BEST SHOPPING IN SYDNEY FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS & PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

I love shopping, but I have to say when I’m out and about with BJ I do find some shopping centres are better than others for access and facilities. Given Christmas is the busiest time of the year in stores, I thought I’d put together a list of the best shopping centres in Sydney. It’s been a mammoth job to contact them all and find out what they offer and I’ve no doubt missed some (please tell me if I have) but here’s the list so far.

The centres below have been chosen because they offer specific facilities for wheelchair users or visitors with a mobility restriction. Some offer all day free parking if you register your parking permit, one has an adult size change table with hoist, many have complimentary mobility scooters and others offer Sensory Santa experiences. I’ve also included the car park height restrictions so if you fancy trying a new shopping centre you’ll have all the details you’ll need.

I hope this list helps locals and visitors to Sydney have a better shopping experience. And don’t forget to go armed with my Ultimate Gift Guide for people with special needs. 

SOCIAL STORY FOR SANTA VISITS

I’m thrilled to see Westfield producting a Sensory Santa social story to help with preparation for a visit to Santa – you can download your copy here.

BEST SHOPPING IN SYDNEY FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS & PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY.

WESTFIELD CITY

If you are visiting Sydney, or a local having a day in the city, Westfield Sydney has a great range of local and international stores and a multitude of food outlets to choose from for a snack or meal.

EQUIPMENT TO LOAN

Westfield Sydney has motorised scooters and wheelchairs to use in the centre.

For complimentary use of a mobility scooter, you need proof of identification, which should be either a valid passport, driver’s license or proof of age card. You’ll then be asked to fill out a hire agreement form and you’ll be ready to shop.

Visit the Conceirge desks on Level 2 or Level 6 to collect your pram, wheelchair or scooter. All vehicles are subject to availability.

You can contact Westfield to make an enquiry in advance via email westfieldsydneyreception@scentregroup.com or phone – 0282369201

ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS

Adult change table & HOIST

The only adult change table with hoist in the centre of the city is at Westfield Sydney (there is another at the ICC at Darling Harbour). The adult change table and hoist is remote controlled and height adjustable, with adjustable neck support and has a weight capacity of 200kgs.

The facility is located in the accessible bathroom facility located on level 2, near the GAP store. You can enter the Westfield Sydney from Pitt Street Mall or Westfield Sydney Valet from 135 King Street.

FREE WI-FI

Westfield Sydney offers visitors up to 3 hours or 1GB of free data every day.

BROADWAY SYDNEY

This shopping centre is popular with university students and inner-city families.

EQUIPMENT

Broadway Sydney shoppers are able to borrow a motorised power scooter or wheelchair to use for their visit. Calling ahead is advisable to reserve your equipment. Proof of identification such as a driver’s license is required. If you are spontaneously shopping and want to borrow equipment (subject to availability) head to the Customer Service desk on level 1.

PARKING

Parking height restriction is 1.95m throughout.

If you have an accessible parking permit you are offered unlimited parking at Broadway. You need to take a photo of both sides of your parking permit and visit the Customer Service desk on level 1 to obtain an exit pass.

SENSITIVE SANTA

Sensitive Santa is an opportunity for families with special needs to have a photo with Santa in a sensory friendly environment. Sensitive Santa sessions are in 15 minute blocks, to allow children with special needs to experience Santa and have their photo taken.

Online bookings are essential and sessions book out quickly. Book online here to secure a time that’s convenient for you and your family. No walk-ins permitted. The booked time slot means no need to wait in a queue, families can their time to enjoy their moment with Santa.

WIFI

Broadway Sydney offers free WIFI access for 3 hours or 1GB each day.

You can read more about Broadway Sydney’s facilities on their website

WESTFIELD BONDI JUNCTION

EQUIPMENT TO LOAN

Westfield Bondi Junction has power scooters and wheelchairs available to loan for shopping in the centre. If you’d like to do so, head to Level 3 to the Concierge Desk.

