If the vibrant city of Adelaide has been on your bucket list for a while, there’s no better time to visit than now! Not only is it home to stunning coastline, inviting wine and hills regions, and a jam-packed arts and culture calendar, it is also leading the way in access and inclusion. Enter the U City building!
In 2019, the City of Adelaide endorsed its Access and Inclusion Plan, making clear its commitment to making the city a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. Uniting Communities’ U City building is playing a big role in supporting this, offering brand-new purpose-built accommodation right in the heart of the city. The 20-storey building has been designed with a focus on supporting people living with disability, offering a range of features including hotel-style accommodation.
U City’s 18 accessible serviced apartments are all about choice, supporting guests with accommodation to suit their needs and maximise independence – all in a fantastic location that’s close to public transport, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
Features include the latest state-of-the-art assistive technology, allowing guests to control lights, blinds, air-conditioning and doors, and to contact Concierge from wherever they are in the apartment. Built-in cameras allow guests to see visitors at the entrance and remotely grant them access to the building.
Within the apartments is a range of purpose-built features such as wheel-under hot plates and kitchen sink, motorised doors and blinds, lifter tracks and functional beds, height-adjustable en suite basins and kitchen benches, wide doors and passages, and step-free thresholds and shower cubicles. Each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are fitted with different accessible features designed for low, medium and high physical support, so guests can select the one most suitable to their needs.
U City also offers specialist disability accommodation and a newly accredited Changing Places facility – a best-practice bathroom including a hoist and other customised features to provide dignified and purpose-built toileting and showering facilities, and the only 24/7 Changing Places in the Adelaide CBD.
So why make Adelaide part of your travel plans? Here’s just a hint of what’s on offer:
BREATHTAKING COASTLINE
Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches are popular year-round. Catch a tram direct from the city to Glenelg and you’ll find plenty of places to drink, dine and take in the vibrant atmosphere. For wheelchair access, head to Seacliff, Henley Beach, Largs Bay or Semaphore (Seacliff even features a Mobi-Chair Floating Beach Wheelchair!).
WINERIES FOR MILES
From McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa and Clare valleys, South Australia’s wineries are among the world’s best. Many are an enjoyable daytrip from Adelaide, with Penfolds’ renowned Magill Estate nestled in the eastern foothills. If you want to stay closer to town, visit the National Wine Centre on the city’s edge, providing a handy one-stop-shop for the best wines in the state.
HEAD FOR THE HILLS
The Adelaide Hills region is home to a range of accessible attractions within easy reach of the city. Stirling, Hahndorf and Blackwood all offer a quaint village vibe with bustling cafés and unique stores to explore. Get back to nature with a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park, with a step-free café and interpretive centre, paved pathways and accessible bathrooms. A little further up the freeway, Monarto Safari Park features ramps and railings, with wheelchair access for the thrilling Lions 360 experience.
EASY ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS SHOWS AND FESTIVALS
Adelaide’s arts and culture scene thrives throughout the year with Mad March, the Adelaide Cabaret, Sea and Vines, SALA (South Australian Living Artists) and OzAsia festivals – along with exciting programs from the State Theatre Company, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and State Opera. There truly is something for everyone, all within easy access of U City – and even closer once Her Majesty’s Theatre reopens just down the street.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PACKED WITH TOP EATERIES
Whether you like award-winning fine-dining or cosy brunch spots, Adelaide is alive with restaurants, pubs, bars and cafés. Head south from U City for the best of the Central Market – the largest fresh-produce market in the southern hemisphere – as well as Gouger Street and Chinatown, featuring delicacies from across the world. Head north and explore revitalised laneways between Currie and Hindley streets. In any direction, you’ll find something to satisfy your tastebuds.
SHOWCASE OF SPORTING TALENT
For keen footy or cricket fans, Adelaide Oval is easily accessed by tram or bus, or a 20-minute walk from U City. As well as hosting a range of international events each year, the oval is worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about one of Adelaide’s most iconic sites. From time to time, it also plays host to some of the world’s largest musical acts – Queen, U2, Adele and Ed Sheeran have all played there.
To experience all that Adelaide has to offer and make U City your base in the CBD, visit ucity.com.au or call 1800 247 365 to book your stay today.
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