Blog

Planning a trip can be a lot of work at the best of times; comparing hotels, juggling itineraries, booking tickets. But if you or your loved one has a disability, there’s a whole extra layer of complexity: ensuring accessibility, arranging support workers, dealing with NDIS paperwork, special equipment, contingency plans… It’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed trying to do it all on their own. This is where a specialist travel agency for people with disabilities can be a game-changer. In this section, we’ll break down the benefits of using Comfy Travel that “gets it” – from NDIS know-how to peace of mind – so you can decide if it’s the right move for your next holiday. NDIS Fluency – Funding, Quotes, and Documentation Done Right NDIS plans have their quirks and rules, and not every mainstream travel agent understands them. A specialist agency lives and breathes NDIS nuances. Here’s why that matters: Maximizing your funding: We know what the NDIS will and won’t pay for on a trip. As discussed earlier, there’s a fine line between what counts as a support versus a personal expense. A knowledgeable agency ensures the holiday itinerary is aligned with your NDIS goals and that all supports are justifiable. We can phrase things in line with NDIS language; for example, highlighting how a trip provides “Capacity Building through community participation” which can be important for approvals. Itemized, NDIS-friendly quotes: We provide quotes that clearly separate NDIS-claimable supports and your own costs, following the pricing guidelines. This not only helps you budget, but also ensures any plan manager or auditor can see that funds were used correctly. It prevents issues down the line. We’ve heard horror stories of generic tour operators lumping everything together and calling it “STA”, which could be considered improper use of funds. We don’t do that – transparency is key. Service agreements and paperwork: An agency like us will generate service agreements for the supports, risk assessments, emergency plans, and any other documentation that might be needed for your support coordinator or the NDIA. For example, if you need approval for STA, we’ll draft a letter outlining how the trip meets respite/skill goals. We basically speak the NDIS administrative language, so you don’t have to learn it all yourself. Liaising with your support network: We can coordinate with your support coordinator or plan manager to handle the logistics of payments and reporting. If a plan manager needs an invoice in a specific format, we’ve got it covered. If a support coordinator wants to join a pre-trip meeting to go over supports, we’ll include them. This teamwork approach means you get a holiday that’s not only fun but also ticks all the boxes for your providers. In short, using a specialist agency ensures your holiday is NDIS-compliant and optimized, so you’re not leaving any funding on the table or risking any misuse. You get to relax, knowing the financial side is handled. Verified Accessibility – No Guesswork, No Unpleasant Surprises One of the biggest perks of a disability-focused travel agency is the depth of knowledge about accessible venues and services. We don’t rely on generic descriptions; we verify: Accommodation checks: As described in the previous section’s checklist, we delve into the nitty-gritty of each property. Door widths, bed heights, bathroom layout – we get that info ahead of time. When you arrive, you shouldn’t find, say, three stairs up to the “accessible” cabin (yes, that happened to someone who booked with a general travel agent!). We physically inspect or demand photographic proof of accessibility features for new locations. Essentially, we do an accessibility audit so you don’t find yourself stuck. Equipment arrangement: Need a hoist, commode, electric scooter, oxygen tank, or even just a shower chair? We sort it out. We have a network of equipment hire providers around the country. If you tried to do this alone, you’d spend hours finding who rents a beach wheelchair in Cairns or a portable ramp in Melbourne. We already have those contacts. And we make sure the equipment is delivered on time and is compatible with your accommodation (what good is a hoist if the bed is non-adjustable and on the floor, for example? We check those things together). Transportation accessibility: We ensure any vehicle or transport mode on your itinerary can accommodate you. Whether it’s booking wheelchair spaces on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, arranging a ramp for boarding a whale-watching cruise, or simply getting an accessible taxi at 5 am to catch a flight – we handle it. If a certain route isn’t accessible (e.g., a train station with no lift), we’ll adjust the plan. Because we’ve done this so often, we can anticipate issues and navigate around them. Realistic itineraries: We understand that traveling with a disability might mean a slower pace or specific routines. We plan accordingly, building in buffer time and rest, and choosing attractions wisely. A generic tour might cram in five activities in a day; we might do two quality ones with breaks, knowing that energy and comfort are paramount. Quality over quantity, tailored to you. Backup plans: Here’s something a lot of people don’t consider: what if something accessible breaks down? For example, the accessible lift at a tourist attraction stops working. We usually have alternatives ready – maybe a different attraction, or we call ahead to get it fixed if possible. If a support worker falls ill last-minute (rare, but life happens), we have a pool of trained staff to substitute. This level of risk management is our norm. When you DIY, it’s hard to have that kind of safety net. In summary, a specialist agency removes the “I hope this works out” factor. You get what we promise – an accessible, enjoyable experience – because we’ve double-checked everything. And if something still goes awry, we’re there to fix it. The Right Support Ratio and Qualified Staff Every Time Traveling with the right support can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one. But figuring out how many support workers you need, or finding those workers in a destination, can be daunting on your own: Expert assessment of

