Access programs


The Australian Museum (AM) offers a variety of specially designed programs and resources for visitors with access needs and their families, including free online audio description tours of exhibitions and a program of inclusive events for visitors.


  • Audio description tours

    Free online audio description tours are available for visitors via their own mobile devices through the online audio guides. Currently, audio description tours are available for Dinosaurs exhibition, Wild Planet and the Westpac Long Gallery 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum.

  • Programs with Accessibility Offers

    Visit our What's On calendar of events to find programs with an accessibility offer, including Auslan interpretation. Events held in the AM Theatre have access to Hearing Loop technology.

  • Reduced-sensory, relaxed and supportive environment times

    Museum galleries are generally quieter in the late afternoon.

    The AM runs a series of Early Birds Access Mornings and Night Owls evenings to provide a reduced-sensory, relaxed and supportive environment for visitors on the autism spectrum or those who have other access requirements. Visitors, together with their family and friends, can explore the AM before it opens to the general public at their own pace and without all the noise, crowds and other high sensory aspects of visiting a museum.


Getting around the Museum

The Australian Museum provides access to all areas of the Museum for people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are ramps throughout the exhibitions and two lifts to take you between all floors. All doors are automatic.

Please refer to the Australian Museum map for details of key features such as accessible areas and stairs.


  • Guide Dogs and Companion Dogs

    The Australian Museum welcomes guide dogs and companion dogs. A water bowl is kept at Admissions desk.

  • Wheelchairs

    The Australian Museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available.

  • Toilets

    Wheelchair accessible toilets are located on all public gallery floors including Ground, Lower Ground near Cloaking, Level 1 and Level 2.

    An all gender toilet is available on Lower Ground.

    The AM has a Changing Places adult change table located on level 2. Please request the access to this facility from any AM staff, security or from the admission desk.

  • Baby change rooms

    Baby change rooms are available on Lower Ground near Cloaking, and in the Level 2 Parents Room.

  • Food and dining

    Accessible areas to eat in the Australian Museum includes:

    • The Billabong Waterhole café is located on Level 2.
  • Quiet times

    The Museum is usually at its quietest during school term between 2pm - 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

    School holidays and rainy days can be very busy.

    The AM also runs a series of Early Birds Access Mornings to provide a reduced-sensory, relaxed and supportive environment for visitors on the autism spectrum or those who have other access requirements. Visitors, together with their family and friends, can explore the AM before it opens to the general public at their own pace and without all the noise, crowds and other high sensory aspects of visiting a museum.

    View our What's on calendar for program and exhibition details.



Accessible services

We offer a range of accessible services including wheelchairs, hearing loops and free access to carers holding a Companion Card.


  • Companion cards

    General Admission and major exhibition entry is free to those who hold a Companion Card and are assisting as a carer. Further discount will apply when presenting a Centrelink Healthcare Card or Pension Card. See our Admissions page for further details.

  • Wheelchairs

    A wheelchair may be available for use during your visit. Please ask at the Admission Desk on arrival at the Museum.

    You can book your wheelchair in advance by calling 93206174 or by emailing visit@australian.museum.

  • AM Visual Story

    The AM Visual Story is a guide for visitors on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities to prepare for their visit.

  • Early Birds

    The AM runs a series of Early Birds Access Mornings to provide a reduced-sensory, relaxed and supportive environment for visitors on the autism spectrum or those who have other access requirements. Visitors, together with their family and friends, can explore the AM before it opens to the general public at their own pace and without all the noise, crowds and other high sensory aspects of visiting a museum. View our What's on calendar for details.




Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme

The Australian Museum proudly supports the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. People who have a hidden disability can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, which discreetly indicates to staff and others that they may need additional time, support or understanding. Hidden disabilities may include autism, epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD or any disability that is not visible.

This provides a consistent icon that is recognisable between locations, including travelling through the airport, on public transport, attending sport, or going to the museum.

For a lanyard, please ask one of our friendly staff at the front desk.