Handsfree Shopping

How I would have loved Handsfree Shopping when BJ was younger and I was juggling the Christmas shopping and pushing his wheelchair. I used to need to do multiple trips to the car or simply give up once I couldn’t carry any more parcels.

Bondi’s Handsfree Shopping Service takes the strain away whilst you continue shopping, dining or catching up with friends. You don’t have to carry your shopping with you – they’ll  take care of it for you!

To use this exclusive service:

1. Cost is $20, no matter how many bags you have.
2. When you make a purchase, let the retailer know to log your shopping with our Handsfree Shopping Service
3. Whilst you continue to shop, the Service Team will collect your shopping and deliver it to the Valet Lounge. If you prefer, you can contact 8892 5201 or 8895 5228 and they will collect your shopping from your location.
4. On arrival to Valet, let the friendly staff know you have used the service and they will do the rest.

The Valet Lounge is located on Level 4 carpark, entry via Campbell Street.

*Supermarkets not included.

PARKING

Car park height restriction is 2 metres.

Westfield Bondi Junction has ticketless parking. The centre offers 2 hours free parking to all visitors. For shoppers who have an accessible parking permit an additional 2 hours free parking is available upon validation. Take a photo of both sides of your parking permit and present it to Concierge. If you register for Ticketless Parking, you can apply your Mobility Parking Permit to your registration and you only have to visit Concierge once.

WIFI

Shoppers can use 3 hours, or 1GB of data for free while visiting Westfield Bondi Junction.

SENSITIVE SANTA

Sensitive Santa will provide children with special needs an opportunity to meet Santa in a private and comfortable sensory-friendly environment. I’m so impressed to see Westfield going that extra mile and providing a social story about meeting Santa. You can see it here

For bookings, please email your contact details to bondijunction@scentregroup.com.

You can read more about the facilities at Westfield Bondi Junction on their website.

WESTFIELD EASTGARDENS

EQUIPMENT

Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are offered for 2 hours as a complimentary service. These are available from the Concierge on level 1 with red level the best place for parking to access these. Bookings are recommended and you may do that by phoning 83479371.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction is 2.1 metres.

The centre offers free all day parking for all shoppers.

SENSORY SANTA 

Sensitive Santa will provide children with special needs an opportunity to meet Santa in a comfortable, sensory-friendly environment. The Sensitive Santa sessions will be run before the centre opens for trade to ensure a calm, quiet atmosphere with extra attention from Santa’s Helpers. Bookings available at the following times:

I’m so impressed to see Westfield going that extra mile and providing a social story about meeting Santa. You can see it here.

Bookings are essentials so please call today Customer Service on 02 9344 6766 to reserve your place.

You can read more about Eastgardens’ facilities on their website. 

WESTFIELD MIRANDA

EQUIPMENT

Westfielld Miranda offer shoppers complimentary use of mobility scooters and wheelchairs but during the busy Christmas period they are limiting this use to a maximum of 3 hours. These can be borrowed from the Concierge desks on level 1 and level 2. Bookings are recommended so phone – 02 9525 6344.

HANDSFREE SHOPPING

Miranda’s Handsfree Shopping Service is here to help. When you make a purchase, let the retailer know to log your shopping with the Handsfree Shopping Service. Whilst you continue to shop, the Service Team will collect your shopping and deliver it to the Valet Lounge.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction 2.1 metres.

Shoppers with an accessible parking permit can receive all day free parking at Miranda. Guests need to take a photo of both sides of their mobility parking permit AND number plate details to one of the Concierge desks on either level 1 or level 2 to register for free parking.

WIFI

Westfield Miranda offers 3 hours free WIFI or 1GB.

You can read more about Westfield Miranda’s facilities here.

SENSITIVE SANTA

We’re offering a Sensitive Santa experience so that families can visit our Christmas wonderland and have their photo taken in a relaxed environment, tailored to children with sensory challenges.

These calm and comfortable photography sessions are run before stores open, when the centre is quieter, to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly Santa experience.

