Looking for some location-specific inspiration for your next adventure? You’re in the right place. Below we highlight sample NDIS holiday packages across three popular states – New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Each offers something special. From breathtaking scenery to vibrant city life, all while keeping accessibility and your goals front and center. (And remember, these are just examples – all itineraries can be flexibly tailored to your needs.)
Comfy Travel is an NDIS-registered travel provider and operates Australia-wide, so whether you fancy the mountains of NSW, the culture of Victoria, or the beaches of Queensland, we’ve got you covered with wheelchair-friendly vehicles, vetted accessible accommodations, and support staff ready to make your trip memorable and safe.
New South Wales
A family including a wheelchair user enjoys the view from an accessible lookout in the Blue Mountains, NSW.
New South Wales offers a bit of everything like a world-class city in Sydney, charming coastal towns, and stunning national parks. It’s an ideal state for a supported holiday because of the variety of activities that can match different NDIS goals. From practicing urban navigation to enjoying nature in a safe way, here are a few sample themes you might consider in NSW:
Harbour & Culture (Sydney): Spend time in Sydney exploring Circular Quay, the Opera House area, and the beautiful harborside parks and gardens – all of which have step-free paths. You can catch an accessible ferry ride on the harbour, visit museums (many have wheelchair access and even quiet hours or sensory-friendly programs), and enjoy Sydney’s multicultural food scene. This kind of trip is great for practicing public transport skills (Sydney’s trains, buses, and ferries are largely accessible and have priority seating spaces) and for social participation, since the city is full of opportunities to engage with events and people.
Blue Mountains Scenic Lookouts: If you love nature, the Blue Mountains (just west of Sydney) are a fantastic option. We design these trips to include carefully selected step-free viewing areas where you can take in epic views like the Three Sisters at Echo Point (which has wheelchair-accessible lookout points). There are also accessible boardwalks, such as the one at Katoomba Falls, where you can roll through the forest and even get up close to waterfalls safely. This theme is perfect if your goal is to build confidence outdoors or just enjoy a respite in fresh mountain air. We pace it according to your needs, including plenty of rest and photo stops!
Coastal Break (Central Coast or Port Stephens): For a beachy escape not far from Sydney, consider the Central Coast or Port Stephens. These areas have lovely seaside promenades and piers that are wheelchair accessible, so you can enjoy the ocean views and maybe spot some dolphins. Some beaches in NSW even offer beach wheelchairs or have accessible viewing platforms, we’ll check availability and arrange any equipment if needed. On a coastal trip, you could work on goals like improving community access skills (visiting local markets, cafes, or taking a dip in an accessible pool) or simply use it as respite to recharge by the sea.
NSW makes accessible travel easier by providing public info and tools for travelers with disabilities. Transport for NSW’s official site has a trip planner that lets you filter for accessible services, and you can find info on airport assistance, train station facilities, etc., ahead of time. We’ll help you navigate these resources, but it’s nice to know a supportive infrastructure is there.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria is known for its rich cultural scene and charming regional cities. Whether you’re after a cosmopolitan Melbourne experience or a tranquil country getaway, here are some sample supported holiday themes in VIC:
Melbourne City Skills Builder: Melbourne is a very accessible city with lots of trams, trains, and flat tram-stop platforms in the city center. A trip here could focus on navigating a busy urban environment. We might practice using trams and trains (with careful route planning to use the accessible tram stops and train stations with elevators), visit the National Gallery of Victoria or Melbourne Museum (both accessible and great for sensory exploration), and even catch an Aussie Rules football game or a show with accommodations in place. This theme supports goals around independent living skills (like using public transport, handling money for that famous Melbourne coffee!) and social participation (since Melbourne is full of festivals and events year-round).
Great Ocean Road & Geelong Waterfront: If scenic drives and coastal vibes are more your thing, a supported road trip down the Great Ocean Road could be amazing. Picture this: rolling along a boardwalk at the Twelve Apostles viewing area (there are accessible lookout points to see those iconic rock stacks in the ocean), feeling the sea breeze at an accessible beachfront in Lorne, and then strolling the Geelong Waterfront which has flat paths along the harbor. We ensure all stops – whether it’s a lighthouse, a visitor centre, or a wildlife park – are checked for wheelchair access or otherwise suitable to your needs. This trip can be leisurely, focusing on enjoyment and respite, with lots of nature appreciation.
Regional Arts & Heritage (Ballarat/Bendigo): Victoria’s regional cities like Ballarat and Bendigo offer gold-rush history and artsy attractions in a quieter setting. For example, Bendigo has the Central Deborah Gold Mine which offers accessible surface-level tours, and Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill has recently improved accessibility features (plus we can arrange for tailored experiences). These trips could involve visiting accessible museums, galleries, or even sensory-friendly exhibits. They’re great for goals around community access and expanding horizons. We also make sure to include downtime and any therapy routines you might need. For instance, if you have a daily exercise or sensory regimen, we’ll work that into the schedule.
