Accessibility
#How to use this page
This page presents information in two ways:
Topic heading - We have used headings to group together information based on specific topics (eg. Getting Here, Neurodivergent, d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing).
Venue and Facilities - The Venue and Facilities section lists specific accessibility information for each venue/facility at the HOTA Precinct.
#Arrival
HOTA is a cultural precinct located at 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD.
We have three major venues onsite, including:
• HOTA Gallery (which is home to our galleries, HOTA Shop, The Studio, The Exhibitionist Bar, and Palette Restaurant).
• HOTA Central (which is home to our theatres, cinemas, Candy Bar, Cafe, Studio 1 and Studio 2, Basement, Panorama Room and Lakeside Room).
• Outdoor Stage.
Accessible Parking
There are accessible parking spaces close to the front of HOTA Central and HOTA Gallery.
For more information about parking click the link below.
Drop off/Pick Up
HOTA Central and Outdoor Stage drop off/pick-up area is next to the pedestrian crossing in front of the HOTA Central building.
HOTA Gallery drop off/pick-up area is in front of the HOTA Gallery lower ground entrance.
Ramp and Lift Access
All venues at HOTA have ramp or lift access, except for Theatre 1 (HOTA Central) Stalls Rows V – AA and all Rows in Theatre 1 balcony. For more information see 'Theatre 1' below.
#Find us
#Companion Cards
HOTA is proud to be an affiliate of the Queensland Government's Companion Card program.
The Companion Card is designed for individuals with disabilities who require attendant care support to engage in community activities and visit various venues.
This program allows Companion Card holders to receive a complimentary second ticket for their chosen companion.
To book Companion Card tickets: select them on our website or contact our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
To collect your Companion Card Ticket, please present your companion card at the Box Office.
#Changing Places
HOTA Gallery has a Changing Places toilet. Located on the Ground Floor, the bathroom has an adult-size change table, hoist, and privacy screen.
#Guide, Hearing or Assistance Animals
For the safety and comfort of all our patrons, animals are not permitted inside HOTA Venues, including the HOTA Outdoor Stage when it is activated for an event, except for:
- Guide, hearing and assistance dogs that are trained and certified in accordance with the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (Qld) with an identity card issued in accordance with that Act. This includes a guide, hearing and assistance dog under training.
Or:
- Animals that meet the assistance animal requirements as outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (“assistance animal”), being animals that assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability and meets standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place, with an approved assistance animal pass.
HOTA accepts documentation and passes for assistance animals that are issued by any of the below:
- Approved trainers and training institutions | People with disability | Queensland Government (opens in new tab)
- Translink (see note below) (opens in new tab)
- Transport for NSW (opens in new tab)
- Victorian Public Transport (opens in new tab)
- Government of WA (opens in new tab)
- Young Diggers (opens in new tab)
- Revolutionary Assistance Dogs Inc (opens in new tab)
- mindDog Australia (opens in new tab)
- Assistance Dogs International (opens in new tab)
- ACT Government Domestic Animals Act 2000 (opens in new tab)
- South Australian Dog and Cat Management Board (opens in new tab)
- Western Australian Government Dog Act 1976 (opens in new tab)
More information on Queensland's guide, hearing and assistance dogs, can be found here.
#d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing
HOTA Cinema
Listening assistive headsets are available at HOTA Cinema. The audio is delivered through a personal headset with individual left and right volume controls. Audio enhancement is available on all films, every session at HOTA Cinema.
Closed Caption Headset Receivers and Gooseneck held caption boxes are available at HOTA Cinema to assist hearing impaired guests. These are glasses with captions and a box that rests in the cup holder that receive caption via Infrared energy. These products are compatible with films that have been encrypted with this technology. This new technology at HOTA Cinema is subject to availability. Be sure to check session times or ask one of the friendly Box Office staff for information on enabled access sessions.
HOTA Gallery
Assistive listening carrier devices (FM system) are available in the gallery. The HOTA Gallery foyer, Children’s Gallery and Studio spaces are all fitted with an Audio Frequency Induction Loop system.
Auslan interpreted programs: For information about upcoming Auslan interpreted exhibition tours and programs please contact gallery@hota.com.au or education@hota.com.au or call (07) 5588 4000.
National Relay Service
Patrons who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech/communication difficulty can use the National Relay Service (NRS) at no cost.
