ACCESSIBILITY

For a full breakdown of all accessibility information for SXSW Sydney 2025, please CLICK HERE

ACCESSIBILITY

Learn more about our SXSW Sydney 2024 accessibility accomodations at this year's event

ACCESSIBILITY

Learn more about our SXSW Sydney 2024 accessibility accomodations at this year's event

ACCESSIBILITY

AT SXSW SYDNEY

At SXSW Sydney, we strive to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all participants, regardless of age or ability. We recognise the importance of accessibility and are making every effort to accommodate where possible, that all attendees and talent have equal access to the event and can fully participate in the experience.

For any accessibility enquiries, feel free to reach out via email accessibility@sxswsydney.com

QUICK LINKS

Accessibility Statement
Contact Email
accessibility@sxswsydney.com
Contat Number
(02) 8240 2131

Attending SXSW Sydney

Learn more about all of the ways you can attend SXSW Sydney this year.

Understanding Access

Apart from the SXSW Sydney conference, there will be two different lines to access each event.

  • Primary Access
  • Secondary Access

Access will be determined by your badge or wristband type.To figure out what access type would be best for you CLICK HERE

How to Purchase

There are a range of different ticket options available, including badges, wristbands and individual tickets. Now that you understand the access you require to the event, you should be able to identify which badge or wristband is going to work best for you.

CLICK HERE to be taken through to our ticketing page in order to purchase your credentials. Or if you require additional help, please email accessibility@sxswsydney.com

Companion Cards

SXSW Sydney offers a companion card program, where eligible attendees are able to receive one complimentary companion ticket to match their purchased ticket.To arrange your companion card

Step One: Purchase a ticket to SXSW Sydney
Step Two: Email accessiblity@sxswsydney.com with a copy of your order, a clear image of your companion card and your companion’s full name (please bring your companion card to the event in order to pick up your companion credentials).
Step Three: We will be in touch to confirm your complimentary companion ticket.

Sunflower Lanyards

To support individuals with hidden disabilities, SXSW Sydney has integrated the Sunflower Lanyard Program into our planning and training. If you’ve forgotten your lanyard, please visit the ICC information desk or the SXSW Sydney accessible information desk in the ICC Convention Centre for assistance. Our staff are trained to provide support and ensure you have a comfortable festival experience.

At SXSW Sydney

We have a range of accessible transport options to help you get around at SXSW Sydney.

Getting to SXSW Sydney

SXSW Sydney spans a large area of Central Sydney, with various transport options available including trains, buses, light rail, taxis, Ubers, and driving. Your choice of public transport will depend on your event location each day. Use the Transport NSW Trip Planner HERE to plan your journey. For those driving, multiple car parks (ICC Sydney, Wilson Parking - Market City, Wilson Parking - Sydney Central) around the precinct offer accessible spots, though they fill up quickly. Arriving early will improve your chances of securing an accessible parking spot.

Getting Between Venues

A free accessible shuttle bus service will be available at the event during peak hours and days. Check back closer to the event for operating days and hours.

Getting Help at SXSW Sydney

For any enquiries about accessibility at SXSW Sydney you can reach out to our team via email accessibility@sxswsydney.com.au.Our team will also be located at the accessibility information desk on site at the ICC Sydney.

Location: ICC Sydney, Ground Level.
Open: Monday 13th – Friday 17th October
Hours: 9am – 6pm

Key Locations

Please note key locations within our SXSW Sydney precinct, including major venues and public transport options. This will help you navigate the festival and easily access all the events and amenities available.

Venue
Central Park Mall
Public Transport
Central Station
Venue
International Convention Centre
Public Transport
Lightrail Station (Paddys Market)
Venue
Tumbalong Park
Public Transport
Tumbalong Park Rideshare
Venue
UTS Buildling 1

Accessibility at SXSW Sydney

Learn about accessibility at SXSW Sydney and discover how we’re making the festival inclusive for everyone.

ADULT CHANGING FACILITY

A Changing Places facility is available at ICC Sydney, located on Level 2 of the Exhibition Centre. It includes a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling track hoist system with constant charging, a right-hand railing ambulant toilet, and an island toilet. The facility also features an automatic door with a 950 mm clear opening and push-button entry/exit, along with a nappy bin sanitary disposal unit and wash station. The Changing Places facility is accessible to ICC Sydney guests at all times, and no MLAK key is required.

