September 2026

For an NDIS participant living with disability in Brisbane, short term accommodation is one of the most powerful and underused supports available. It gives you time away from your usual environment, a break from familiar routines, and the freedom to try new experiences in a fully supported setting. For carers and families, STA provides something equally important: a genuine rest. The opportunity to recharge, knowing the person you support is receiving quality care, is not a luxury. It is a necessity that makes long-term caring sustainable. Yet many Brisbane participants and families do not access STA at all, often because the process seems complicated or they are unsure whether their plan covers it. This guide answers every question clearly, from what STA actually is, to how much it costs in 2026, to how to find the right provider in Brisbane and book your first stay. What Is NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA)? NDIS Short Term Accommodation, commonly known as STA, is funded support that allows a participant to stay away from their usual home for a short period while still receiving the disability-related support they need. The NDIS defines STA as support during a break from usual care arrangements. In practice, this means the participant stays somewhere other than their home, with qualified support workers providing the daily assistance they normally receive from family, carers, or support workers at home. STA was previously called Short Term Respite (STR). The name changed to better reflect what it actually is: a funded accommodation and support arrangement, not simply a rest for the carer. The funding sits under your Core Supports budget, specifically under Assistance with Daily Life (Support Category 01). STA is not a holiday and it is not charity. It is a funded support the NDIS recognises as essential for participants who live with disability and the people who care for them. STA in Brisbane: the local context Brisbane and the surrounding South East Queensland region has a growing network of registered STA providers, ranging from purpose-built respite houses in suburbs like Morayfield and Capalaba to in-home arrangements and community-based stays. The city’s accessible public spaces, mild climate, and strong disability community make Brisbane a particularly good setting for STA experiences that go beyond simply staying somewhere different. NDIS Short Term Accommodation Eligibility Brisbane: Who Can Access STA? Not every NDIS participant automatically receives STA funding in their plan. The NDIA assesses eligibility based on your circumstances and the role informal supports play in your daily life. You are most likely to be eligible for STA funding if one or more of the following applies: Tip: If STA funding is not currently in your plan but you believe you qualify, do not wait for your next scheduled review. Speak with your support coordinator or plan manager about requesting an unscheduled plan review or a variation through the NDIA. What Does NDIS Short Term Accommodation Include? Full Coverage Breakdown Understanding exactly what STA does and does not cover helps you budget accurately and set the right expectations before booking. COVERED BY STA NOT COVERED BY STA Accommodation costs (the place you stay) Airfares, transport to the STA location, or travel insurance Personal care and daily living support (showering, meals, medication, mobility) Holiday packages, cruises, or entertainment venue tickets Support worker assistance during waking hours and overnight Meals and groceries (personal expense, not STA funded) Community participation during the stay Accommodation for family members accompanying you Daily living skill development activities Activities unrelated to your disability support needs Social activities and outings arranged through the provider Personal spending money or shopping Accessible facilities and equipment in the accommodation Stays outside Australia Important 2026 change: From 1 July 2026, the NDIA moved from a single bundled STA daily rate to an itemised pricing model. Providers now quote accommodation and support as separate line items. This gives participants greater transparency and makes it easier to compare quotes from different providers. NDIS Short Term Accommodation Rates and Pricing in 2026 STA costs depend on the type of support arrangement, the day of the week, and the provider you choose. The NDIA sets maximum price caps; providers can charge up to but not above these figures. Support Arrangement Weekday Rate Saturday Sunday Public Holiday 1:1 Individual Support $2,178.57 / day cap $2,763.80 $3,510.88 $4,257.96 1:2 Shared Support $1,189.28 / participant Higher rates apply on weekends and public holidays Higher rates apply on weekends and public holidays Higher rates apply on weekends and public holidays 1:3 Shared Support $859.52 / participant Higher rates apply on weekends and public holidays Higher rates apply on weekends and public holidays Higher rates apply on weekends and public holidays These rates are price caps, not fixed prices. Providers may charge less, and many do for shared