Sensory-Friendly Sydney: Quiet Places and Events for Neurodiverse Families
ASPECT AUSTRALIA - ASPECT AUTISM FRIENDLY
Photo supplied: Aspect Australia
At Aspect, we believe we can be more inclusive of all disabilities simply by becoming more aware of the different and diverse ways each of us engages with our world. This understanding allows us to make small adjustments that recognise and include those differences.
Aspect’s Autism Friendly team consults with various organisations, including airports, shopping centres, retailers, museums, art galleries, councils, sports, and stadiums. Guided by our Autism Friendly Framework and a 'working in partnership' model, we bring together Autistic and non-autistic perspectives to deliver practical, impactful solutions.
Our team consists of Autistic people who provide both their professional and lived experience perspectives on how organisations can be more accessible and inclusive of Autistic people and those with other hidden disabilities.
ART GALLERY OF NSW - ACCESS FRIENDLY
Photo supplied: AGNSW
At the Art Gallery of New South Wales, we want to share our collection, exhibitions and events and our passion for art.
Our range of access programs is aimed at engaging diverse audiences.
The following programs are available if booked at least two weeks in advance:
Auslan-interpreters
Tactile and Sensory Tours
Audio-described Tours
Intellectual Disability
Dementia
MORE INFO ABOUT THE ART GALLERY OF NSW’S ACCESS FRIENDLY PROGRAMS.
AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM - EARLY BIRDS: AUTISM AND SENSORY-FRIENDLY MORNINGS
Photo supplied: Australian Museum
Visit the Museum in a reduced sensory, relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Early Birds provides a reduced sensory, relaxed and supportive environment prior to the Museum opening to the public for the day. This can make visiting the Museum easier for autistic people and for those who have other access requirements, together with friends and families.
The Early Birds program is a proud winner of the 2024 NSW Premier's Award for driving diversity in the public sector.
Features:
A supportive environment with limited visitors prior to the Museum opening to the general public.
“Ask a Scientist” and interactive touch tables.
Lighting and sound will be adjusted for a low sensory experience within the rest of the Museum (these will return to daytime levels from 10am).
A designated quiet area for those needing to take a break.
A Visual Story with more details on what to expect.
Staff trained in autism awareness and disability.
Café open for an early morning beverage or snack.
WHO: All ages
WHEN: Selected Saturdays 8am - 10am. Early Birds events are scheduled to occur on Saturday mornings 8am – 10am, four times in a calendar year.
COST: Adult/child: $12. Children under 4 and members/companion card holders: Free.
NOTES: The museum supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
You are encouraged to bring and wear your sunflower lanyard if you have one, or pick one up for free on arrival to the museum
Staff who have had training to support visitors with Hidden Disabilities will also be wearing a sunflower badge or sticker.
MORE INFO REGARDING BOOKINGS & DATES HERE.
MORE INFO REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY AT AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM HERE.
AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM - NIGHT OWLS: AN AUTISM AND SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT OUT FOR ADULTS
Photo supplied: Australian Museum
Dress up and visit the Australian Museum after hours in a controlled sensory, relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Night Owls provides an exclusive, fun night out for those who prefer to visit the Museum in a controlled sensory, relaxed and supportive environment. With a curated program designed for an adult audience, Night Owls helps to make visiting the Museum easier for autistic people and for those who have other access requirements.
Program features:
A supportive environment with limited visitors after hours.
Lighting and sound will be adjusted for a controlled sensory experience with signposted activity times.
A designated quiet area for those needing to take a break.
A Visual Story with more details on what to expect.
Staff trained in autism awareness and disability.
Pop-up bar open for drinks and light snacks.
A silent disco plus activations in selected gallery spaces.
Games, talks and activities.
WHO: 16 years+
WHEN: The Museum closes to the general public at 5pm and will reopen at 6pm for the Night Owls event. The Museum closes for the Night Owls event at 9pm.
COST: Free, registration required (additional charge applies to major exhibition)
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM - SENSORY FRIENDLY DAYS
Photo supplied: Australian National Maritime Museum
Relax in a welcoming space designed for kids and adults with diverse sensory needs.
On Sensory-Friendly Days, our new exhibitions and activity areas open early or late for a quieter, more accessible experience, tailored for autistic visitors and those with diverse abilities. Our trained staff and volunteers will be available to support access and guide creative activities.
WHO: All ages
WHEN: Selected Sunday early access 8.30am – 11.30am and Tuesday after hours sessions.
COST: Adult/child: $12. Children under 4 and members/companion card holders: Free.
NOTES: The museum supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
You are encouraged to bring and wear your sunflower lanyard if you have one, or pick one up for free on arrival to the museum. Staff who have had training to support visitors with Hidden Disabilities will also be wearing a sunflower badge or sticker.
