Accessibility

At Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre we care about access and inclusion. We're committed to community accessibility and ensuring that barriers to participation are reduced for those in need.

That's why we offer a wide variety of accessible facilities in a safe and clean environment with qualified, enthusiastic and reliable staff (see our accessible services below). We also offer different memberships to help those in our community who are least likely or unable to participate. This includes concessional pricing, free entry for Companion card holders, and discounted entry for Carer card holders.

Accessible services

We offer a range of accessible facilities that help provide access to people of all abilities, including:

• baby change;
• clear wheelchair circulation space, excluding lift;
• lifts with buttons raised with Braille;
• pool access ramps and handrails;
• pool ladder entry points with handrails;
• shower with HHSH, grab bars, curtain and shower bench;
• spaces throughout for pram parking;
• staff available to read information;
• step-free access to center;
• unisex, accessible toilets with sensor lighting;
• wayfinding signage throughout;
• wide, clear internal and external walkways.

For more information on our accessibility services, take a look at our Access Key.

Access Key

The Access Key is an accessibility guide to the centre. Our Access Key has been developed to help users: understand what to expect before attending our centre; determine the suitability of an experience; alleviate anxiety about visiting new places; and interpret and process the experience whilst at the centre.

Accessibility guide / Access Key

• Access Key (text version)
• Access Key Social Story (visual walk through of the Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre)

Quiet Hour

Join us for our weekly Quiet Hour at Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre starting on Tuesday 2 April 2024. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 – 1:00pm, we're turning down the volume and dimming the lights in the Health Club to help support those with sensory conditions.

Sensory Swim

Join us for our Sensory Swim quiet times at our pools.

Every Tuesday and Friday between 3:00pm - 3:30pm, we are asking patrons to be mindful of their noise around the pools and endeavor to create a quiet and calm space to cater to our community who have, or have family members with sensory conditions.

BindiMaps

BindiMaps is an accessible wayfinding app that uses intuitive audio, map and text directions to guide people in indoor spaces like shopping centres, recreation facilities and hospitals, and more accurately than GPS in outdoor precincts such as at music festivals and sports facilities.

The app experience is optimised for people with a disability - particularly people with a vision impairment and wheelchair users, who can navigate via wheelchair friendly routes.

BindiMaps are now available at all of the Boroondara Leisure and Facilities.