arrangements or longer stays. Always request a detailed quote that itemises accommodation and support separately under the 2026-27 pricing model. How to make your STA budget go further A 28-day annual STA allocation at 1:3 shared rates across weekdays equates to roughly $24,066 in potential funding. Choosing shared support over 1:1 individual support can significantly extend the number of nights you access. Tip: Spread your days strategically. You do not need to use all 28 days in one block. Many Brisbane participants use STA as fortnightly weekend stays, monthly long weekends, or two annual week-long stays. Work with your support coordinator to plan usage that fits your family’s routine. How to Access NDIS Short Term Accommodation in Brisbane: Step by Step Types of NDIS Short Term Accommodation Available in Brisbane Purpose-built respite homes Registered STA providers operate houses in residential neighbourhoods across Greater Brisbane. These typically accommodate a small number of participants (often two to four) with round-the-clock support staff. They feel more like living in a home than a facility, with accessible bathrooms, communal spaces, and structured daily routines. In-home STA (support in your own space) If you prefer familiar surroundings, STA funding can cover a support worker staying in your home while your

Getting from A to B sounds simple. For millions of Australians living with disability, it is anything but. Inaccessible vehicles, confusing funding rules, and a lack of clear information about what the NDIS actually covers leave many participants stuck at home, missing medical appointments, social events, and the independence they deserve. This guide cuts through the confusion. Whether you are a first-time NDIS participant trying to understand your plan, a support coordinator helping a client, or a family member doing the research, you will find clear answers here: what the NDIS funds, at which level, how to claim it, and how to book a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that meets your needs. What Is NDIS Transport Funding? NDIS transport funding is money in your NDIS plan specifically allocated to help you travel when your disability makes it impossible, or very difficult, to use standard public transport independently. It is important to understand what this funding is not: it is not money to buy or modify a vehicle, and it does not cover everyday travel that any household would need regardless of disability. It is disability-specific. The funding exists because your condition creates an extra barrier to getting around that others do not face. Transport funding sits inside your Core Supports budget, under Support Category 02. Unlike most Core funding (which you can shift between categories flexibly), transport allowance is a “stated” support, meaning the money is quarantined for transport only and cannot be spent on other Core items. The End of the Mobility Allowance If you previously received the Mobility Allowance through Services Australia, note that it has now been phased out for most people. NDIS transport funding has replaced it. Participants transitioning from the Mobility Allowance are reviewed during NDIS planning to ensure their new plan adequately meets their transport needs. NDIS Transport Funding Eligibility: Who Qualifies in 2026? Eligibility for transport funding comes down to one central question: does your disability make it impossible, or substantially difficult, to use public transport on your own? The NDIA considers several key factors when assessing eligibility: What Does NDIS Transport Funding Cover? A Complete 2026 Breakdown Knowing exactly what is and is not funded saves you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Here is a clear breakdown: COVERED by NDIS Transport Funding NOT COVERED Taxi fares to medical appointments, therapy, work, or activities Rideshare services (Uber, DiDi, Ola) for disability-related travel Community transport and accessible buses Travel to employment, study, or day programs Wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire Fuel reimbursement where a carer drives you (at approved rates) Activity-based transport (provider transports you to an activity) Purchasing a vehicle (see Capital Supports for modifications) General fuel, registration, or car insurance Travel costs for family members or informal carers Overseas or international travel School transport (education system responsibility) Parking or speeding fines Travel unrelated to your disability or NDIS goals Activity-Based Transport: A Separate Line Item Activity-based transport is separate from your personal transport allowance. When a registered provider drives you to a community participation activity as part of delivering a support, they can claim this under support item 04_590_0125_6_1 at approximately $1.00 per kilometre. This does not come out of your transport budget as the provider claims it directly. Confirm current rates in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2026-27. NDIS Transport Funding Levels 2026: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Explained Your transport allowance