Brisbane Powerhouse has announced that Vertigo, a high-flying dining experience perched on the edge of the building, is now accessible for wheelchair users.
Vertigo is Australia's first vertical restaurant offering a unique dining and adrenaline experience 17 metres above the ground.
Making Vertigo accessible to wheelchair users is the first stage of Access Vertigo - an initiative to make the experience more broadly accessible to many abilities.
Since the initial launch of Vertigo in October 2023, the team sought to make the experience accessible to wheelchair users and those with more complex mobility needs.
A specialised team, including chief executive of Sporting Wheelies and inclusion advocate Dane Cross, along with occupational therapist and wheelchair user Tim Lachlan, was assembled to construct a lightweight wheelchair tailored for elevating individuals for high-altitude adventures such as Vertigo.
Late last year four prototypes were completed, made from aircraft-grade aluminium, and were tested earlier this year by a team in the United States.
Dane Cross said it is a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge design is combined with a strong commitment to inclusivity.
"Sporting Wheelies' input into the project enabled us to impart our insight and lived experience of disability to open up a new realm of adventure dining for the community, including those with mobility impairments. It's a proud moment for us to see Access Vertigo not just redefine the parameters of accessible tourism, but also ensure that the excitement and joy of dining in the sky are shared by all," he said.
Brisbane Powerhouse chief executive and artistic director Kate Gould said Vertigo's creator John Sharpe had a vision for the experience to be the same for people with and without mobility issues.
"Achieving that vision has been a greater challenge than anticipated, requiring prototyping new wheelchair designs, and lifting techniques. To see wheelchairs finally raised up the wall of Brisbane Powerhouse is exhilarating," she said.
Access Vertigo was developed to accommodate various types of disabilities for those who use a wheelchair, such as spinal cord injuries, amputees, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, scoliosis, spina bifida, and stroke.
Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy said Vertigo would take accessible tourism to a whole new level.
"Vertigo is a great example of a bold tourism initiative that will capture the interest of international and interstate visitors with diverse access needs," he said.
"This unforgettable culinary adventure will enable even more people to enjoy our great Queensland lifestyle from a different perspective."
Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Patricia O'Callaghan welcomed the announcement.
"Our tourism industry continues to innovate and provide unique experiences for travellers and to see Vertigo open up access so even more people can enjoy it is a wonderful milestone for what is a truly novel experience.
"We have really great momentum here in Queensland following the Year of Accessible Tourism which launched in 2023, but work continues into 2024 to grow our industry and ensure we deliver a world-class tourism experience for people of all abilities."
Wheelchair sittings are limited to one wheelchair user per sitting and can be booked by contacting info@vertigobrisbane.com.au.
Vertigo's three-course dinner menu with matched wine and Sunday brunch menu can be adapted to cater for most dietary requirements and costs $250 per person.
For more information and bookings, visit www.vertigobrisbane.com.au/access-vertigo.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