Whether you’re planning a coastal escape or a city adventure, choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. This is especially true when you have specific accessibility needs. Don’t worry; there are plenty of accessible hotels, resorts, and cabins out there, but you’ll want to be thorough in checking that a property meets your requirements. In this section, we’ll give you a practical checklist for finding inclusive NDIS holiday accommodation in Australia, plus tips on funding and booking so you can proceed with confidence. First, Understand the Funding Boundaries Before diving into the checklist, it’s important to know what the NDIS will and won’t pay for when it comes to accommodation: NDIS covers supports, not vacation perks. The NDIA will fund reasonable and necessary supports related to your disability, but it won’t pay for standard holiday expenses like the nightly room rate at a hotel or an Airbnb rental fee that anyone else would pay. In other words, if you decide to stay at a fancy beach resort, the cost of the room itself (and your pina colada by the pool) comes out of your own pocket. What the NDIS might fund is the extra cost of supports you need at that hotel. For example, if you need a support worker to assist you every morning and evening, those hours can be claimed, or if you need to hire a hoist for the room, that could be claimed. Short Term Accommodation (STA) is not “free holiday money.” STA (often used interchangeably with “respite care”) is an NDIS support that can cover the cost of accommodation, food, and activities in a short-term, live-in setting, but it must be for a disability-related reason such as giving your carers a break or working on life skills in a different environment. You can’t use STA funding to simply subsidize a regular holiday that has nothing to do with your support needs. So if you plan to use STA for a trip, it needs to be framed around goals like increasing independence or providing necessary respite. Even then, STA is limited (usually up to 28 days a year) and often has a per-night price cap. Always check with your plan manager or support coordinator if you think your trip could fall under STA. They’ll help make sure it fits the criteria. Budget for the holiday like anyone would, but leverage your NDIS funding for the disability-specific aspects. The rest of this guide assumes you’ve got that part sorted – now, onto finding a truly accessible place to stay! Accessibility Checklist: What to Ask (and Verify) Before Booking When contacting hotels or holiday rentals, don’t just ask “Is it accessible?” – get detailed. Ideally, ask for confirmation in writing (email) so you have something to fall back on if reality doesn’t match. Here’s a checklist broken down by category: Mobility & Layout Step-free access: Can you get from the parking area or drop-off point into the property without any stairs or steps? This includes the entrance to the lobby and to your specific room. If there are ramps, ask about their steepness. If there’s an elevator, will it be working during your stay (seems silly, but in some remote locations, if a lift is under maintenance there might be no alternative)? Door widths: For wheelchair users, you generally want doorways to be at least 80–85 cm (around 850mm) clear width. Ask for the width of the main door to the room and bathroom door. Also, are there any narrow corridors or tight corners? Manoeuvring space: Is there enough floor space in the room to move around with your mobility aid? For instance, space on both sides of the bed for transfers or for a carer to assist, and clear area to turn a wheelchair (a 1.5m turning circle is the gold standard). If the room is studio-style, will moving furniture be necessary to clear space? (Some places will do this for you if asked in advance.) Bed height and clearance: Two things here – the height of the bed from the floor (important if you do standing or slide transfers; too low or too high can be an issue) and whether there’s clearance under the bed for a hoist (if you use a portable hoist, typically you need ~15 cm under-bed space). Hotels might measure this for you. Also, if you need bed rails or an adjustable bed, mention that; some places have them or can hire them. Floor surfaces: Slippery marble floors vs. carpet can make a difference. If you use a walker or crutches, overly slick surfaces can be fall hazards. Also check if there are any sunken living room areas or weird single steps inside the unit. Balcony access: If the room has a balcony or patio, is the threshold flat or ramped? Many places have a little lip that can be a barrier for wheelchairs or walkers. Bathroom Roll-in shower: The ideal is a fully flat “roll-in” or walk-in shower with no lip at all. Does the bathroom have this, or is it a bathtub/shower combo? If it’s a roll-in, ask if there’s a built-in shower seat or bench or if they can provide a portable shower chair. If it’s a bath only, you may need to request a bath board or avoid that property. Grab rails: There should be grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. Confirm their presence and weight capacity if possible. Handheld shower head: This helps if someone is assisting you or if you need to use the shower sitting down. Most accessible rooms have them, but it’s good to check. Space by toilet: Is there space for a wheelchair or carer to be next to the toilet for transfers? Typically, an accessible bathroom will have the toilet out in the open with space on one side (or both) rather than wedged between walls or fixtures. Sink access: Is the sink vanity open underneath so you can roll under it? And at what height is the sink and mirror? If you’re seated, you want to ensure you can reach the faucet and see yourself. Emergency call button: Some accessible bathrooms (especially in newer hotels or disability-specific accommodations) have