is allocated at one of three annual levels, determined by how frequently you work, study, or attend programs. Here is how they compare: Level Annual Amount Per Fortnight Who It Applies To Level 1 $1,784 / year ~$69 Not working or studying; seeking community access Level 2 $2,676 / year ~$103 Working or studying under 15 hours/week, or attending day programs Level 3 $3,456 / year ~$133 Working or studying 15+ hours/week; highest transport need Transport allowance is typically paid fortnightly directly into your nominated bank account. You do not need to submit individual receipts for these payments. The money arrives automatically and you use it for eligible travel as costs arise throughout your fortnight. Can I Receive More Than Level 3? In exceptional circumstances (typically where a participant has complex mobility requirements that genuinely exceed the Level 3 amount) the NDIA may approve higher funding. This requires strong evidence and explicit NDIA approval. It is uncommon, but worth raising with your support coordinator if your transport costs consistently exceed your allocation. NDIS Transport Funding for Rural and Remote Participants If you live outside a major city, the NDIA applies the Modified Monash Model, a classification framework that recognises higher transport distances and limited public options in regional areas. Rural and very remote participants may receive higher allocations to reflect the real-world cost of getting around in their community. How to Claim NDIS Transport Funding Step by Step The process varies slightly depending on how your NDIS plan is managed. Here is a breakdown by plan type: Step 1: Confirm Transport Funding Is in Your Plan Log into myplace on the NDIS portal, or check with your plan manager. Look for Support Category 02 (Transport) in your Core Supports budget. If it is missing, request a plan review to have it added. Step 2: NDIA-Managed Plans: Money Arrives Automatically If the NDIA manages your plan, your transport allowance is paid fortnightly directly into your bank account. No receipts are needed for the allowance itself. Keep personal records of how you spend it in case of a future audit or review. Step 3: Plan-Managed Plans: Submit Receipts to Your Plan Manager Keep receipts from every taxi, rideshare, or transport provider. Submit them to your plan manager (a photo via an app is usually sufficient). Most plan managers reimburse within one business day. Step 4: Self-Managed Plans: Claim via the myplace Portal Log into the NDIS myplace portal, navigate to your active plan, and create a payment request against the transport line. Upload your receipt or invoice. Payment is then processed by the NDIA. Step 5: Using a Registered Provider: They Invoice Directly

A holiday should be about where you want to go, what you want to experience and who you want beside you. For people with disability, however, travelling can involve another layer of planning. Accessible accommodation, suitable transport, personal support, mobility requirements, daily routines and the accessibility of activities can all influence whether a trip feels genuinely enjoyable or unnecessarily difficult. Perth offers an appealing setting for accessible travel, combining a relaxed city environment with parks, waterfront spaces, cultural attractions, shopping precincts and accessible transport options. With thoughtful planning and the right level of support, people with disability can experience Perth in a way that feels comfortable, dignified and personal. For NDIS participants, it is also important to understand the difference between NDIS-funded supports and the private costs of taking a holiday. Current NDIS rules mean Short-Term Accommodation funding can support eligible participants with certain accommodation and disability-related supports, but it cannot be used to pay for holiday packages, holiday accommodation, airfares, meals, activities or similar holiday expenses. What Are NDIS Supported Holidays? NDIS supported holidays are travel experiences where a person with disability receives appropriate support to participate in travel and activities according to their individual needs. The support may involve assistance with everyday personal activities, mobility, communication, community participation, transport arrangements or other disability-related needs. The exact support available depends on the person’s circumstances, NDIS plan and the way their supports are funded. The concept is simple: access should not be the reason someone has to miss out on travelling. A well-planned supported holiday can provide an opportunity to experience a new environment while maintaining familiar routines and receiving the assistance required to travel with greater confidence. For some people, that might mean having support with personal care. For others, it may involve accessible transport, assistance navigating unfamiliar places, companionship or support to participate in community activities. The experience should be shaped around the individual rather than forcing the individual to fit into a standard holiday package. Why Perth Works Well for Accessible Travel