With a booked time slot and no need to wait in a queue, families can take their time to enjoy their moment with Santa.

During your session, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help make your experience easier and we will accommodate any special requests as best we can.

WARRINGAH MALL

EQUIPMENT

Warringah Mall offers complimentary use of mobility scooters and wheelchairs but booking is recommended. You can make a booking by phoning 99050633.

PARKING

The car park height restrictions vary at Warringah Mall. They are as follows –

Blue & Yellow car parks have a height restriction of 1.93 metres

Red & Purple car parks have a height restriction of 4.3 metres.

Aqua has a height restriction of 2.45 metres.

Orange & Green have a height restriction of 2.1 metres.

Pink has a height restriction of 4.3 metres.

Guests with a mobility parking permit can take a photo of both sides of the permit and present it to Warringah Mall’s Concierge to register for all day free parking. There are two concierge desks where this can be done. On the ground level near Target and on level 1 near Big W.

SENSITIVE SANTA

We’re offering a Sensitive Santa experience so that families can visit our Christmas wonderland and have their photo taken in a relaxed environment, tailored to children with sensory challenges.

These calm and comfortable photography sessions are run before stores open, when the centre is quieter, to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly Santa experience.

With a booked time slot and no need to wait in a queue, families can take their time to enjoy their moment with Santa.

During your session, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help make your experience easier and we will accommodate any special requests as best we can.

Bookings available online here.

WIFI

Warringah Mall offers 3 hours of free WIFI or 1GB daily.

You can read more about the facilities on offer at Warringah Mall on their website.

BIRKENHEAD POINT – OUTLET CENTRE

Birkenhead Point is popular for its discount shopping and waterside location.

EQUIPMENT TO LOAN

Wheelchairs are available to use while shopping at Birkenhead Point.

PARKING

Car Park height restriction is 2.1m.

Customer service has advised me, shoppers displaying their parking permit can receive unlimited free parking. On exiting the car park, ensure your parking permit is displayed, press help button and quote number on parking permit for free parking.

WIFI

Birkenhead Point offers 3 hours WIFI free, or 1GB of free data daily.

SENSORY SANTA

You can read more about shopping at Birkenhead Point’s facilities on their website.

TOP RYDE CITY SHOPPING CENTRE

EQUIPMENT

Top Ryde has 3 scooters and 2 wheelchairs available for shoppers to use. Customer Service recommend you phone to reserve them, particularly for Thursday nights and Saturdays. Phone 98088816

MOBILE PHONE CHARGING STATIONS

Mobile Phone charging stations are located on the Ground Floor opposite Review and on LG1 in the amenities corridor.

PARKING

Car park height restriction is 2.1 metre.

Top Ryde offers 3 hours free parking for all shoppers. Holders of a valid accessible parking permit may extend this by visiting the customer service desk with your parking permit (a photo of the permit is not accepted). Once you are registered with the customer service desk on future visits you only need taking your parking ticket to the desk to have the extra hours validated. You can read more about Top Ryde City’s facilities on their website. 

SENSITIVE SANTA

The centre is very excited to share that Sensitive Santa photos will be offered this year. Families with children with special needs are invited to a sensory-friendly visit with Top Ryde City’s famous Santa. This inclusive program invites families to meet Santa one-on-one with low background noise, sensory considerations and without the queues. Bookings are required and limited – click here to reserve your spot.

CHATSWOOD CHASE

EQUIPMENT

Complimentary scooters and wheelchairs are available to loan from the valet parking area of the shopping centre.

PARKING

Car park height restrictions 2.05 metres.

For shoppers who have an accessible parking permit, take a photo of both sides of your parking permit and present it to Concierge for all day free parking.

WIFI

Free WIFI is available.

You can read more about Chatswood Chase’s facilities on their website.

WESTFIELD CHATSWOOD

EQUIPMENT

Complimentary mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to loan from Concierge on level 3 or 4.

