Carrying the Fire - Accessibility
Carrying the Fire welcomes everyone.
Carrying the Fire will transform Albany into a living masterpiece of unity and hope for one of the largest gatherings staged in Western Australia, using thousands of handmade lanterns to illuminate the coastline from Emu Point to Middleton Beach.
We want every visitor to share in this night, whatever your access needs.
This page helps you plan your visit, from parking and paths to descriptions of what you will see and hear.
Event descriptions
Our event descriptions take you through Carrying the Fire moment by moment. Read them before the night so you know what to expect.
Written visual description: blind and low vision
What the performance looks like, with notes on the place, the light, the people and the lanterns. Each moment links to a sound you will hear, so you can follow along on the beach.
Written audio description: Deaf and hard of hearing
What you will see and what the sound is doing at each moment, with tips for Lantern Bearers on following the performance visually.
Getting there
Parking is limited at every zone.
- Zone A at Ellen Cove and Middleton Beach is our most accessible zone. It has footpaths, beach matting and extra accessible (ACROD) parking bays for ACROD permit holders next to the Albany Surf Life Saving Club.
- A Transperth shuttle bus runs from the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre to Emu Point (Zone E) and Albany Golf Course (Zones C and D).
- Overflow parking is at Eyre Park, and at the southern end of Albany Golf Course, entered from Wollaston Road.
- A shuttle bus runs from the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre to Emu Point (Zone E) and Albany Golf Course (Zones C and D).
Visitors with physical disability or limited mobility
- Zone A at Ellen Cove and Middleton Beach is the most accessible zone and has the most accessible (ACROD) parking. We recommend arriving here.
- When you register, select “smooth path”. We will direct you to Zone A and the concrete path along the Ellen Cove foreshore.
- A short stretch of beach matting suitable for wheelchairs will sit on the sand in front of the Albany Surf Life Saving Club.
- Two all-terrain beach wheelchairs will be available from the Albany Surf Life Saving Club, on a first come, first served basis.]
Changing Places
There nearest Changing Places facilities are at the Albany Entertainment Centre and the Albany Rest Centre. They have a height-adjustable adult change table, a ceiling hoist, a peninsula toilet and a shower.
- Access is with an MLAK key, 24 hours a day.
- Borrow a temporary MLAK key for 4 hours, with a refundable deposit, from the Albany Visitor Centre (221 York Street, phone 08 6820 3700), the Albany Public Library (221 York Street, phone 08 6820 3600) or the City of Albany Administration Building (102 North Road, phone 08 6820 3000).
Visitors who are blind or have low vision
Carrying the Fire can be viewed from key locations around Middleton Beach, Albany.
- Watch from Ellen Cove, between the Albany Surf Life Saving Club and the Middleton Beach Amphitheatre. This area is close to the main stage, relatively well-lit and reached by footpaths.
- Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome.
- A soundtrack plays across the beach for the whole performance, timed to the movement of the crowd and the lanterns.
- Download the written visual description above for a description of what the performance looks like.
Visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing
This information is for anyone who is Deaf, hard of hearing or has hearing loss.
- Download the written audio description above. It explains what the sound is doing at each moment, so you can follow the performance with your eyes.
- Sound, light and movement are linked. Lantern Leaders guide every movement, and the app automatically lights each lantern.
National Relay Service (NRS)
The National Relay Service is an Australia-wide phone service to assist individuals who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, with making and receiving phone calls. For further details, visit National Relay Service.
Usual Opening Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
- Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Key Contact Numbers:
- Albany Visitor Centre, 221 York Street: (08) 6820 3700
- City of Albany, 102 North Road: (08) 6820 3000
More information can be found at: www.albany.wa.gov.au/facilities/community/access-inclusion
Autistic visitors and visitors with sensory needs
Carrying the Fire is a big, outdoor night-time event. Here is what to expect:
- Large crowds of thousands of people, busiest at Ellen Cove during the finale.
- A dark beach lit by lanterns. Lights switch on and off and sometimes pulse.
- A soundtrack across the beach, with loud moments and deep booms.
- Open flame and smoke from the fire performers and campfire on the main stage at Ellen Cove.
- A drone filming overhead.
- A DJ and after party from 7:45pm at Ellen Cove and Emu Point.
- Cold, windy weather and soft sand. Bring warm clothes and good walking shoes.
Social Story
Our social story is simple, it tells you what to do at Carrying the Fire, step by step, for children and young adults to read so you can plan your night, and they know what to expect.
Facilities
- Toilets are at the Albany Surf Life Saving Club and next to Three Anchors.
- Food trucks line the Middleton Beach foreshore.
Downloads
Contact us
Tell us what you need and we will help you plan your night.
- National Relay Service: choose your call channel, then ask for 08 9385 2200
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Menang Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of Kinjarling (Albany), the land and waters on which Carrying the Fire takes place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour their enduring connection to Country, culture and community.