Perth has a combination of urban accessibility, outdoor spaces and visitor services that can make it an attractive destination for people with disability. The City of Perth highlights accessible features throughout the central city, including kerb ramps, tactile indicators, accessible public toilets and accessible public buildings. Transperth trains are accessible for people who use wheelchairs, while selected ferry services also provide wheelchair accessibility. This infrastructure can make a significant difference when planning a trip. Rather than simply asking whether a destination is accessible, travellers can consider the entire journey: These questions turn accessibility from an afterthought into part of the holiday design. Accessible Experiences Across Perth A supported holiday does not have to be limited to accommodation and transport. Perth provides a variety of experiences that can be incorporated into a personalised itinerary. Kings Park and Botanic Garden Kings Park is one of Perth’s signature outdoor destinations, offering gardens, native flora, views and open spaces close to the city. Visit Perth highlights accessibility-related facilities and features across Perth’s parks and gardens, making them useful options to consider when developing an accessible itinerary. A visit can be adapted around energy levels, mobility requirements and preferred activities rather than treated as a fixed sightseeing schedule. Elizabeth Quay and the Waterfront Perth’s waterfront provides opportunities for relaxed sightseeing, dining and enjoying the city atmosphere. Accessible routes around Elizabeth Quay include ramped and interconnected pathways, while sections of the precinct provide step-free access and smoother pedestrian routes suitable for wheelchair users. For travellers who prefer a slower pace, waterfront destinations can also offer opportunities to build rest periods into the day. Perth City and Cultural Experiences Accessible travel does not have to mean avoiding the heart of the city. Perth’s visitor services include accessibility-friendly activities and guided experiences. The iCity Visitor Service provides selected wheelchair-friendly tours and encourages visitors to discuss their accessibility requirements before booking. The city also offers museums, galleries, public art, shopping areas, historic buildings and cultural spaces, giving travellers the flexibility to create an itinerary around their interests. Accessible Transport Is Part of the Experience Transport can determine whether a holiday feels smooth or stressful. For a person with disability, an accessible destination is only genuinely useful if they can travel between accommodation, attractions, restaurants and other locations safely and comfortably. Perth provides accessible public transport options, including accessible trains and selected ferry services. The City of Perth also identifies taxi assistance options for people with disability who cannot use conventional public transport or standard on-demand transport. However, public transport may not suit every traveller or every support requirement. Some people may need: Planning these details before departure can reduce unnecessary pressure once the holiday begins. Choosing Accessible Accommodation in Perth Accommodation should be assessed according to the person’s actual needs rather than relying only on the word “accessible”. A property may advertise accessibility while still being unsuitable for a particular traveller. Before booking, consider: Entrance and access: Is there step-free access from the entrance to the room? Bathroom: Is there enough space for mobility equipment? Are the shower and toilet arrangements appropriate? Bedroom: Can the bed be accessed comfortably? Is there enough room for movement? Doors and lifts: Are doorways and lifts suitable for the traveller’s mobility equipment? Location: Is the property close to the places the traveller wants to visit? Support requirements: Can the person’s required support be provided appropriately? The objective is not simply to find accommodation labelled accessible. It is to find accommodation that works for the individual. Personalised Support Can Change the Holiday Experience People with disability have different routines, preferences and support requirements. A person who is confident travelling independently may need only limited assistance, while another traveller may require more comprehensive support throughout the day. Personalised support can help with areas such as: The most important consideration is choice. A supported holiday should not remove independence. Ideally, the support makes it easier for the traveller to exercise their own choices. That might mean choosing when to start

