Magical experience made more inclusive

FOR the first time, Sovereign Hill will be offering a sensory friendly version of Winter Wonderlights, making the iconic experience more accessible.

Running from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 July, the relaxed sessions will include fewer crowds, quiet zones, and supportive resources for attendees with hidden disabilities.

Visitors can access social scripts to help plan their visit, read communications boards in shops and dining areas, and use sensory kits with ear defenders and fidget tools.

“We have received that feedback over time that people would like to come to Winter Wonderlights but they do find it too intimidating,” chief marketing officer Mark Hemetsberger said.

“This is a small, simple acknowledgement of making sure we can create something that can cater to these individuals.”

Sovereign Hill received the excellence in accessible tourism award at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards acknowledging the museum’s focus on inclusivity.

An accessible gold panning area was opened last year, and accessibility has been increased across the site.

“The idea of offering the new relaxed sensory sessions was born out of a broader commitment to inclusion and making sure people feel supported when they visit,” Mr Hemetsberger said.

“That’s really following on from the recent acknowledgment when we won the excellence in accessible tourism award.

“It’s our job to make sure that as many people feel included and we’re catering for that diversity as much as we can.”

The initiative was developed in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia and supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative.

“Our team has recently been undergoing Sunflower Training,” Mr Hemetsberger said.

“The Sunflower Initiative has been really, really important for us to make sure we have access to resources and training internally.”

For more information, visit the Sovereign Hill website.