Busselton Jetty, Western Australia

Busselton Jetty provides comprehensive accessibility and inclusivity features to ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors. Their commitment to inclusivity ensures a safe and enjoyable visit for all visitors. Their comprehensive Accessibility Factsheet details how Busselton Jetty caters for disability types including blind or low vision, deaf or low hearing, limited mobility, wheelchairs/mobility aids, food allergies or intolerance, cognitive or people on the autism spectrum. 

The Return Train Ride is a journey on a solar-powered train with accessible carriages for wheelchairs and walkers, see-through blinds, and audio commentary on the Jetty’s history. The Underwater Observatory is fully accessible, featuring a lift to the sea floor. Guide dogs are allowed on the train and in the Observatory. Facilities include accessible toilets, child change tables, and a Universal Access Platform for safe water entry with ramps and ladders. There are caution strips for those with visual impairments, and multilingual translations in 11 languages are provided for guided tours, and an Auslan video tour is available for visitors with hearing impairments. 

Staff, graduated from Australian Government's “Disability Awareness” Training, are trained in first aid, with some having completed autism awareness training and basic Auslan training. Where possible, staff will customise tours to suit various needs. 

Katherine Outback Experience, Northern Territory

Katherine Outback Experience offers an inclusive, accessible outback experience featuring horse training, working dogs and live music. Visitors are provided with an  Accessibility Guide to help plan their visit. It features an extensive list of FAQs addressing features and amenities at the property, dietary requirements, mobility and transport, environment and more. 

The venue provides step-free access, wheelchair-friendly seating and accessible restrooms. Guide dogs and companion animals are welcome with water and shade provided. Amplified commentary ensures all can enjoy the two-hour show, which involves minimal walking and is suited for various groups and independent visitors. Each of their activities - workshops, horse rides, therapy, lunch and dinners have descriptions detailing the experience so that visitors can know what to expect and what activities to partake in. All staff are trained in customer experience and disability awareness as well as in providing basic first aid and CPR.

Hot air ballooning, Victoria and New South Wales

The following key initiatives by the hot air ballooning sector, marked a significant step in the accessible and inclusive tourism landscape in Australia, suggesting that access and inclusion can be taken to the skies.

In 2012, Global Ballooning Australia, in a joint venture with specialist injury lawyers Burt and Davies, launched Australia’s first Easy Access Basket (EAB) and disabled passenger balloon. This innovative balloon and basket design enabled passengers with mobility impairments to experience the thrill of hot air ballooning. The basket incorporates a door to allow people with disabilities to enter and exit the basket with ease, and also incorporates customised seating, seat belts, and a grab handle. 

In 2023, to extend the joy of hot air ballooning to all, a first of its kind accessible balloon basket was designed in partnership with Cessnock City Council by Balloon Aloft - Hunter Valley. Featuring a door, cushioned seating and harnesses, the basket comprehensively accommodates mobility needs. Along with the availability of an accessible bus with wheelchair lift, an all-terrain wheelchair is also provided to ensure smooth transport of passengers to and from the launch and landing locations. The inclusive experience also stretches across its accessible website, which features the UserWay Accessibility widget for screen reader compatibility and improved readability. The website also offers a detailed accessibility guide with maps and information about facilities and amenities. 

Tahune Adventures, Tasmania

Tahune Adventures, nestled along Tasmania’s scenic Huon River, provides an inclusive experience that allows visitors of all mobility levels to connect with its natural beauty. The Huon Pine Walk, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk along the riverbank, is designed for wheelchairs and electric scooters, offering easy access to one of the world’s most accessible stands of Huon Pines. For those heading to the breathtaking AirWalk, Tahune Adventures offers a buggy service and shuttle bus, with the option for visitors to bring their own vehicle to bypass steps, ensuring easy access to stunning views. Adding to its inclusivity, even the hang-gliding experience is accessible, underscoring Tahune Adventures’ commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.

Love Tasmania Tours, Tasmania

Love Tasmania Tours, operated by Coal River Coaches, prioritises passenger safety and comfort. They offer ‘all abilities access vehicles’ equipped with lifts and ramps to provide wheelchair access and ensure convenience for all passengers. With prior notification, the operators make reasonable efforts to accommodate accessibility needs, striving to create an inclusive experience for everyone. Their custom tour itineraries that cater to diverse interests, along with their efforts to accommodate people of all abilities ensures memorable experiences for all visitors. They also accommodate pre-planned itineraries with trained drivers who are professional and personable, prioritising comfort and safety for all visitors aboard their fleet. Love Tasmania Tours’ state-wide access in addition to their proactive efforts to accommodate people of all abilities, ensures that everyone can explore Tasmania's hidden gems and popular attractions, promising an unforgettable journey.

Cocky Guides and Sensory Tourism Australia

Cocky Guides is a leading provider of experiences for blind and low-vision visitors across Australia, offering tactile and multi-sensory tours tailored to their specific needs. Each tour is carefully designed for independent visitors or those who use a cane, guide dog, or companion as a guide, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. Cocky Guides' success and strength in collaborating with destinations and tourism businesses led them to starting. Sensory Tourism Australia curates engaging itineraries for blind and low vision visitors to Australia through their Soft Landing program. Recently they have partnered with local businesses in Port Stephens to develop an accessible itinerary specifically further enhancing the opportunities for accessible and inclusive tourism experiences. They also provide consultation to visitors, travel agents and businesses to craft these itineraries as well as ensure that the infrastructure meets the specific needs of these visitors.