They say to travel is to live, but what happens when it’s not as simple as booking the cheapest flight or best-placed accommodation? Travelling when you have a disability means extra planning and research, but thankfully Australia has moved accessible travel to the top of the priority list, with more providers understanding the importance of inclusivity in the travel industry.
So if you’re looking to put your feet in the red dirt, swim in the ocean, or drive through a rainforest with the wind in your hair, Australia is place to see.
There are a few things you need to consider when booking an accessible holiday, and we’ve found all the information you need to get started on planning your ultimate itinerary.
Pick your destination for your accessible holiday
Start by researching where in Australia you want to go. Because accessible travel is so important, each of the Australian states and territories has a dedicated hub for their accessible travel options. Check it out here:
- Queensland Queensland’s Open to Everyone – Accessible Travel Hub | Queensland
- Northern Territory Accessible travel (northernterritory.com)
- Western Australia Accessibility – Transportation & Services in Perth | Visit Perth | Visit Perth
- South Australia Accessibility | South Australia
- Victoria Accessible Victoria, Travel information, Victoria, Australia (visitvictoria.com)
- Canberra Wheelchair-friendly weekend away in Canberra | VisitCanberra
- Tasmania Accessible Travel | Discover Tasmania
- New South Wales Accessible Sydney – Accessible attractions, getting around & more | Sydney.com
How to get around Australia with a disability
Australia is the world’s largest island so there are many ways to get around. Whether you are travelling by air, train or road, you’ll be pleased to know the majority of Australia’s major cities and territories have accessible travel options.
Some of the accessible travel features you’ll experience in Australia include:
- Braille at most major public transport locations and overhead speaker announcements
- Audio induction loop systems on trains and buses as well as major tourism locations, like the Sydney Opera House
- Wheelchair accessible public transport with wide aisled buses and trains, with ramp access
And if you’re looking to travel on your own schedule, why not consider hiring a wheelchair accessible car and hitting the road. Wheelaway offers wheelchair accessible hire cars so you can travel in comfort and have the reassurance the car you’ve hired will suit your individual needs.
Finding accessible accommodation in Australia
With almost 300,000 accommodation options in Australia to pick from, it’s hard to know where to start! While most large hotels offer some variation of accessible accommodation, it can be hard to see what exact room you will get to check access to bathrooms, the bed and the exits. Luckily, Hosting with a Heart has created a platform to research and book accessible travel options within Australia.
There are a number of filters you can use to search for appropriate rooms including calming décor, dimmable lights, adjustable beds and assistance dog accessibility.
Accessible travel activities in Australia
So you’ve picked your destination, you know how you’re getting there and where you’re staying; next up it’s activities.
Go to the beach
Boasting the best beaches in the world, it makes sense that getting on the sand and into the ocean might be high on your to-do list. The rollout of beach wheelchair access is growing across the country. You can find an always-increasing list of wheelchair accessible beaches here.
See the sights
You might like to check out the art galleries, all of which are accessible [link], or take a hike on an accessible trail; whatever you decide, we know you’ll have so much to see. The major tourism sites across Australia (like the Opera House, Parliament House, sporting grounds and museums) all have accessibility support for people who are D/deaf, blind or low vision, or use a wheelchair.
How we can help
The team at Focused Health care want to help you see the world, starting with our own backyard. Our team can help you reach your travel goals. Call our dedicated team to see how we can support you to see everything Australia has to offer.
Disclaimers:All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Focused Health Care can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
References:
[1] Australia’s size compared | Geoscience Australia (ga.gov.au), 1 February 2024