BUNNINGS AUSTRALIA - IN-STORE ACCESSIBILITY
Photo supplied: Bunnings Australia
At Bunnings, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all our customers. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to shop and navigate our stores with ease and dignity.
Our friendly team are available to assist customers who may require extra accessibility support.
We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the accessibility of our stores. Our goal is to create a shopping experience that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. We recently had some of our stores audited by Australian Disability Network, who Bunnings are members with, some great opportunities for us to now implement.
In addition to our physical stores, we are committed to making our online platforms accessible. We strive to ensure that our website and mobile applications are user-friendly and can be easily navigated by all customers.
We are proud of the progress we have made so far, but we know there is always more to be done. We will continue to work towards improving accessibility in our stores and online, ensuring that Bunnings remains a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
COLES - QUIET HOUR
Photo Supplied: Coles
Quiet Hour provides a low-sensory shopping experience for Coles customers by implementing small changes in store for a full 60 minutes, to improve accessibility for customers.
These changes such as reduced sound and or lighting are designed to help make a difference to customers who may find high sensory environments challenging and Coles is committed to meeting the diverse needs of the many customers and communities in which we operate in.
Coles is pleased to offer an expanded Quiet Hour experience, with most supermarkets nationally^ reducing sound Monday to Friday from 6:00pm to 7:00pm excluding Christmas Eve.
This expansion follows successful trials and feedback from customers and team members and is now available at a more convenient, accessible time to ensure Australians who prefer a low sensory environment feel comfortable during their grocery shop.
We care about the safety and the wellbeing of our team members and customers, during Quiet Hour, customers may notice the following changes in Coles supermarkets:
· Store lighting will be reduced* on a Tuesday in participating stores.
· Coles Radio may be turned down.
· Register and scanner volumes may be reduced to the lowest level.
· No PA announcements will be made except in the case of emergencies.
· Additional team members may be available to support customers.
Our team members are dedicated to supporting customers who may benefit from the Quiet Hour experience are always working to achieve good things together, with their communities.
*Lighting will be reduced in selected stores nationally on Tuesday’s from 10:30am to 11:30am. Please select your state to view if a store near you provides the Tuesday Quiet Hour offer.
^CBD and resort stores offer Quiet Hour Monday to Friday, from 10:30am to 11:30am in place of the evening offer.
EVENT CINEMAS - SENSORY SCREENINGS
Image supplied: Event Cinemas
We are proud to bring sensory-friendly screenings to families living with autism and other sensory needs at select locations.
Sensory-friendly screenings allow families to enjoy their favourite films in a safe and accepting environment.
Modified Lighting and Sound - The cinema lights are dimmed and the movie volume lowered for sensitive ears.
To be the first to know when tickets are on sale, sign up for free to Cinebuzz Rewards and follow Event Cinemas on Facebook.
*Online booking fee applies. Sensory screenings run at participating locations only.
HOYTS AUSTRALIA - SENSORY SCREENINGS
Photo supplied: Hoyts Australia
Watch family favourites in a sensory friendly cinema. The typical cinema environment can be stressful for guests with autism, sensory difficulties or learning impairments.
We offer sensory screenings once per month on a Saturday.
We’ll dim the lights and soften the volume so anyone with autism or sensory needs can feel safe in a calming and accepting environment.
At our sensory screenings, we:
Keep the house lights on throughout the movie.
Lower the audio volume.
Open the cinema doors early so guests have time to get used to the surroundings.
How to find Sensory Screening:
To find out about sensory screenings at your local cinema, select Sensory Screening from the Key & Filters section on the cinema movie showtimes page.
If no movies or session times are displayed, there may not be any sensory screenings for that selected week.
MORE INFO ABOUT HOYTS AUSTRALIA’S SENSORY SCREENINGS HERE.
MORE INFO ABOUT HOYTS AUSTRALIA’S ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS HERE.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA - SUNFLOWER SUNDAYS
Photo supplied: MCA
Join us for Autism-friendly events led by MCA artist educators.
We offer Autism-friendly programs including gallery openings and workshops for children and families, and adults and friends. Details and bookings will become available closer to the date.
MCA Autism-friendly programs are kindly supported by the JACE Foundation.
Program Features:
These programs have been developed in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia.
We recognise the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard.
Wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to people around you, including trained staff, that you may need additional support, time or understanding.
The scheme allows people to choose to be visible when they want to be.
There will be lanyards are available for free at these events upon request.
Find out more about the Sunflowers in Sydney program.
MORE INFO ON THE AUTISM FRIENDLY GUIDE TO THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA - QUIET ROOM
Photo supplied: Busy City Kids January 2025
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA - JACKSON BELLA ROOM
Photo supplied: MCA - Kate Beynon, Room of Lucky Charms, 2017
Every year, commissions for Jackson Bella Room invite audiences to engage with contemporary art through sensory experience.