PHONE CHARGERS

If you find yourself with a flat battery while shopping. You can charge your mobile device while you shop by hiring one of their complimentary portable phone chargers from concierge.

Hire one from either of the Concierge Desks located on Level 3 (near Nandos) and Level 4 (near Myer).

PARKING

Car park height restriction is 2 metres.

Westfield Chatswood has ticketless parking. For shoppers who have an accessible parking permit, take a photo of both sides of your parking permit and present it to Concierge. If you register for Ticketless Parking, you can apply your Mobility Parking Permit to your registration and you only have to visit Concierge once. From then on the ticketless parking sensors will recognise your car registration and parking permit.

WIFI

Westfield Chatswood offers 3 hours free WIFI use or 1GB of data daily.

SENSITIVE SANTA

Sensitive Santa photography provides children with special needs an opportunity to meet Santa in a private and comfortable, sensory-friendly environment.

All 10 minute sessions are conducted outside of normal centre hours on selected Saturday mornings, giving children that are sensitive to crowds and loud noise the opportunity to meet Santa!

Bookings essential, please call our concierge team on (02) 9412 1555 to book.

You can read more about Westfield Chatswood’s facilities on their website.

WESTFIELD HORNSBY 

EQUIPMENT

Westfield Hornsby offers complimentary use of power scooters and wheelchairs for 3 hours but this can be extended depending on bookings. Bookings are recommended and can be made on 94775111.

CUSTOMER SERVICE SUITE

PARKING

Car parking height restrictions vary depending on where you park.

Albert Street car park is 2.1 metres.

Burdett Street car park is 2 metres.

If you are using the complimentary mobility scooters or wheelchairs the best area to park is Level 1 West which is in the Albert Street car park. If there are no disabled spaces available you are permitted to park in the 5 minute bays when hiring the scooters.

Please contact the customer service on 94775111 if you have any further questions.

SENSITIVE SANTA

Sensitive Santa will provide children with special needs an opportunity to meet Santa in a private, comfortable, sensory-friendly environment.
We welcome all children with special needs to visit our Sensitive Santa

For more information or to make a booking please call our concierge team on (02) 9477 5111

WIFI

Westfield Hornsby offers 3 hours free WIFI or 1GB.

You can read more about Westfield Hornsby’s facilities on their website. 

MACQUARIE CENTRE RYDE

We love Macquarie Centre because the majority of the centre can be accessed via gentle ramps rather than waiting on lifts to get between levels.

EQUIPMENT TO LOAN

Macquarie Centre’s Shop Mobility service offers shoppers complimentary use of wheelchairs, motorised scooters and prams. Disabled parking and a passenger set down can be accessed from the Herring Road express ramp.

To book Shop Mobility equipment call Centre Concierge Team on (02) 9887 0820.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction 2.07 metres

Customers with an authorised disabled parking permit are eligible to park free all day.

You must visit the Centre Concierge Team to register for the free parking on your first visit. Take a photo of both sides of your parking permit and see the Centre Concierge Team.

SENSITIVE SANTA

It looks like Macquarie Centre only offer Sensitive Santa photography bookings.

Bookings essential online here.

WIFI

Free WIFI is available.

You can read more about Macquarie Centre’s facilities on their website.

DFO OUTLET SHOPPING

EQUIPMENT

Wheelchairs are complimentary for shoppers visiting the centre. Bookings can be made by calling 97489800.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction is 2.1 metres. If you have a vehicle which exceeds this height, outdoor parking may be arranged (depending on bookings) by phoning 97489800.

Shoppers with a mobility parking permit can park all day for free at DFO by presenting a photo of both sides of their valid mobility parking permit to the Customer service desk.

WIFI

Free WIFI is available.

For more information about DFO’s facilities take a look at their website.

RHODES WATERSIDE

EQUIPMENT

Rhodes offers complimentary use of mobility scooters and wheelchairs without a time restriction. Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling the Customer Service Desk on 87541111.