Most people considering a group holiday for the first time are not really asking about destinations. They are asking something quieter. Will I fit in with the other travellers? What happens if I need help at two in the morning? Who decides what we do each day, and what if I want to sit one out? Will the hotel actually be accessible, or just described that way? Brochures rarely answer those questions, because brochures sell scenery. This article does the opposite. Here is what a supported group holiday in Victoria genuinely involves, from the first phone call to the drive home, so you can decide whether it suits you before you commit to anything. What a supported group holiday actually is A group holiday brings together a small number of NDIS participants travelling the same itinerary, with support workers travelling alongside them for the whole trip. That last part is the difference between a group holiday and an ordinary tour that happens to be wheelchair accessible. The support is built into the trip rather than arranged around it. Transport, accommodation, meals, activities, and personal care are planned as one thing, by people who know your support needs before you arrive. Groups are deliberately small. The point is a holiday where everyone gets attention, not a coach tour where you are one of forty. What a day actually looks like Holiday marketing tends to show the highlight and skip the rhythm. The rhythm is what determines whether a trip feels restful or exhausting. Mornings start slowly. Support with personal care and getting ready happens at your pace, not against a departure deadline someone else set. Breakfast is usually unhurried. One main activity, not four. A single well-chosen outing per day, with travel time built in realistically. Packing a day tight is how holidays become tiring, and tiredness is what turns a good trip difficult. Afternoon downtime is scheduled, not squeezed in. Rest is part of the itinerary. Some travellers nap, some sit in the sun, some want a quiet hour away from the group. All of that is normal and planned for. Evenings are social but optional. Dinner together, a game, sometimes music. If you would rather have a quiet night in your room, that is a completely acceptable choice and nobody will make it awkward. Overnight support is available. Someone is reachable through the night. You are not on your own in an unfamiliar room hoping nothing goes wrong. The most common piece of feedback from first-time group travellers is not about the sights. It is that they slept well, because they stopped carrying the mental load of managing everything themselves. Where group holidays go in Victoria Victoria packs an unusual amount of variety into short travel distances, which makes it well suited to supported travel. Less time in the vehicle means more time actually enjoying the destination. Melbourne works well for travellers who like activity and atmosphere. Trams, galleries, markets, and sport, with the practical advantage that the city has some of the strongest accessible infrastructure in the country. Good for a first trip, because everything is close together and support is easy to arrange. The Great Ocean Road is the classic Victorian journey, and it can be done comfortably when the days are paced properly. Several of the major lookouts, including the Twelve Apostles viewing areas, have sealed accessible pathways. The key is treating it as a few relaxed days rather than a single long drive. The Grampians suit travellers who want quiet, open space, and nature. Accessible viewing platforms, wildlife, and a much slower pace. This is the trip people choose when they want to come home rested rather than stimulated. Brighton and the bay make an easy short getaway. The bathing boxes, a calm beachfront, and minimal travel time. A strong option for a first short trip, or for someone testing whether group travel suits them before booking something longer. Is a group trip right for you? An honest answer Group travel is genuinely excellent for some people and genuinely not for others. It is worth being clear about which you are. A group holiday tends to suit you if: A solo or family trip may suit you better if: There is no wrong answer, and choosing a private trip instead is not a failure of nerve. A good travel provider should tell you honestly when a group is not the right fit, rather than selling you one anyway. If you are unsure, a short two or three night group trip close to home is a sensible way to find out. Plenty of people start there and book something longer once they know how it feels. Accessibility: the questions worth asking “Accessible” is used loosely across the travel industry. Before booking anything with any provider, ask for specifics. A provider who can answer these immediately, with detail, has done the work. A provider who answers in general reassurances has not. How the funding works This is where most people get stuck, so it is worth stating plainly. The distinction is simple once you see it. The NDIS pays for support, not for holidays. Two practical points follow from that. First, the total cost of a group trip is usually lower per person than one-to-one travel, because support is shared. Second, the personal portion is often the part people need time to manage, which is why payment plans spread over twelve months exist and are worth asking about. Exactly how support is funded depends on your plan, your goals, and how your funding is managed. Your support coordinator or plan manager is the right person to confirm what applies to you before you book. A provider should be able to give you a clear written breakdown of which costs fall on which side of the line, and you should ask for one. How booking usually works The process is less complicated than people expect. The useful thing to notice is that the second step comes before