Planning a break should be exciting, not confusing. If you or your family member use the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), you might be wondering how a holiday can work with your plan. Don’t worry, it’s absolutely possible! This guide will walk you through what to expect from NDIS holiday packages, how the funding works, and the steps to lock in a safe, enjoyable trip with the right support. What Does the NDIS Fund on Holidays? Think of it this way: the NDIS can fund the supports you need due to your disability, but not the generic “holiday” costs that anyone would pay. In practice, this means the NDIS generally won’t pay for flights, hotel rooms, meals, theme park tickets or other travel expenses. Those costs are considered personal and not disability-related. However, NDIS funding can cover the extra assistance you require on the trip that is reasonable and necessary for your needs. For example, if you need a support worker to come along or specialized equipment at your destination, those supports might be funded through your NDIS plan. One important nuance: Short Term Accommodation (STA) funding (often used for respite) is not meant to just pay for a vacation. STA can fund a short stay away from home when it’s tied to your disability needs, for instance, giving your carers a break or building your independence, but you can’t use STA funding for a random holiday without a disability-related purpose. So, the NDIS might fund up to 28 days of STA per year, but only if the trip meets a goal like developing skills or providing respite, not simply tourism. Common NDIS-Funded Supports During Travel So, what kinds of things will the NDIS pay for on a holiday? Here are some examples of supports that could be funded as part of your trip (provided they are directly related to your disability and goals): Support worker hours: If you need help with personal care, mobility, or accessing the community while traveling, you can use Core Supports funding to have a support worker assist you on the trip. The NDIS will generally cover their time working with you (though not their own flights or meals, which you’d have to cover separately). Essential equipment hire: Traveling with bulky equipment can be tough, but you might arrange to hire items like a hoist, shower chair, or beach wheelchair at your destination. If this equipment is necessary for your daily needs, the cost could be claimed through your plan (often under Assistive Technology or Core Supports, depending on the item). Disability-related transport: If your plan includes transport funding or if you’re using a provider’s transport as part of the support, this can cover things like wheelchair-accessible transfers or vehicles during the trip. Comfy Travel’s packages use wheelchair-friendly vans for local travel. (Keep in mind, the NDIS transport allowance won’t buy you plane tickets, it’s more for day-to-day transport needs.) In summary, NDIS funding covers the support to help you travel, not the travel itself. You’ll use your own money for the standard holiday costs, while the NDIS can chip in for the extra help or gear that make the holiday possible and aligned with your support needs. Types of NDIS Holiday Packages NDIS holidays aren’t one-size-fits-all. The “best” package really depends on your goals, interests, and support needs. Here are a few types of NDIS holiday packages to consider, and who they’re best suited for: NDIS Holiday Package for Adults: These trips focus on building independence, daily living skills, or social participation for adult participants. For example, an itinerary might include learning to navigate a new city (practicing using maps or public transport), budgeting for meals, or joining group activities with peers. It’s a holiday, but also a chance to work on life skills in a fun, real-world environment. NDIS Family Holiday: This option allows a participant to travel with their family, with the necessary supports on hand. The NDIS can fund the participant’s disability supports during the family trip, while the family enjoys time together. It’s perfect if, say, parents or siblings want to share a holiday experience but also get a bit of respite because a professional support worker is there to assist the participant as needed. (Keep in mind, the NDIS won’t cover the family’s travel costs, just the supports for the person with a disability.) Supported Group Holidays: Sometimes called supported holidays (NDIS), these can be group tours where several NDIS participants travel together with qualified support staff. It’s a great way to make new friends and share experiences with people who have similar interests. Group trips often have a set itinerary (e.g. a week at the Gold Coast visiting theme parks with support staff supervising and helping), and the support ratio might be something like 1 staff for every 2 or 3 travelers, depending on needs. There are also private supported holidays, where it’s just you (or you and a companion) traveling with a dedicated support worker as a “travel buddy.” That allows a fully tailored pace and schedule. Respite Getaways (Short Term Accommodation): These are trips funded under STA for the purpose of respite or skill-building. They might look like a holiday – for example, a weekend at a cabin or a few nights in a city – but the key is they have a goal attached. Maybe it’s giving your full-time carer a break, or helping you try a new environment to build confidence. These stays usually include accommodations, meals, and activities as part of the STA support (since STA typically covers a bundle of care, food, and lodging for the participant). Just remember, as mentioned earlier, STA has to meet a disability-related need (respite, independence practice, etc.), not just be a vacation. Special Interest Trips: Have a particular passion? There are supported holidays designed around special interests – for example, an accessible nature and wildlife tour, a trip to an inclusive sports event, or checking out an accessible arts festival. These trips can be fantastic

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

Australia’s great outdoors is calling—from sun-drenched beaches to eucalyptus-scented bush trails. But for travelers with disabilities, the right gear can make the difference between a stressful trip and an empowering adventure. Whether you’re rolling through the rainforest or cruising along coastal boardwalks, here’s your go-to guide for packing smart, light, and accessibly.

Australia isn’t just a land of breathtaking landscapes—it’s a playground of inclusive adventure. For travelers with disabilities, the thrill of soaring above vineyards or diving into coral kingdoms is no longer out of reach. Thanks to adaptive equipment, trained guides, and a growing commitment to accessibility, Australia offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of explorer.

Australia’s coastline isn’t just stunning—it’s becoming increasingly inclusive. These beaches offer beach matting, accessible amenities, and beach wheelchairs, making the sun and surf more welcoming for everyone.