Accessibility information

Our point of difference

Through long consultation processes the Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre has been designed to be an industry leading facility to allow inclusive access to all.

Physical attributes of the building

Ramp Access to all aquatic environments (10 Lane 50 M Pool, 8 Lane 25 M Pool, Dedicated Learn to Swim, and Warm Water Rehabilitation Pool)

Crutch/Cane Holders on each Ramp

Buttons on each entry and change in tile to colour to signify gradient change for visually impaired.

Level access to all dry areas, including automatic sliding doors and a lift to access the health club

Changing Places Change Room with MLAK Access

Ambulant bathrooms and parking

A quiet room, with sensory items and an armchair

Wide halls and floor areas to allow clear paths of transit.

Operational additions to the facility

3 Aquatic Wheelchairs that range up to a 224kg weight limit.

A portable hoist

A dedicated area with equipment designed for wheelchair accessibility in the health club.

Dedicated 1:1 or 1:2 Learn to Swim Classes

Dedicated 1:1 or 1:2 Personal Training Options

Allied Health Services on Site including Physio and Exercise Physiologists*

Lap Lane Availability to show quieter times.

FAQS – how we can help

Companion Card and Carer Card holders are welcome into the facility alongside the person that is requiring the assistance at no cost.

Please see Cardholder Terms and Conditions for further information.

We have three water wheelchairs available in the Centre, normally these are housed on pool deck in each aquatic area, each chair has varying weight limits, up to 224kgs, so please check with the staff if you feel you need a wheelchair with a higher weight capacity to ensure we have acquired the right one.

Portable Hoist, we also have a portable hoist on site, this can be accessed any time with the assistance of the staff member.

If you would like to touch base with someone ahead of your visit to ensure we can make your visit as seamless as possible reach out to dutymanager@northcoteaquaticreccentre.com.au.

A Changing Places toilet facility allows people with high support needs to participate in all elements of community life, without having to limit their time out due to concerns about being able to access a suitable toilet.

Changing Places facilities include:

  • a height-adjustable adult-sized change table
  • a constant-charging ceiling track hoist system
  • a centrally located peninsula toilet
  • additional circulation space more than standard accessible toilets
  • an automatic door with a clear opening of 950 mm at a minimum
  • and a privacy screen.

The Changing Places Changing Room does require the use of a MLAK key. Northcote Aquatic Recreation Staff are not trained in the use of the facility and cannot allow access without a trained user. For more information please visit: Changing Places Transforming Lives

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system is a unique and innovative system that uses a universal lock and key to allow people with special needs to access dedicated public facilities 24 hours a day. It was developed to assist increase the availability of accessible, clean and functioning public facilities for the people that don’t always have the convenience of using standard facilities. People with a disability are able to purchase an MLAK key that will open all doors, toilets, playground equipment and other facilities fitted with a lock that uses the special MLAK cylinder.

How to apply for a MLAK Key

Visit https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak/ 

Victorian Companion Card holders can get a free MLAK key – learn more here

COMING SOON

We are in the process of creating maps that provide guidance on clear paths to each area that we believe are the most direct route for wheelchair access, and for anyone wishing to gather a “lay of the land” before entering the facility.

In the Health Club

We have a lift that will provide you easy access to the health club facility upstairs, the health club also has a dedicated accessible area with pin-loaded equipment to assist you with your workout.

Please contact the Health Club team if you would like more information ahead of your visit

For the neurodivergent folks

We do have a quiet room to allow time to decompress where needed and are actively working toward understanding patterns of when peak times occurs, once established we can start to offer quieter times to allow fewer overwhelming experiences.

Some disability resources

To assist with clarification for the Northcote Aquatic Recreation Community, please follow the link to see further resources.

Got a question or feedback about NARC's accessibility? Get in touch.