Step 1. Make contact through your preferred NRS call channel detailed on NRS call numbers and links(link is external, opens in new tab or window)
Step 2. Provide the NRS with the HOTA Box Office number (07) 5588 4000.
#Neurodivergent
HOTA warmly welcomes neurodivergent visitors to enjoy our facilities and events. We encourage you to bring and use personal noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and audio descriptors.
Programming themes
If you would like to know more about any themes or technical aspects of our performances, events and exhibitions before attending, please contact our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Social Stories
Read the Social Story for HOTA Gallery by clicking the link below.
#Programs and Events
Relaxed Performances, Theatres, HOTA Central
HOTA occasionally hosts relaxed performances.
We want everyone to have a great time when they come to HOTA, but we know that not everyone feels comfortable attending a traditional theatre performance. For some events we will offer a relaxed performance.
A relaxed performance may have:
• lower sound levels and less special effects (but it will still be an amazing performance!);
• a designated ‘chill out’ zone in the foyer, if you need to take a moment out;
• no expectation of how you will enjoy the performance – you can move around the auditorium and making noise is ok – we love hearing people enjoy themselves!; and
• houselights will be on at all time so there is never complete darkness.
Click the link below to find upcoming relaxed performances on our 'What's on page'.
Sunroom, HOTA Gallery
First Wednesday, every month
Sunroom is about providing a safe, creative space for art making, creative play and exploration for adults who identify with disability.
For more information and to book tickets click the link below.
Quiet Hour, HOTA Gallery
9am - 10am on the first Saturday of every month.
Quiet Hour at HOTA Gallery provides relaxed and calm exhibition experiences for anyone who prefers a quieter visitor experience.
Click the link below to read more about Quiet Hour.
#Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Membership
HOTA is a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative.
You can look for HOTA staff wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower pins.
You can get a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard at HOTA Hello Desk in the foyer in HOTA Central or from the Information Station on Gallery ground floor at HOTA Gallery.
If you already have a Sunflower lanyard I can bring it with me.
It is OK if you don’t have a lanyard, you can still get help if I need.
#Visual Disabilities
HOTA Cinema
HOTA Cinema provides listening assisted headsets so you can listen to audio described movies you might have difficulty seeing with a spoken commentary and enjoy all the parts of a movie, including visual jokes, visual scenes, settings and body language. Films listed as [CC] carry this technology.
#Venues and Facilities
HOTA is home to several venues offering differing creative experiences. Accessibility may look different for each venue. See venue specific details below:
Theatre 1
HOTA Central
Our main theatre, Theatre 1, is located within HOTA Central. Theatre 1 has very limited accessibility for wheelchair users and for patrons who require assistance using stairs.
Aisle Seats: Stalls
• Rows V38 and 11
• Row U 38, 36, 15 and 11
• Row T 38, 36, 16 and 11
• Row S 38, 35, 16 and 11
• Row R 38, 35, 17 and 11
• Row Q 34 and 17
• Row P 46 and 6
• Row O 45 and 6
• Row N 46 and 6
• Row M 45 and 6
• Row L 45 and 7
• Row K 44 and 7
• Row J 44 and 8
• Row H 43 and 8
• Row G 43 and 9
• Row F 42 and 9
• Row E 41 and 11
• Row D 40 and 11
• Row C 40 and 12
• Row B 38 and 13
• Row A 35 and 17
• Row BB 34 and 17
• Row AA 32 and 20
Aisle Seats: Balcony
• Row J 46 and 5
• Row H 47 and 5
• Row G 45 and 6
• Row F 45 and 7
• Row E 44 and 7
• Row D 48, 44, 8 and 4
• Row C 48, 43, 8 and 4
• Row B 48, 43, 9 and 4
• Row A 48, 41, 10 and 4
Limited steps
• All rows in Theatre 1 (except for Row W) have at least one step to access the row.
The best options for patrons wanting seating with limited steps:
• Stalls Row V, down two steps from back of Theatre 1 (stalls).
• Stalls Row U, down four steps from back of Theatre 1 (stalls).
Wheelchair Seating
For patrons who remain in their wheelchair in Theatre 1, there are up to two wheelchair seats. Wheelchair seats are in Row W at the back of the theatre.
You can book wheelchair seats by contacting our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Hearing Disabilities
Our Theatre 1 is equipped with Sennheiser Infra-Red Sound Reinforcement.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Central.