ASSISTANCE ANIMALS at sxsw sydney venues

Assistance animals are welcome at SXSW Sydney. Given the event's noise, crowds, and lighting conditions, we recommend considering an alternative navigation aid if needed. UTS Building 1 has an assistance animal spending area located outside on Broadway. If required, bowls for water can be provided at the International Convention Centre Sydney upon request to ensure your assistance animal stays comfortable.

ASSISTIVE HEARING TECHNOLOGY

Infrared hearing augmentation systems are available in all meeting rooms and theatres at the ICC, including the Darling Harbour Theatre and ICC Sydney Theatre. These systems are designed to enhance your listening experience. Complimentary hearing augmentation devices, also known as hearing loops, can be provided free of charge. To obtain a device, simply visit ICC Sydney’s Customer Service Desk with a form of photo identification. We’re committed to ensuring everyone has the best possible experience at our events.

AUSLAN

Auslan interpreters will be available for conference sessions at the Darling Harbour Theatre and Pyrmont Theatre within ICC Sydney. For detailed information on which sessions offer Auslan interpretation, please consult the festival app or reach out to accessibility@sxswsydney.com. We are dedicated to making SXSW Sydney accessible to all attendees, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and engage with the festival.

Bindimaps

BindiMaps is an inclusive wayfinding app designed to help everyone navigate complex indoor spaces like offices, hospitals, and shopping centres. It offers turn-by-turn directions via visual maps, audio guidance, wheelchair-friendly routes, and text directions for those with vision impairments. With precise location info, it ensures accessible routes for all. We’re using BindiMaps at ICC and UTS, accessible via the SXSW Sydney app, so you can confidently explore with ease!

BLIND AND LOW VISION ACCESS

The ICC Sydney provides Braille on room door signage and fixed directional signage throughout the venue, along with tactile flooring at egress points. With 80 different venues in the precinct, we recommend bringing a companion to help navigate the site safely. Alternatively, contact our accessibility liaisons to arrange an escort for assistance.

DESIGNATED SEATING

Designated accessible seating will be provided for all conference sessions and film screenings at SXSW Sydney. These seats are allocated based on venue capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure you have the best experience and secure accessible seating, we recommend arriving early. Our goal is to make sure everyone enjoys a comfortable and accessible festival experience.

LIGHTING ADVICE

At SXSW Sydney, some events might feature pyrotechnics, strobes, or intense lighting effects that could affect your sensory experience. To ensure you’re fully prepared, we recommend checking the session and venue pages on the SXSW Sydney app for more detailed information on where these effects might be used. Your safety and comfort are important to us, so please stay informed to avoid any sensory discomfort during the event.

LIVE CAPTIONS

Live Captioning will be available across several conference session spaces at the ICC and the Tumbalong Park Stage, enhancing accessibility for all attendees. To find out which specific sessions will offer live captioning, simply check the SXSW Sydney app for details. This service ensures that everyone can fully engage with the content, making the festival experience more inclusive. Stay connected with the app to participate in sessions that meet your needs.

SENSORY SPACES

If you feel overwhelmed or need to decompress, visit our sensory space, equipped with low lighting, comfortable seating, and items like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys. Sensory spaces are located at ICC Exhibition Centre, Room E3.5 on Level 3, and UTS Building 1, Level 5 (next to the Great Hall). These spaces are designed to provide a calming environment for you to relax and recharge during the festival.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY

With numerous venues and sessions across the event, the SXSW Sydney App is your best resource for checking accessibility details. You can filter sessions by their accessibility features. After downloading the app, open the menu by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top left corner. Select 'Schedule' and then 'Filters' to choose sessions based on your interests, credentials, and available accessibility options. This will help you easily navigate and plan your festival experience.

Staying at SXSW Sydney

Accessible accommodation options are available throughout the SXSW Sydney precinct. Find convenient, inclusive lodging to ensure a comfortable stay while enjoying all the festival has to offer.

Ibis Styles Sydney Central

27 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2010

Mercure Sydney

818-820 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Rydges Darling Square

72 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Rydges Sydney Central

28 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Furama Darling Harbour

68 Harbour Street, Haymarket NSW 2000

TAG

TAG, our preferred travel partner, can manage all your travel arrangements.

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