The benefits of going to listen to live entertainment are well documented in terms of reducing stress, lifting your mood and increasing energy levels. Tickets even with a companion card can be expensive though and you want to know before you go that your needs will be met.

As a frequent attendee of this venue here is my review of the accessible features for wheelchair users.

Pros:

• · This venue is incredibly invested in making sure that wheelchair users can access live entertainment. If there are barriers to you attending and you can come up with an individualised solution that would assist you, chances are they will do what they can to accommodate you. For example, on our last visit during torrential rains staff made special arrangements so that we could drive as close to the building as possible.
• · The venue recognises companion card. Your additional card will be held at the box office for pick up on the night. Presentation of the companion card will be expected at pickup.
• · The car park has a reasonable number of disability parking bays at no charge.
• · All venues are wheelchair accessible (see notes on the Visy theatre in cons.)
• · There are a number of disability toilets at this large venue. Currently the one on the ground floor is the best one if you need a fully disability fit out (eg higher toilet, space for an oversized wheelchair etc.) The other toilets are currently under refurbishment so this hopefully will change.
• · Within reasonable distance of the New Farm Park Ferry terminal for those wanting to take public transport to the venue.

Cons:

• · There is currently no changing places toilet at this venue.
• · The Visy theatre is wheelchair accessible. It is a smaller intimate venue with the audience in stadium seating on three sides of the stage. Wheelchair seating is accessed along a small narrow walkway and then backing into a gap in the seating at the end of a row. The space is negotiable but if you are in a larger powerchair it is tight and best negotiated before the rest of the audience take their seats.
• · For those in manual wheelchairs or with mobility aids, the distance between the carpark and the venue is about 100 metres. As stated though closer access can be negotiated if required on an individual basis.

Tip: This venue often has free art and portrait exhibitions and has spectacular views of the Brisbane River which it overlooks. Get there early and settle in and enjoy.