PARKING

Rhodes offer seniors or those with a mobility parking permit free parking. You need to take proof in the form of your seniors card or parking permit to the Customer Service Desk on Level 2 and a ticket will be issued and be valid for 6 months.

WIFI

3 hours free WIFI or 1GB of data is free daily.

You can read more about the facilities at Rhodes Waterside on their website.

CASTLE TOWERS

EQUIPMENT

At Castle Towers the Customer Service Desk can assist you with a complimentary motorised scooter and wheelchair.

Bookings are advisable and can be made up to two weeks in advance by phone. Upon arrival at the Centre, visit the Customer Service Desk and provide proof of identity to collect your scooter or wheelchair. If you require assistance with an escort to or from your car please contact our staff to arrange. Customer Service: 02 8858 9718.

Hire equipment is available on Monday to Wednesday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday from 9.00am to 8.30pm, Saturday from 9.00am to 4.30pm and Sunday from 10.00am to 4.30pm.

PARKING

Car park height restriction is 2.1 metres.

All shoppers receive 3 hours free parking and Customers who have a valid disability parking permit will also receive free parking. Please see our Customer Service Team, located on Level 3, opposite House of Fraser Jewellers during trade hours to complete your registration.

WIFI

Free WIFI is available.

SENSORY SANTA

Sensory Santa Photos

Castle Towers will be hosting Sensory Santa photography sessions, giving families with special needs the opportunity to have Santa photos in a sensory-friendly environment.

Meet Santa in a calm and safe environment, and capture a moment to cherish forever.

Bookings are essential, please email marketing@castletowers.com.au

You can read more about Castle Tower’s facilities on their website. 

WESTFIELD PARRAMATTA

EQUIPMENT

Complimentary power scooters and wheelchairs are available from Concierge on Level 2 or 4 for use in the centre.

PARKING

The car park height restrictions vary throughout the shopping centre.

2.4 metres Woolies ramp Campbell Street.

2.0 metres Coles parking.

1.98 metres in all other car parks.

Customers with an authorised disabled parking permit are eligible to park free all day.

You must visit the Centre Concierge Team to register for the free parking on your first visit. Take a photo of both sides of your parking permit and see the Centre Concierge Team.

Handsfree Shopping

Westfield’s Handsfree Shopping Service takes the strain away whilst you continue shopping, dining or catching up with friends. You don’t have to carry your shopping with you.

Handsfree shopping has various fees according to how much you shop 1 – 5 shopping bags $10
6 – 10 shopping bags $20
Unlimited handsfree service $30

When you make a purchase, let the retailer know to log your shopping with the Handsfree Shopping Service.

Whilst you continue to shop, the Service Team will collect your shopping and deliver it to the Valet Lounge. If you prefer, you can contact 8892 5201 or 8895 5228 and they will collect your shopping from your location.

On arrival to Valet, let the friendly staff know you have used the service and they will do the rest.

The Valet Lounge is located on Level 4 carpark, entry via Campbell Street.

*Supermarkets not included.

WIFI

Westfield Parramatta offer 3 hours free WIFI or 1GB of data per day.

SENSITIVE SANTA

We’re offering a Sensitive Santa experience so that families can visit our Christmas wonderland and have their photo taken in a relaxed environment, tailored to children with sensory challenges.

These calm and comfortable photography sessions are run before stores open, when the centre is quieter, to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly Santa experience.

You can read more about the facilities available at Westfield Parramatta on their website.

WINSTON HILLS 

EQUIPMENT

Several electric scooters, wheelchairs & walkers are available for use, free of charge whilst shopping at Winston Hills Mall. Bookings are recommended and can be made at Centre Management Office, located near Terry White Chemist, telephone 9838 7822 for bookings.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction 2.14m for the undercover parking. There’s also open air parking available for buses and vans.

All shoppers receive 3 hours free parking but guests with  a mobility restriction can visit the customer service desk to have this extended.

You can read more about the facilities at Winston Hills Mall on their website.