Theatre 2
HOTA Central
Theatre 2 is on level 1 of HOTA Central and is a smaller black box theatre space accessible by lift from the foyer. Theatre 2 has designated wheelchair spots at the front of the raked seats.
Aisle Seats
• Row A 9 and 12
• Row B 9 and 12
• Row C 9 and 12
• Row D 9 and 12
• Row E 9 and 12
• Row F 9 and 12
• Row G10 and 11
Limited steps or no steps
The best option for patrons wanting seating with no steps:
• Row A requires no steps to access.
The best options for patrons wanting seating with limited steps:
• Row B, up 1 steps from front of Theatre 2.
• Row C, up 2 steps from front of Theatre 2.
Wheelchair seating
You can book wheelchair seats by contacting our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Central.
HOTA Cinema 1
HOTA Central
Cinema 1 and Cinema 2 are located within HOTA Central.
Reserved Seats
The following seats are reserved for patrons' accessibility requirements. To reserve a seat contact our Box Office team on (07) 5588 4000 or email ticketbox@hota.com.au.
• Row A 6 and A 12
• Row N 3 to B 6
• Row N 12 to 15
No Steps
All rows in Cinema 1 are accessible via a sloped ramp.
Wheelchair Seating
There are two wheelchair seat spaces
• Row A 5 and A 13.
Wheelchair spaces can be booked online by selecting an available seat with a disability symbol sign or contact our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Hard of hearing
Listening assistive headsets are available at HOTA Cinema. Audio enhancement is available on all films at HOTA Cinema.
Closed Captions are available on selected movies. Movies with closed captions will include a [CC] symbol or state ‘closed caption available text’ on our website.
Closed Caption Headset Receivers and Gooseneck held caption boxes are available at HOTA Cinema (subject to availability). See our website or ask one of our friendly Box Office staff for information on enabled access sessions.
Visually Disabled
HOTA Cinema provides listening assisted headsets for audio described movies. Films listed as [CC] carry this technology.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Central.
HOTA Cinema 2
Cinema 1 and Cinema 2 are located within HOTA Central.
Reserved Seats
The following seats are reserved for patrons' accessibility requirements.
• Row H 4, 5 and 7
• Row H 11, 13 ad 14
You can reserve an accessible seat by contacting our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Limited Steps
• All rows in Cinema 2 have at least one step to access the row, Except for Row H.
The best options for patrons wanting seating with limited steps:
• Row G, down one step from back of Cinema 2.
• Row F, down two steps from back of Cinema 2.
Wheelchair Seating
There are two wheelchair seat spaces.
• Row H 6 and H 12.
You can reserve a wheelchair seat by contacting our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Hard of hearing
Listening assistive headsets are available at HOTA Cinema. Audio enhancement is available on all films at HOTA Cinema.
Closed Captions are available on selected movies. Movies with closed captions will include a [CC] symbol or state ‘closed caption available text’ on our website.
Closed Caption Headset Receivers and Gooseneck held caption boxes are available at HOTA Cinema (subject to availability). See our website or ask one of our friendly Box Office staff for information on enabled access sessions.
Visually Disabled
HOTA Cinema provides listening assisted headsets for audio described movies. Films listed as [CC] carry this technology.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Central.
Basement
HOTA Central
Located on the lower ground of HOTA Central.
Wheelchair Access/No Stair Access
The main entrance to the Basement has 10 stairs.
For no stair access to the Basement:
• Enter HOTA Central via the Lakeside Room foyer.
• Follow signs to The Basement.
Wheelchair Seats
To book wheelchair seats in the Basement, please contact our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Central.
Lakeside Room
HOTA Central
This room is on the lower ground level of HOTA Central. It is accessible by the main lift from the foyer.
Wheelchair Access
The room has no fixed seating. If you would like to book a wheelchair seat in the Lakeside Room, please contact our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Central.
Outdoor Stage
Outdoors
The Outdoor Stage is situated in the precinct behind HOTA Central and across from HOTA Gallery.
Wheelchair Access
There are designated spots for wheelchair users and their companions on the level paved walkway which provides good views of the stage.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Gallery.
HOTA Gallery
Located on the precinct adjacent to the Council Chambers Building and across from the Outdoor Stage.
Auslan Interpretation
For information about upcoming Auslan interpreted exhibition tours and programs please contact gallery@hota.com.au or education@hota.com.au or call (07) 5588 4000.
