Travelling and exploring new destinations can be a transformative experience that should be equally accessible for everyone. Australia is making a great effort in ensuring tourism is inclusive, and has the necessary facilities for people to travel and see diverse landscapes, cities and attractions. This guide will provide insights, tips and resources to help people with disability explore Australia and create memorable travel experiences.
Understanding Australia’s Accessibility Landscape
Australia has significantly promoted and increased accessibility for travellers with disability. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was introduced in 1992 and prohibits discrimination based on disability and mandates access to goods, services, and public spaces. The act also covers various travelling aspects, from transport to accommodation and tourist attractions. Furthermore, the National Disability Strategy for disability plan management provides a framework for promoting accessibility and inclusion across all sectors, including tourism.
Pre-Trip Planning
Destination Research
Before embarking on your journey across Australia, thoroughly research the accessibility of chosen destinations. Ensure that the infrastructure of the places you would like to visit is suitable, and tailor your itinerary accordingly.
Accessible Accommodations
During the accommodation search, you may need to look for hotels or motels offering accessible rooms with widened doorways, grab bars, and roll-in showers as an example. Airbnb now offer an accessible room filter, so this feature may be useful.
Transport Options
Australian cities now provide accessible public transportation, including trains, buses, and ferries. In addition, you can hire an accessible vehicle for more flexibility when visiting regional areas.
Get Medical Advice Before Travelling
Before travelling, see your doctor for vaccinations and health checks if necessary. If they advise against travelling, do not go because you may be putting yourself, your family, and other travelling companions at risk. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of necessary medications, prescriptions, and medical documents. You may also carry a doctor’s note detailing any special requirements like mobility aids and assistive devices.
Travelling By Air
Here are some ways to prepare for flying within Australia:
Contact the Airline
Inform the airline of your needs and if needed, request assistance for boarding, transferring, and in-flight services. Airlines generally require at least 48 hours’ notice to arrange assistance.
Seating
Choose seats on the plane that accommodate your needs. Some airlines offer designated accessible seating that is more spacious and with easy access to restrooms.
Medication and other Essentials
Keep essential medications and personal care items within reach during the flight. Your doctor’s note will explain to the cabin crew any specific requirements you need or medical equipment you may be carrying.
Navigating Australian Cities
Australian cities have significantly improved accessibility while providing various services and facilities. These include;
Accessible Attractions
Most popular tourist attractions in Australia are equipped to accommodate people with disability, including accessible tours of the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Museum as an example.
Accessible Transportation
Accessible public transportation is now available in most Australian cities. Buses and trains have designated spaces for wheelchairs and fully accessible tram networks. NDIS transport funding may also be able to contribute to the cost of trips taken in accessible taxis.
Accessible Tours
Some tour operators specialise in providing accessible tours and experiences to people with disability.
Exploring Nature and the Outback
Australia’s natural beauty is one of its most significant features. Below are some focus areas for travellers with a disability include;
National Parks
Parks in Australia now have accessible trails, lookout points, and visitor centres. It may be useful to visit the official park website for any information about accessibility or call beforehand to inquire.
Wheelchair-Friendly Activities
Several tourist locations now have wheelchair-friendly activities, including adaptive snorkelling, accessible wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic drives.
Accessible Tours
Tour companies have developed various accessible and inclusive options for people with disability. Enquire with the tour company prior to ensure they have specific tours suited for an inclusive group.
Beach Accessibility
Australia is well-known for its stunning beaches, and many have excellent accessibility infrastructure for people with disability. Some notable improvements include;
Beach Wheelchairs
Many coastal areas have beach wheelchairs for use, allowing access to the sand and water.
Accessible Facilities
Some beaches have accessible restrooms, boardwalks, and ramps leading to the shore.
Patrolled Beaches
Patrolled beaches where lifeguards are present will provide additional assistance and safety.
Travelling with a Service Animal in Australia
Individuals with disabilities can travel with their assistance dogs in Australia, as these dogs have typically passed their Public Access Test (PAT) and are permitted in nearly all public spaces. However, it’s crucial to confirm accessibility at each location, as some places may not be fully informed about assistance dog access rules.
It is advisable to communicate with transport or accommodation providers in advance to understand their specific requirements. Having proper paperwork from an accredited animal training organization ensures a smoother and more informed travel experience.
NDIS Transport Funding
NDIS transport funding is given to participants if they cannot use public transport independently due to a disability.
The NDIS may contribute to transportation services in Australia for participants to attend appointments and activities relating to their NDIS plans. The NDIS transport services include;
- Assistance with using public transport
- Travel training to use public transport independently
- Taxi/Uber fares
- A support worker to accompany you if required
- Vehicle modifications and specialist equipment like hoists, ramps, and seating systems
Read more: NDIS travel allowance
Check in with your disability plan management provider to establish if you have funding allocation for your travel plans. This helps you plan effectively and determine the expenses that the NDIS funding will cater for, and what you will pay out of pocket.
Here are some tips on accessible travel around Australia as a person with a disability to make your trip worthwhile. From getting accessible transport options, to finding accommodation facilities that cater to you if you have mobility issues.
Thoroughly researching, planning and using the available resources can make it that bit simpler for NDIS participants to limitlessly explore Australia’s beauty and diversity and create unforgettable experiences.
If you have any questions regarding your NDIS plan, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at 1800 63 63 77. We are available to address any inquiries you may have.