Tourism boards in Victoria understand the importance of accessibility. Victoria’s official website provides practical information for travelers with disabilities like from which attractions are wheelchair-friendly to where to hire equipment. They even highlight accessible accommodation options and inclusive events. When planning a Victorian holiday, we tap into verified resources to make sure no surprise stairs ruin the day!
Queensland (QLD)
Ah, sunny Queensland, famous for its beaches, rainforests, and laid-back vibe. It’s also quickly becoming known for its push towards inclusive tourism. In fact, Queensland declared 2023 as the “Year of Accessible Tourism”, investing millions in making attractions more disability-friendly and launching an online hub of accessible travel guides. So it’s an exciting time to explore QLD with the NDIS supporting you. Here are some top picks:
Gold Coast Fun & Friendship: The Gold Coast isn’t just surfers and nightlife; it’s a fantastic destination for a supported holiday full of fun. We might stay in an accessible resort near the Broadwater so you have calm, scenic promenades to wheel along each morning. Days could include visiting an accessible beach (many Gold Coast beaches have beach matting or balloon-tire wheelchairs available), and even hitting a theme park like Movie World or Sea World with a tailored support plan (e.g. knowing which rides or shows are wheelchair-accessible or sensory-friendly). With the right support ratio, you can enjoy the thrills safely. This trip is awesome for social goals perhaps traveling with a small group of peers or just as a well-deserved treat that still checks the box of community participation.
Sunshine Coast Nature & Wellbeing: North of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast offers beautiful coastal paths, botanical gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries. A holiday here can be very restorative. We often include visits to places like the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens (which has accessible trails and even an all-abilities playground), or a gentle roll through Noosa National Park’s coastal track (sections are accessible and give stunning ocean views). We can also organize a relaxation or wellbeing activity like an art class, adapted yoga session, or simply budgeting some time each day to shop at local markets (practicing daily living skills in a fun way). It’s a mix of nature and nurturing, perfect for goals around health, wellbeing, or practicing independence in daily tasks during a trip.
Tropical North Adventure (Cairns area): If seeing the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest is on your bucket list, we can make it happen in an accessible way. For example, Cairns has a gorgeous Esplanade boardwalk that’s completely wheelchair-friendly, and you can even take a dip in the Esplanade Lagoon pool which has ramp access. Many tour operators in Cairns now offer accessible options – there are reef tour boats with lifts or harnesses to help wheelchair users get in the water (with assistance), and rainforest boardwalks with graded slopes. On a trip like this, it’s all about new experiences and building confidence. It could tie into goals like improving self-confidence or just engaging more with the world.
Why is Queensland surging in accessibility lately? As mentioned, the state has put a big focus on inclusive travel. They even have an Accessible Tourism initiative with grants that helped businesses upgrade facilities (like installing ramps, pool hoists, or creating sensory guides for attractions). Plus, the official Queensland tourism website hosts an Accessible Travel Hub that lists accommodation, trails, and attractions that are disability-friendly. All this means when we plan a QLD trip for you, we have a growing list of great, vetted options to choose from.
What the NDIS Can and Can’t Cover on These Trips
By now you might be wondering how much of these awesome-sounding holidays would come out of your NDIS funding versus your own wallet. Here’s a quick rundown:
NDIS Can cover
The support-related costs of the trip. This typically means the hours your support workers spend assisting you, the cost of hiring essential equipment (like a hoist or shower chair at your destination), and possibly some disability-specific transport. For instance, if your plan has funding for transport or if a support worker drives you in a wheelchair-accessible van, those mileage or transport fees can be claimed. Essentially, if it’s a service or support you need because of your disability while on the trip – and you would normally use NDIS funds for it at home – it can likely be covered during the holiday as well. These supports should also align with your plan goals (e.g. “improving social participation through community outings” – a holiday can tick that box).
NDIS Cannot cover
The regular holiday expenses that anyone would have to pay. This includes your airfare or train tickets to get to the destination, your hotel or resort accommodation costs, meals at restaurants, entry tickets to theme parks or tourist attractions, etc. Those are outside NDIS scope because you’d have to pay for vacations out of pocket if you weren’t on NDIS, too. Additionally, if you bring along a companion (family or friend who is not a support worker), the NDIS obviously won’t pay for their costs. One small exception is when a trip is structured as Short Term Accommodation (STA) for respite or capacity-building – in an STA scenario, reasonable food and accommodation for the participant are covered as part of that support, but that’s because STA is a specific support item. STA is not meant just for holidays, but if your trip is approved as STA, then those particular costs (lodging, meals, activities for you as the participant) can be claimed. Outside of STA, vacations = your own leisure expense.
