Last week we visited Lightscape, a beautiful multi-sensory light and sound experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. We had such a lovely evening and found the event to be wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages. Although Lightscape was launched as part of Vivid Sydney, the event continues beyond Vivid’s dates. Lightscape runs until 16 July 2023 so it’s perfect for the upcoming school holidays, or for anyone who avoided the city due to the crowds when Vivid was in full flight. 
Lightscape – Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney – accessible Sydney
Of all the events we attended during Vivid, Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is the most suitable for the whole family, from Granny to toddler, all will be impressed. We found the experience to be incredibly calm with a combination of pretty lights, installations and music. There is definitely a wow factor to Lightscape.
LIghtscape highlights the natural beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens with a mixture of light installations and effects.
From beautiful illuminated flowers on the water to fire breathing dragons, there’s a variety that will keep you captivated as you meander along the paths through the gardens.
My favourite installation is the music and light show, The Sea of Light which blankets the expansive lawn in front of The Calyx and illuminates the building itself. It was so engaging and beautiful I watched it three times.
Lightscape – Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney – wheelchair access
Entry to Lightscape is via the Queen Elizabeth II Gate which you access from the Sydney Opera House forecourt. Guests then follow a one way paved accessible route throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens.
We visited on a Tuesday night and we found moving around was easy and uncrowded.
More than half of the LIghtscape route is along level, easy access pathway. Hubby found pushing Braeden in his manual wheelchair quite relaxing for the majority of the route. The final section is uphill and does require a bit more muscle power. If you’ve visited the Royal Botanic Gardens before you’ll know that there’s a steep incline from the café to The Calyx which is the route Lightscape takes.
Food stalls are available and ramp access is provided to make wheeling over the curb easier. Guests need to use the same ramp in and out of the food area.
Accessible unisex stand-alone toilets are provided.
The one way route ends at Macquarie Street not far from Circular Quay. If you wish to return to Circular Quay you can walk/wheel down hill to the Opera House. If you prefer to be closer to the ferry terminal, cross the road at the lights (near the exit of Lightscape) and walk a few metres south on Macquarie Street, there you’ll find a lift that takes you down to Circular Quay at the start of the ferry terminals.
On both occasions we visited the city we were able to park on Macquarie Street which was free when using our accessible parking permit.
We were guests of LIghtscape but had such a lovely time we have no hesitation in recommending it to our HWWT community. Keep in mind there is that one uphill section of the Royal Botanic Gardens that does require a bit more muscle power if you are in a manual wheelchair.
You can find out more about Lightscape and purchasing tickets on the Ticketek website. Companion Card is accepted.
The lights are so pretty.
They are beautiful Carol.