ACCESSIBILITY

Firelight Festival and most program activities are accessible by wheelchair and mobility aids – that includes walking aids, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and people with prams. Please note that the festival can get very crowded so some areas may not be appropriate depending on the individual’s access requirements.

Please note the lift from Harbour Esplanade (adjacent to AFL House) to the Marvel Stadium concourse is out of operation. Please use the lift on Bourke Street (near Medibank) to access the concourse.

If you are taking public transport to the event, low floor trams and accessible stops are available on routes 11 (Collins St) and 86 (Bourke St) from the city to Docklands. There is an accessible drop off and pick up zone on Glenti Place and Merchant Street.

The closest train station is Southern Cross Station which is also serviced by a number of tram stops.

There will likely be significant traffic congestion in the area during event times, please take note of the road closures in the area, and expect delays if arriving by vehicle.

Download the Firelight map in advance to plan your visit.

Travellers Aid at Southern Cross Station have free facilities such as baby change tables, drinking water, accessible toilets and adult change tables. They welcome breast feeding mothers and their friendly staff and volunteers are always happy to assist tired families or those experiencing unexpected travel emergencies.

Travellers Aid provides a wide range of mobility equipment for hire, and more information can be found on their website.

Accessibile bathrooms are available across our site, and are marked on the festival map.

Communication boards and limited amounts of printed event maps are available at the Information Booth.

Event staff will be wearing hi-visibility vests and are available to answer any questions at the festival.

Free water stations are available across the event site, and are marked on the event map.

Our food truck outlets are able to cater to a range of different dietary requirements, and these are listed on our Eat and Drink page.

Firelight Festival and the City of Melbourne are proud supporters of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, assisting those with hidden disabilities. People who need assistance can choose to wear a Sunflower symbol so that trained Firelight Festival staff can offer their assistance. These Sunflower lanyards will also be available on-site at the information booth on Harbour Esplanade.

Social Stories support children with disability by preparing them for what they will see, hear and do at an event. They are a way to prepare children with disability for an event, new activity or change to routine. With pictures and simple text, Social Stories help to lessen the anxiety of the new by introducing them to the things that they will see, hear and can do, ahead of time. This enables children to ask questions and familiarise themselves before the day – and supports everyone to have the best possible experience.

Download the PDF, or download the Microsoft Word document so that it can be customised to meet your family’s individual needs.