Accessible public transport in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

Public transport can open up a city — or lock you out of it. Here's what to know about accessible trains, trams, buses and ferries in Australia's three biggest east-coast cities.

Sydney

Sydney's train network lists step-free stations on the Transport for NSW website, and all Sydney ferries are wheelchair accessible via ramps. Buses are low-floor with ramps, though the driver needs to deploy them. The Trip Planner lets you filter for accessible routes only.

Melbourne

Melbourne's trams are iconic but mixed: low-floor trams run on many routes, and level-access stops are marked on the PTV map — but not every stop or tram is accessible, so plan the exact route. Train stations vary widely; the PTV accessibility map shows which have step-free access.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Brisbane's CityCat ferries are generally accessible, and the G:link light rail on the Gold Coast is fully step-free with level boarding at every stop — one of the easiest networks in the country for wheelchair users.

Tips that apply everywhere

Travel outside peak hour when you can. Save the accessibility map for your city's network before you go. And if a lift is out of service, it can change your whole route — check service updates on the day.