Hard of hearing
Assistive listening carrier devices (FM system) are available in the gallery. The HOTA Gallery foyer, Children’s Gallery and Studio spaces are all fitted with an Audio Frequency Induction Loop system.
Social Story
Your pre-visit information for HOTA Gallery. Find out more information click the link below.
Quiet Hour
On the first Saturday of every month between 9 – 10am we offer Quiet Hour in HOTA Gallery. Our Quiet Hour is provided to ensure a relaxed and calm environment for anyone who prefers a quieter visitor experience.
More details on Quiet Hour and the HOTA Gallery Social Story below.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Gallery.
The Exhibitionist Bar
HOTA Gallery
Located on level 5 of HOTA Gallery, The Exhibitionist Bar is a rooftop bar that serves food and drinks.
The Exhibitionist Bar is table service.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible carparks are near the front of HOTA Gallery.
Find out more information about The Exhibitionist Bar by clicking the link below.
Palette Restaurant
HOTA Gallery
Palette is on the ground floor of HOTA Gallery. It is accessible by wheelchair via the ramp outside and entering via Ground. Or you can enter HOTA Gallery via the Lower Ground Entrance and take the elevator up to Ground.
Find out more about Palette Restaurant by clicking the link below.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible Carparks for Palette are near the front of HOTA Gallery.
HOTA Shop
Located on the ground floor of the HOTA Gallery and is wheelchair accessible.
HOTA Café
HOTA Central
Located outside HOTA Central and accessible by wheelchair. The menu has snacks, light lunches, coffee, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and cakes. Order your food and drinks at the counter. You can sit inside or outside on the deck.
Accessible Parking
The best Accessible Parks are near the front of HOTA Central.
Find out more about HOTA Café by clicking the link below.
Candy Bar
HOTA Central
Located on the ground floor of HOTA Central and is accessible by wheelchair.
Panorama Room
HOTA Central
This room, which is used as primarily as a function space and venue with no fixed seating, is found on level 1 of HOTA Central. It is accessible by a lift from the foyer.
#Wheelchair/Wheelie Walker Users
Lift and Ramp Access
All venues at HOTA have ramp or lift access, except for Theatre 1 (HOTA Central) Stalls Rows V – AA and all Rows in Theatre 1 balcony. For more information click the link below.
Limited Steps/No Steps
Theatre 1:
Limited steps
• All rows in Theatre 1 (except for Row W) have at least one step to access the row.
The best options for patrons wanting seating with limited steps:
• Stalls Row V, down two steps from back of Theatre 1 (stalls).
• Stalls Row U, down four steps from back of Theatre 1 (stalls).
Theatre 2:
Row Access: No Steps
• Row A requires no steps to access.
Row Access: Limited Steps:
• Row B, up 1 step from front of Theatre 2.
• Row C, up 2 steps from front of Theatre 2.
Cinema 1:
Row Access: No Steps
All rows in Cinema 1 are accessible via a sloped ramp.
Cinema 2:
Row Access: No Steps
• Row H requires no steps to access.
Row Access: Limited Steps
• Row G, down one step from back of Cinema 2.
• Row F, down two steps from back of Cinema 2.
Wheelchair Seats
All venues at HOTA have Wheelchair Spaces:
• Theatre 1: 2 wheelchair seats (Row W)
• Theatre 2: 2 wheelchairs seats (Row A)
• Cinema 1: 2 wheelchair seats (Row A 6 and A 12)
• Cinema 2: 2 wheelchair seats (Row H6 and H 12)
• Outdoor stage: There are designated spots for wheelchair users and their companions on the level paved walkway which provides good views of the stage.
• Basement: The Basement has no fixed seating so we can accommodate wheelchairs and wheelie walkers. If you would like to discuss your access requirements with our team please call our Box Office team on (07) 5588 4000 or email ticketbox@hota.com.au.
• Lakeside Room: Lakeside Room has no fixed seating so we can accommodate wheelchairs and wheelie walkers. If you would like to discuss your access requirements with our team please call our Box Office team on (07) 5588 4000 or email ticketbox@hota.com.au.
• Panorama Room: The Panorama room has no fixed seating so we can accommodate wheelchairs and wheelie walkers. If you would like to discuss your access requirements with our team please call our Box Office team on (07) 5588 4000 or email ticketbox@hota.com.au.
You can book wheelchair seats by contacting our Box Office by calling (07) 5588 4000 or emailing ticketbox@hota.com.au.
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