Each year an artist is commissioned to create an installation for the Jackson Bella Room – a dedicated space within our National Centre for Creative Learning for audiences to engage with contemporary art through sensory experience.
The Jackson Bella Room Commission fosters a sense of community, builds social skills, grows confidence, reduces anxiety, encourages creativity and self-expression, gives visitors a sense of achievement and enables access to free, open-ended experiences with contemporary art.
POWERHOUSE MUSEUM CASTLE HILL - ACCESSIBILITY
Photo supplied: Powerhouse Museum
Powerhouse Castle Hill has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support and raise awareness of those living with a hidden disability.
Quiet times and a quiet room are available at the Powerhouse Museum Castlehill
Quieter times: 10am, 12–1pm (during the school term). Busiest times to visit: School holidays and between 2–4pm. A quiet room is available for visitors.
MORE INFO ABOUT POWERHOUSE MUSEUM CASTLE HILL’S ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS.
SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM - SEA LIFE QUIET MORNINGS
Photo supplied: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will be opening their doors for a ‘Sensory Session'.
This is an opportunity to welcome guests who are likely to experience sensory overload during usual operating hours due to crowds, excess lighting, and sound into our attractions. Along with turning off our sound, dimming lights, and welcoming guests outside of operating hours, we will be restricting numbers per timeslot. Please note that SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will open to the general public at 9:30am.
This event has a reduced cost with all proceeds going towards our Merlin Magic Wand Charity. Limited sensory kits will be available at admissions, which include noise-reducing ear plugs and noise-reducing earmuffs.
Please note that the Penguin Boat Ride will be closed during those hours as we follow the penguins' natural schedule, however you will still be able to see our penguins on the ice.
Key Information:
Children aged 2 and under visit free.
Children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult aged 18+.
Online tickets are non-refundable.
This ticket is not valid with any other promotion, discount, or offer unless explicitly specified.
WHO: All ages
WHEN: Selected days from 8:00am - 9:15 am. Note that SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will open to the general public at 9:30am.
COST: $12
NOTES: Book online to guarantee entry!
SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM - SEA LIFE SENSORY ROOM
Photo supplied: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium launched a brand NEW Sensory Room in late December 2024 to provide a safe and calming environment for guests needing a break from sensory overload.
The room is designed for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, it offers a space to regulate, de-escalate, and recharge.
This initiative reflects SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s commitment to inclusivity, providing emotional balance for guests and staff alike.
This calm space is specifically designed for guests with additional sensory needs. To ensure it remains a safe and relaxing environment:
Max Occupancy: 8 people
Time Limit: 20 minutes during busy periods
Quiet Zone: Please avoid disruptive behaviour
Access: Reserved for individuals with sensory needs and their companions
STOCKLANDS - SENSORY SHOPPING MAPS
Image supplied: Stocklands
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is to support people with a hidden disability by making the invisible, visible by indicating a person may need additional support or a little more time.
Visit our friendly Customer Care team located near Secrets Shhh to pick up a Sunflower lanyard, pin or wristband today.
Busy shopping centres can sometimes be overwhelming, particularly for people with hidden disabilities. Stockland Burleigh Heads is proud to offer families a range of sensory-friendly activities and tips to make their centre experiences as convenient, calm, and organised as possible.
Sensory Map
To help families navigate busy centres, in partnership with Aspect Australia, we have mapped out potential sensory stressors such as noise, light, smell, and touch as well as crowding or busy areas of the centre. The map also indicates calmer quieter places if needed, and assists in preparing a person by increasing he predictability of a new environment.
What is a Sensory Map?
Sensory maps are used to prepare a person and increase the predictability of a new environment and indicate calmer, quieter places if needed. This helps to reduce sensory overwhelm, anxiety and stress.
Developed in partnership with Aspect
Stockland Burleigh Heads was assessed by Aspect's Autism Friendly team on a typical, busy day. Autistic people conducted a walkthrough of common areas, giving live feedback about their experience and advising on potential positives, challenges and solutions. Individual retailers and car parks were not assessed.
Note: While the Sensory Map acts as a guide for a typical day at the centre, sensory experiences are subject to change day-to-day.
MORE INFO ABOUT STOCKLANDS SENSORY SHOPPING GUIDES.
MORE INFO ABOUT STOCKLANDS CENTRES ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS HERE.
SYDNEY TOWER EYE - SENSORY BACKPACKS
Photo supplied: Sydney Tower Eye
Heading to the highest point in Sydney can be exciting!
However, visiting new places with different sights, sounds, heights and people can sometimes feel overwhelming or stressful.
