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Lightscape Accessibility 

Guide for accessibility at Lightscape. 

Wheelchair Accessibility

The trail is designed so that it can be navigated on paths. There are some paths that have steep gradients , and audience members may benefit from their assistance. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has a limited number of manual wheelchairs that can be loaned, free of charge. 

A small number of wheelchairs are available to book by clicking here.

If the weather conditions prohibit the trail from being fully accessible for those needing mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.), consideration will be made on a case-by case  basis to allow for tickets to be transferred to alternate dates. 

Accessible Parking and Drop Off

Accessible parking is available on Birdwood Avenue, close to the Lightscape entrance at Observatory Gate. Please view the Melbourne Gardens Map for exact locations by clicking here. Please note that there is one entrance for Lightscape 2025 at Observatory Gate, you will exit at Oak Lawn Gate approximately 200m from the entrance.

Companion Cards

Holders of a government issued companion card can access a free ticket for their companion. Proof of eligibility will be required upon entry. Please book these tickets using the booking process. 

Relaxed Sessions

Relaxed sessions are for anyone who would benefit from experiencing the event in a more relaxed environment. This can include, but is not limited to, people with autism, sensory sensitivities, Tourette's syndrome, learning disabilities or dementia, as well as people living with mobility challenges, anxiety or people who have experienced trauma. 

Relaxed sessions are scheduled for: 

  • Wednesday 9 July at 5.15pm
  • Wednesday 23 July at 5.30pm

In a relaxed session: 

The capacity of the event has been considerably reduced. 
You can leave the route at any time and request assistance to be guided to a designated quiet area. 

  • You are welcome to bring in, and use, stimming devices.
  • Pre-show resources, such as a Visual Story, are also available to help you prepare for your visit. 

Please note:

  • There will be bright, flashing, flickering and patterned effects, but no strobe lighting.
  • Some lighting features may include lasers.
  • There is an accompanying soundscape, although there are no surprising or loud noises. 

If you are interested in attending and would like to receive more information and a link to book, please email lightscape@rbg.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Lightscape Relaxed Sessions’. 

You can also book via Ticketek’s Accessible Booking Form.

Visual Story 

A visual story will be available to help you better plan your journey to Lightscape. If you would like to receive a copy, please email lightscape@rbg.vic.gov.au.

Traveller’s Aid 

Traveller’s Aid is a free service in Melbourne that assists people with diverse needs to travel across the Victorian public transport system, access events and participate in their community.

Traveller’s Aid volunteers will be on hand at Lightscape for accessibility assistance for select dates and times. On the below dates, volunteers will be offering their free companion service as well as motorized wheelchairs. Volunteers are available to assist 
in pushing your wheelchair around the Lightscape route (which can contain some inclines), assist in operating a motorized wheelchair or simply accompany you around the trail. This service will be available for the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday 9 July until 8pm
  • Wednesday 23 July until 8pm

No bookings required, walk-ups welcome. Traveller’s Aid volunteers will be stationed outside the Visitor Centre/Shop, close to the Lightscape entrance at Observatory Gate, and at the Terrace Café at the Lightscape trail halfway point.

If you would like more information about this, please email lightscape@rbg.vic.gov.au.

Visual Stimuli

Some lighting sequences will include flashing, flickering, and patterned effects;however, there will be no strobe lighting. There are dynamic flashes of white light and fast colour changes. Some lighting features may include lasers. Smoke and haze effects may be used in some areas of the trail. Real fire is also used in some areas of the trail. 

Auditory Stimuli 

There is a curated soundscape that accompanies the installations along the Lightscape route. The soundscape may include loud music, repetitive, and unexpected sounds. For more information on the Lightscape soundtrack, please email lightscape@rbg.vic.gov.au.

Still have questions? 

If you have particular access requirements or would like more information about access at Lightscape please call (03) 9252 2300 or email lightscape@rbg.vic.gov.au.