WESTPOINT BLACKTOWN

EQUIPMENT

Westpoint Blacktown offers complimentary use of mobility scooters and wheelchairs for up to 3 hours. Email customerservice@westpoint.com.au or phone (02) 88252400 to reserve your equipment.

PARKING

Parking height restriction is 1.9m. Rooftop parking is unlimited and apparently you can access the roof without going through other parking areas.

Westpoint Blacktown offers 3 hours free parking for all visitors.  Accessible parking permit holders can get an extra hour validated parking on presentation of a photo of your permit. Go to Customer Service Desk on Level 3 near Myer to get validation.

WIFI

Free WIFI is available.

SENSORY SANTA

Sessions were held in November at Westpoint Blacktown.

ROUSE HILL TOWN CENTRE

Rouse Hill Village is mostly an open-air mall so not great for wheelchair users in the rain but great on a lovely day.

EQUIPMENT

Rouse Hill offers complimentary use of wheelchairs and motorised scooters for shoppers with a mobility restriction. Contact customer service for more information 9421 2300.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction for the undercover parking is 2.25 metres.

Free all day parking is available to shoppers with a valid accessible parking permit. A photo of the front and back of the parking permit needs to be presented to the Customer Service team who can be found in Library Lane. They will the provide an exit pass. 

WIFI

90 minutes free WIFI is available to visitors.

SENSITIVE SANTA

It looks like all available slots are taken but I’d be inclined to contact the centre so they know there is further demand.

You can read more about Rouse Hill Town Centre’s facilities on their website.

ROSELANDS

EQUIPMENT

Wheelchairs are available for free hire, however bookings are recommended on 9784 5400. All major entry and exits into Roselands have Disabled Parking Spaces allocated.

PARKING

Car parking height restriction is 2 metres. There is some open-air parking.

Free parking.

WIFI

Free WIFI is available.

SENSITIVE SANTA

Santa will be hosting a quiet Santa session for kids with disabilities at Santa in Santa’s Workshop on level 1, next to Centre Jewellers on

Sunday 8 December between 9.00am – 10.00am.

Bookings are essential. There will be 10 minute slots per family.

To book, please send through your full name along with your preferred 10 min time slot to Roselands.Reception@vicinity.com.au

You will receive a confirmation email within 2 business days of sending the email.

You can read more about Roselands’ facilities on their website.

WESTFIELD PENRITH

EQUIPMENT

Westfield Penrith offers shoppers the complimentary use of mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Bookings are recommended by ringing customer service on 47214354. You can also advise where you’d like to pick up the scooter or wheelchair with the two choices being on level 1 either at the Concierge desk near Myer or in the new area of the shopping centre at the Concierge desk near JB HI FI.

PARKING

Car park height restriction is 2.2 metres.

Westfield Penrith has ticketless parking. On your first visit to Penrith you need to register your parking permit (must be actual permit – photo not accepted) and the vehicle’s number plate. This will give a person with an accessible parking permit all day free parking.

WIFI

Westfield offers 3 hours free or 1GB daily.

SENSITIVE SANTA

Sensitive Santa will provide children with special needs an opportunity to meet Santa in a comfortable, sensory-friendly environment. The sessions will allow for each family to have 10 minutes with Santa, and will be run before and after the centre opens for trade to ensure a calm, quiet atmosphere with extra attention from Santa’s Helpers. Bookings are available at the following times:

Sensory Santa sessions finished in November.

Note: Bookings are essential.

Please call Concierge on 02 4721 4354 to reserve your spot.

You can read more about Westfield Penrith’s facilities on their website.

YOUR SHOPPING CENTRE NOT LISTED?

If your shopping centre is not listed here, take a look on the Sensory Souls website here. 

Please note, for much of this information I was reliant on customer service staff so I’m hoping they know their stuff.

If you know of a shopping centre or mall which offers extra services for shoppers who are wheelchair users or with mobility restrictions, I’d love to hear about it. Pop your hot tip in comments below.