At Sydney Tower Eye, we offer Sensory Backpacks – specially designed to provide sensory support and make your experience more enjoyable.
You can borrow a backpack at no cost to help you feel more comfortable during your visit. Each backpack contains tools for self-regulation, tactile input, focus, and body awareness.
To reserve a Sensory Backpack, simply complete the form below. Be sure to purchase your tickets separately via our tickets page.
Please note: We only have a limited amount of backpacks available, booking in advance helps to reserve yours for your visit!
What's Included?
Water Cube Timer – a calming visual aid to help guests manage time
Squishy Koala Toy – something soft and squishy to help with calming anxiousness and nerves
Lego Pieces – ideal for our sensory seeker guest who is keen to create and build their own tower whilst visiting the Observation Deck
Friendship Bracelet Kit – to help encourage creativity, at each guests’ pace
Soft Kangaroo Toy – something soft and tactile to carry
Tower Trivia Booklet – an engaging activity to look for objects in a different way
We also have Ear Defenders; Ear Plus and a Magnifying Glass available to use if needed. Please ask our friendly team on arrival and they will gladly assist.
MORE INFO ABOUT SYDNEY TOWER EYE SENSORY BACKPACKS HERE.
TARONGA ZOO - AUTISM SERVICES
Photo supplied: Taronga Zoo
Access for everyone - Taronga understands that guests have varying needs and may require special assistance during their visit. Our team is always happy to help and have a range of services available to aide guests requiring additional assistance due to autism.
Below are some of the services you can expect to be available for you on your visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney:
Many of our staff and volunteers are trained in the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. You can ask for help form any staff and if a trained staff member is preferred you may ask without fear of offense.
Online ticket sales and Zoo Friends Annual Memberships: Avoid waiting in the ticket sales queue and purchase your tickets online or consider a membership that offers 365 days of fun
Visual Story: Taronga has worked with Autism Spectrum Australia to develop a visual story. Social stories are short descriptions of real life situations that help guests with additional preparation needs to understand what they might expect from a visit to the Zoo and how to best enjoy their day. Download and read the latest Visual Story
Tranquil Zones: We have some beautiful picnic venues throughout the Zoo that can provide a tranquil zone for you to relax. Please ask our team for the nearest quite zone or see our accessibility map
Accessible toilets: We have special access toilets throughout the Zoo for your convenience. These are marked on the Zoo map or please ask our team for directions
Stroller and wheelchair hire: If required, we have strollers and wheelchairs available for hire from our Top Entrance retail store
We understand that our guests have varying needs and are more than happy to help accommodate special requests as best we can. Please speak to a member of the Taronga Zoo team if you require any additional assistance.
WEST TIGERS - AUTISM FRIENDLY ROOM
Image supplied: West Tigers
Wests Tigers prides itself on using the game of Rugby League as a vehicle to inspire hope and positive change within the community.
Wests Tigers Foundation is proud to host the NRL’s only Autism Friendly Room, which the club has provided for the past five years. More than 500 children have made use of the AFR at Wests Tigers home games. It provides a safe, fun and comfortable environment for families who have a child living with a hidden disability.
WESTFIELD QUIET HOUR
Image supplied: Westfield
From 5th December 2023, all Westfield centres now offer an hour of Quiet Time every Tuesday between 10:30am – 11:30am.
Westfield aims to create an inclusive environment for all customers and offer a shopping experience where everyone feels welcomed and valued. The Quiet Time initiative exists to make a difference to those who face the challenges of shopping in a high sensory environment, allowing customers and their families and carers to remain connected to their community.
Quiet Time also benefits people on the autism spectrum, as well as those affected by other sensory issues and a range of hidden disabilities.
Every Tuesday between 10:30am – 11:30am, the lighting is reduced, the music is changed to a softer playlist and the volume is adjusted to limit sensory over-stimulation. At some centres, beyond the common areas, many of our retailers will also participate by dimming the lights and lowering the music in their stores during ‘Quiet Time’.
For more information and sensory maps, visit your local centre’s website and search “quiet time”.
WOOLWORTHS QUIET HOUR
Photo supplied: Woolworths
Woolworths has expanded its low-sensory Quiet Hour to five days a week, an experience designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs.
During Quiet Hour, most Woolworths stores will lower lights, turn down music or radio, turn off beeps at the register and turn off oven buzzers for an hour, every Monday to Friday between 10:30am and 11:30am.
Quiet Hour runs from 10:30am - 11:30am every Monday to Friday in most stores nationally. During this hour, temporary changes are made to the store, including:
Turning off bakery ovens or chicken cooker buzzers
Reducing volume on store phones and registers on the trading floor
Clearing store entry ways
Reducing lighting and in store music
Removing roll cages from the shop floor and;
Stopping all PA announcements (excluding cases of emergencies)