Visual Story – Special Olympics Australia National Games

Overview

This Visual Story has been created to help powerchair users plan their visit to the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games with confidence by removing as many unknowns as possible. Held in Melbourne from 19–23 October, the National Games will bring together athletes from across Australia to compete across 12 sports, with the Albert Park sporting precinct serving as a major hub for the Games.

This guide provides a visual and step-by-step overview of what to expect when travelling to the Games, arriving at competition venues, and moving through event spaces in a powerchair. With competitions and activities taking place across multiple sporting venues, planning ahead can help make attending the National Games a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

This accessibility guide is designed to support powerchair users, their families, carers, and support workers in preparing for their visit.

What to Expect

The Special Olympics Australia National Games will bring together athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters, creating a busy and energetic sporting environment throughout the week.

Events will take place across multiple sporting venues, so the layout, pathways, surfaces and accessibility features may vary depending on the competition you are attending. Venues include locations within and around the Albert Park sporting precinct, with events also being held at other Melbourne sporting facilities.

Your visit may include both indoor and outdoor areas, with crowds moving between competition spaces, spectator areas, amenities and other facilities. Allowing additional time to arrive, find the appropriate entrance and navigate to your destination can help make your experience more comfortable.

Accessible facilities and support will vary between venues, with staff and volunteers available throughout the Games to assist with wayfinding and event information.

This Visual Story will help you understand what to expect when attending the Special Olympics Australia National Games and prepare for navigating the experience at your own pace.

Refer to the Special Olympics Australia National Games Page for More Information →