Three Years of Access with Ash: Your Guide to Accessible Melbourne
Three years ago, I hit publish on an Instagram page called Access with Ash.
I had no big business plan or grand vision. I just knew one thing: finding reliable accessibility information was way harder than it should be.
I was tired of venues simply saying they were "accessible" without actually telling you anything useful. Is there a step? Can I get through the door? Is there an accessible toilet? Can I actually sit at a table?
So I started checking for myself.
Fast forward three years and what started as a little Instagram page has grown into something I never imagined.
There are now 90+ accessibility reviews, and the website has become a go-to guide for locals, interstate visitors and even international travellers wanting to explore Melbourne with confidence.
That's still pretty surreal to say.
Why I Keep Doing It
Access isn't one size fits all, but having good information gives people the chance to decide whether somewhere will work for them.
Every review I share is based on a real visit. I don't just tell you if a venue is "accessible" - I show you the entrance, the layout, the accessible toilet, the parking and all the little details I'd want to know before heading out.
Because those details matter.
A Milestone During Disability Pride Month
Celebrating three years during Disability Pride Month feels pretty special.
Disability Pride Month is about celebrating disability, challenging assumptions and recognising that disabled people deserve to experience their cities just like everyone else.
Access isn't an extra. It's what makes participation possible.
If Access with Ash helps someone feel confident enough to book that hotel, try a new cafe or plan a weekend away, then it's doing exactly what I hoped it would.
What's New?
If you haven't visited the website in a while, there's plenty of new content waiting for you.
I've added new hotel reviews, more cafes and restaurants, accessible weekend getaway ideas, and one of my favourite new sections - Top 5 Accessible Rooftops in Melbourne.
Thank You
Whether you've been following since the very beginning or you've only just found Access with Ash, thank you.
Thank you for reading, sharing, recommending venues, sending messages and trusting my reviews.
Every coffee, every rooftop, every accessible stay and every review has helped build this little community.
Here's to the next chapter and many more accessible adventures across Melbourne 💙
