities such as public skating, ice hockey, figure and speed skating, and curling. Maintained at a frosty 16 degrees, visitors can warm up at the Igloo Cafe with a hot drink and snack. Or watch everyone skate by from the comfort of the St Moritz bar.

New to skating? Take an ice-skating lesson. Or use a skating aid including plastic seals that can be pushed, used for support and as a chair. Skates are available to hire in all sizes as is protective gear like helmets. Wheelchair users are welcome to go for a spin, but they’ll need someone to push them around the ice. Entry is via ramp or stairs through glass auto-doors. There are accessible toilets on the ground floor and level one, accessible via lift. Located in Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, the closest accessible platform super stops are on Docklands Drive. There are also accessible parking spots at The District Docklands car park.

Museum of Chinese Australian History

Part of Australia’s multicultural society since the 1850s, the Museum of Chinese Australian History presents the extensive story of the Chinese community in Australia. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions and heritage of Chinese Australians. From gold rush-era artefacts to contemporary cultural displays, the museum provides an immersive and educational journey through over 200 years of Chinese Australian history.

Located in the heart of Chinatown, large stone guardian lions greet you at the entry. Double doors open to the Dragon Gallery where Melbourne's processional dragons are housed. You can follow the body of the dragon down the ramp to the basement level, however it’s quite steep. Access to all other levels is via lift or stairs. Accessible toilets are on the first floor. The Finding Gold exhibition on the lower ground floor can only be accessed via the steep ramp or stairs and does not have much circulation space. You’ll find the closest accessible super stops on Bourke Street.

Curious at W Melbourne

Get lost in the fantasy of Curious. Located underground as part of the W Melbourne, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. The sophisticated yet playful space creates a sense of wonder with its cocoon-like design. Timber beams, low lighting and plush furnishings add to its warm and inviting elegance. Creative cocktails include hibiscus tea-infused gin with lemon. Elderflower liqueur with lychee and lime. And rum with bitter orange marmalade. Small bites, DJs, and exceptional service enhance the experience too.

Entering via the hotel lobby, a colourful peeled-back wall reveals the lower-ground bar’s entrance. You can get there via the stairs or lift. The luxe seating includes velvet booths, chairs, and low and high stools. There’s lots of room and a long hallway leads to the accessible toilet. Accessible platform super stops are conveniently nearby on Flinders Street and Collins Street.

Science Gallery Melbourne

Mix a dose of science, with a dash of art, and a pinch of innovation and you get Science Gallery Melbourne. This is where art and science meet. A unique cultural space, it aims to inspire curiosity and critical thinking through the fusion of art and science. Part of Melbourne University, it’s designed to engage young people in the creative industries and science.

The experience begins before even entering this ingenious laboratory. Look at the facade and see the digital bricks display. Entering through the auto sliding doors, pause in wonder at the light-filled space. Enjoy ever-changing interactive exhibits, thought-provoking installations, and collaborative events.

The split-level space is welcoming and accessible to all. Levels can be accessed via stairs, ramps or lift. Wheelchairs are available from the front desk. Earplugs and sensory maps are there too. All artwork labels come with a large font option. The website has an audio-described venue map, social scripts and a visual storytelling guide to help you prepare for your visit. Accessible toilets are on two levels and there’s seating throughout. Accessible platform super stops are nearby on Swanston Street.

Plan your visit

Plan your visit to Melbourne with the Changing Places map. It outlines locations, opening hours, and other details. You can find more information on accessibility on the Accessing Melbourne webpage.

Information correct at time of writing – always check ahead with the venue to make sure they can accommodate your individual access needs.

Written and researched by an Access Consultant with lived experience of disability.