In short, NDIS funds the support, not the holiday. A good provider will make this crystal clear by giving you a quote that labels what you can claim and what you pay. For example, they might quote $2,000 from your NDIS (for support worker hours, etc.) and say $1,000 out-of-pocket (for your share of accommodation, tickets, etc.). Always ensure you have the personal funds to cover those parts, so there are no nasty surprises.
How Comfy Travel Builds Your Package
When you approach Comfy Travel to plan a trip, here’s how we put together a package that fits you perfectly:
Accessible accommodation: We’ll find a place to stay that matches your mobility and sensory needs. Whether you need a roll-in shower, an apartment with a kitchen to maintain your food routines, no stairs, pet-friendly for an assistance dog, or a certain bed height – we do the legwork to locate and verify a suitable hotel, resort, or cabin. You won’t have to spend hours calling places about wheelchair access – we handle it, and provide you with photos or floor plans for peace of mind.
Right support ratio: Based on the info you give us (and we can also discuss with your support coordinator), we’ll assign the right number of support staff for the trip. This could be a dedicated 1:1 support worker if you have high personal care needs or behavior support needs. Or it might be that you join a small group with, say, 1 support worker for 2 participants, which can be more social and cost-effective if that level works for you. All our staff are qualified and have the required checks. If you have a preference (like you’d feel more comfortable with a female or male support worker, or someone who speaks a certain language), let us know – we try to match for compatibility too.
Door-to-door transport: We take into account how you’ll get from home to the destination and everywhere in between. Often, our packages include picking you up from your door in an accessible vehicle, getting you to the airport or directly driving to the holiday spot, and providing all local transport in accessible vans or taxis. Essentially, you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics – we map it all out. If you’re flying, we coordinate assistance at the airport and ensure airlines are informed about any wheelchairs or equipment. If trains or ferries are involved, we check their accessibility features and even do practice runs if needed.
Clear price breakdown: As mentioned earlier, transparency is key. We’ll give you a quote that delineates NDIS-claimable supports vs. personal costs. We can even liaise directly with your plan manager to sort out the billing, so you’re not caught in between. You’ll know exactly what’s covered by your funding and what isn’t, before you commit to anything.
24/7 support while travelling: Once on the trip, you have support workers with you, but you also have our broader team on standby. We have a 24/7 on-call number for any travel emergencies or changes. For example, if a sudden health issue comes up or you simply feel overwhelmed and want to adjust the plan, our team is there to troubleshoot and assist. This safety net means you’re never alone in dealing with any hiccups.
In building your package, our goal is to make it as seamless as possible – from the first planning call to the moment you return home with great memories. We sweat the details so you don’t have to.
Next Steps: Start Planning Your NDIS Getaway
Excited about the possibilities? We’d love to help you make it happen. The next step is easy: tell us your preferred destination or state, travel dates, and what you want to achieve or experience on your holiday. With that, we’ll get to work designing a trip just for you. We’ll line up accessible accommodation options, craft a fun itinerary with your input, and sort out all the support logistics. You’ll receive a comprehensive proposal along with the documents your plan manager or support coordinator might need (service agreements, quotes, etc.).
Feel free to explore some of our upcoming holiday packages for inspiration – you might find a group trip that interests you, or spark an idea for a custom trip. And when you’re ready, here’s a quick overview of how to book with Comfy Travel (it’s a smooth process, we promise!).
Remember, the goal of an NDIS holiday is to have fun and grow at the same time. With the right planning, you truly can enjoy a vacation that’s both relaxing and empowering. Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality, one accessible adventure at a time.
FAQs
Each state offers something different – NSW has iconic landmarks and coastal escapes, Victoria shines with culture and regional charm, while Queensland leads in accessible tourism with beaches and rainforests. Packages are tailored to your goals, interests, and support needs.
No, the NDIS does not cover standard holiday expenses like flights, hotels, or meals. However, it can fund disability-related supports such as support worker hours, accessible transport during the trip, or essential equipment hire.
Options include city skill-building holidays (like Melbourne or Sydney), nature and coastal getaways (like the Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road, or Sunshine Coast), cultural and heritage tours, group holidays, or even private supported adventures tailored just for you.
Yes! NSW offers accessible lookouts in the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s step-free attractions; Victoria has accessible trams, museums, and coastal paths; Queensland provides beach wheelchairs, accessible reef tours, and inclusive national park boardwalks.
Comfy Travel verifies every accommodation option in advance. We check details such as step-free entry, roll-in showers, grab rails, bed height, and hoist compatibility, and share this information with you before booking.
Yes, if your plan includes transport funding or if a support worker drives you in an accessible van. NDIS may also cover local accessible transfers, but not flights or long-distance train tickets.
Support workers are NDIS-screened, trained, and matched based on your care needs. You can request 1:1 support or join a small group with shared support ratios. Staff can also assist with personal care, community access, and daily routines during the trip.
We handle everything – from accessible accommodation, transport, and itinerary planning to paperwork, NDIS claims, and 24/7 support while you travel. This ensures your trip is safe, goal-focused, and enjoyable.
