Accessibility

Getting around Enlighten has never been easier! This year, we’re introducing BindiMaps – a fully interactive, accessible digital map of the National Triangle.

With BindiMaps, you can:

• Plan your visit from home with custom directions straight to the festival gates.
• Find your way between illuminations, installations, food vendors, stages, and facilities.
• Explore over 100 points of interest.
• Choose the best route for you – walking, driving, cycling, public transport, or wheelchair-friendly options.
• Receive real-time updates for road closures, shuttle information, and accessibility changes.
• Select from 9 languages, making it easier for visitors from around the world.

The Enlighten interactive map will be available soon.

Click or search to find what you’re looking for.

The Enlighten Site Map includes key accessibility information to help you navigate the event. Enlighten is a large, open site with a mix of paved, concrete, and grass surfaces. The main stage and dining hubs are located on grass, where wheelchair-accessible tables are available.

This map can be downloaded and printed.

View the Enlighten site map here.

Enlighten accessible site map

A downloadable PDF version of the site map, with recommended accessible routing around the Enlighten will be available on the website.

A limited number of wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters and strollers will be available for hire on site.

The Mobility Hire service can be prebooked online here.

The Mobility Hire service is open from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and equipment may be collected or returned at any time within this timeframe.

The Mobility Hire marquee is located on the corner of Mall Road West and Questacon.

On Monday, March 2, the Enlighten Festival will run a Sensory Friendly Night from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During this time, stage and illumination sound levels will be reduced, and lighting will be softened to create a more accessible environment for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

The National Triangle has several accessible parking options, but during Enlighten it can become busy. Visitors with access requirements are encouraged to start their visit at the National Portrait Gallery or the Questacon accessible carpark.

• The Questacon carpark is 250m from The Festival Hub Entry Gate A, and is the closest carpark to the Mobility Hire, First Aid and Mobility Hire.

• The National Portrait Gallery carpark is underground, with lifts to the ground level and 200m from The Festival Hub Entry Gate D.

Other nearby carparks include the National Library of Australia, Questacon, and the John Gorton Building.

Spaces are limited and require a valid disability parking permit, including those issued interstate or overseas. Please note that the large Questacon carpark is closed to traffic during event hours, so please show your accessible parking permit to the traffic controller to gain entry.

Other accessible parking locations can be found across the precinct.

A designated pick-up and drop-off zone is located at front of the National Portrait Gallery (on King Edward Terrace) for passengers with limited mobility.

The best access to the drop off zone is from the Kings Avenue side of the Triangle entering on to King Edward Terrace.

View on Google Maps here.

A limited number of wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters and strollers will be available for hire on site.

The Mobility Hire service can be prebooked online here.

The Mobility Hire service is open from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and equipment may be collected or returned at any time within this timeframe.

The Mobility Hire marquee is located on the corner of Mall Road West and Questacon, next to Entry Gate A.

A free Enlighten Shuttle bus connects many of the precinct carparks to the Enlighten event site each night.

The Enlighten Shuttle is wheelchair accessible, starting at 5PM on a continuous 15-minute loop.

Click here for further information.

On Monday, March 2, the Enlighten Festival will run a Sensory Friendly Night from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During this time, stage and illumination sound levels will be reduced, and lighting will be softened to create a more accessible environment for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

Symphony in the Park will be held on Sunday 8 March at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park.

• Accessible Parking: Limited Accessible parking is available at Regatta Point.
• Pathways: The site includes a mix of paved walkways and grassed areas.

Accessible Viewing Area: A dedicated viewing area is prioritised for patrons using wheelchairs. Please note, to access this area you will need to cross a grassed section as there are no paved paths. Volunteers and event staff will be able to direct you to the dedicated viewing area.  

Click here for more information about Symphony in the Park.

Lights! Canberra! Action! will be held on Friday 6 March at the Senate Rose Gardens

• Pathways: The site includes a mix of paved walkways and grassed areas.
• Accessible Viewing Area: A dedicated viewing area is prioritised for patrons using wheelchairs. Please note, to access this area you will need to cross a grassed section as there are no paved paths.

Click here for more information about Lights! Canberra! Action!

Enlighten: The Night Shift offers a unique chance to explore Canberra’s cultural institutions after hours as they transform into vibrant, interactive spaces with creative programming that can only be experienced during the Festival. 

Accessibility features vary by venue. Please check individual venue websites for detailed information.

Enlighten: BEYOND captures the spirit of wonder and discovery that the Enlighten Festival brings to the National Triangle, expanding the experience across Canberra’s diverse neighbourhoods during the Festival period.

Accessibility features vary by venue. Please check individual venue websites for detailed information.

There are 4 accessible toilets located throughout The Enlighten Festival Hub site including in the following locations:

• 2 x Mall Road West (permanent toilet block)
• 1 x Mall Road West (accessible portaloo)
• 1 x John Dunmore Lang Place(accessible portaloo) 

All accessible toilets have handrails fitted, and standard swinging doors.

There are additional permanent accessible toilets outside the Festival Hub at The National Portrait Gallery.

A Changing Places facility is available near the Enlighten First Aid Marquee on Mall Road West and includes:

• An adult-sized, height-adjustable change table
• A ceiling-mounted hoist system
• A peninsula-style toilet
• Space for two carers if needed
• A safe, clean and private environment
• An automatic door with clear signage and controlled access

Please visit First Aid to have the Changing Places facility unlocked.

A Parents Room is available at the National Portrait Gallery Foyer.

Wheelchair accessible picnic tables are located in the Festival Hub.

There are free water refill stations located around the Enlighten Festival Hub. Please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Note: glass bottles are not permitted on site.

On Monday, March 2, the Enlighten Festival will run a Sensory Friendly Night from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During this time, stage and illumination sound levels will be reduced, and lighting will be softened to create a more accessible environment for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

A limited number of wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters and strollers will be available for hire on site.

The Mobility Hire service can be prebooked online here.

The Mobility Hire service is open from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and equipment may be collected or returned at any time within this timeframe.

The Mobility Hire marquee is located on the corner of Mall Road West and Questacon, next to Entry Gate A.

On Monday, March 2, the Enlighten Festival will run a Sensory Friendly Night from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During this time, stage and illumination sound levels will be reduced, and lighting will be softened to create a more accessible environment for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

These tours help people who are blind or have low vision enjoy the festival and are available on Monday 2 and Saturday 7 March.

Trained audio describers provide live spoken descriptions of the light projections, activities, and performances as visitors move along set routes at locations including the National Library of Australia, Questacon, Parliament Hill, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery.

Audio description is provided through a free headset and receiver.

The tours are free, but bookings are required.

When: Monday 2 and Saturday 7 March
Time: 7:30PM til 9:00PM
Where: Enlighten Festival, meeting place is at Questacon Carpark (accessible off Parkes Place West)
Tickets: This is a free experience, but registration is required.

The Enlighten Festival is free, but some activities are ticketed. Click here for a list of activities requiring tickets.

Details on these activities can also be sourced from the Information point on site in the Festival Hub.

Companion cards are accepted for all ticket sales.

Please email events@act.gov.au to process your ticket purchase with your proof of card.

Trained and accredited assistance animals are welcome throughout Enlighten, including all outdoor areas of the National Triangle. Handlers must ensure animals are on a lead and under control at all times.

Friendly Enlighten staff and volunteers at the entrance gates and information booth are happy to help with any questions you may have.