How Much Does an NDIS Holiday in Sydney Cost? One of the most common questions participants and families ask is: what will this actually cost me? The answer depends on what is in your NDIS plan and what type of holiday you are planning. The key is understanding which costs the NDIS can cover and which you pay personally. Cost Item Who Pays Support worker hours during travel days NDIS, Core Supports Short-Term Accommodation (STA/STR) NDIS, Core Supports, up to 28 days per year Capacity building supports NDIS, Capacity Building budget Flights or trains to Sydney Personal cost Hotel / Airbnb room rate Personal cost, unless claimed via STA Meals and drinks Personal cost Attraction entry tickets Personal cost, Companion Card may apply Accessible tours Personal cost + support hours via NDIS  Companion Card Tip Many Sydney attractions, including Taronga Zoo, Sydney Olympic Park, and major museums, accept the Companion Card, giving your support worker or carer free entry. Always ask at the ticket desk before paying. What NDIS Support Can You Access During a Sydney Holiday? Your NDIS plan does not stop working when you leave home. Support that is reasonable and necessary in your daily life can generally continue during a holiday. Here is what participants commonly access: Support worker hours during travel are typically claimed through your Core Supports budget. If your holiday is connected to a goal around independence or social participation, some costs may also be claimable through Capacity Building. Choosing NDIS Holiday Accommodation in Sydney Not all accessible accommodation is equal. The right choice depends on the participant’s mobility needs, support requirements, and personal preferences. Here is what to check before booking: Accessibility Features Practical Considerations  STA Accommodation vs Standard Hotel If STA is in your NDIS plan, your provider can arrange accommodation that is fully funded under that budget, covering both the stay and the support. This is different from booking a standard hotel and claiming support hours separately. Ask your provider which option better suits your plan and goals. Best Activities for NDIS Participants in Sydney Sydney is one of Australia’s most accessible cities, with a wide range of experiences suited to different ability levels and interests. Harbour & Waterfront Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Barangaroo foreshore all offer flat, wide paths with stunning harbour views, making them ideal for wheelchair users and participants who need easy, low-effort routes. Wildlife & Nature Taronga Zoo is fully accessible, with a Sky Safari cable car that removes the need for long uphill walks. The Royal Botanic Garden offers quiet, shaded pathways perfect for a relaxed morning outing. Beach Experiences Bondi and Manly both have accessible beachfront promenades. Beach wheelchair hire is available seasonally at selected locations. Ask your provider to check availability before your visit. Culture & Community The Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of NSW, and the Powerhouse Museum are all fully wheelchair accessible and offer rich experiences for participants interested in art, science, and Australian history. Step-by-Step: How to Plan Your NDIS Holiday in Sydney 1. Check your NDIS plan first: Confirm whether you have STA, Core Supports, or Capacity Building funds available. Contact your plan manager or support coordinator if you are unsure what is funded. 2. Choose a registered NDIS holiday provider: Work with a provider experienced in supported travel who understands NDIS funding rules, accessible accommodation, and the practicalities of supporting participants away from home. 3. Share your full support picture: Be specific about mobility aids, medications, communication needs, dietary requirements, daily routines, and the activities you would like to enjoy. 4. Review and approve your personalised plan: A good provider presents a clear itinerary, accommodation details, support roster, and a transparent breakdown of NDIS-covered and personal costs before anything is booked. 5. Confirm your NDIS service agreements: Ensure all relevant service agreements are signed and your support worker roster is in place well ahead of your travel date. 6. Travel and enjoy: With the planning done, focus entirely on the experience. Sydney is waiting. Ready to Start Planning Your NDIS Holiday in Sydney? A great NDIS holiday in Sydney is absolutely achievable. It just takes the right provider, clear planning, and support that is built around you rather than a template. Comfy Travel specialises in personalised NDIS holiday packages in Sydney, handling everything from accessible accommodation and support arrangements to activities and NDIS funding guidance, so participants and families can focus on looking forward to the trip.