Disabled Travellers in Australia
Travelling in Australia is not difficult for travellers with a disability. The country's major airlines are equipped to cater for a wide range of needs. They can provide wheelchairs, preferential aircraft boarding, oxygen and facilities for guide dogs, and can also cater for special dietary requirements. It is essential that passengers with disabilities or special medical conditions advise the airlines of any specific requirements at the time of booking.
Australian airports are well designed, with facilities and services such as wheelchair access, dedicated parking spaces, accessible toilets, telephones and sky chairs.
If you wish to visit Australia with your guide dog, remember that animals must satisfy certain health requirements and may need to undergo quarantine after arrival. In some circumstances an exemption may be made. Contact the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service before travel to determine your eligibility for exemption. For information on importing guide dogs contact the
Department of Agriculture.
Qantas International and Domestic Reservations provides a contact service for people with impaired hearing. If you are calling from a teletype telephone, call 1800 652 660 (toll-free within Australia), or +61 7 3000 7779 (outside Australia – local rates apply).
Domestic Air Travel Australia's leading airlines offer discounts to travellers with a disability. With the Carer's Concession card, accepted by Qantas, both the disabled traveller and their nominated carer are eligible for the discount. This scheme is only available on domestic flights within Australia, and photo ID is required.
Rail Travel Most of Australia's trains are fully accessible for those with mobility difficulties, with the following facilities and assistance provided on long distance trains:
- Special wheelchairs that are custom made to fit through train doorways and through carriage corridors.
- Aluminium wheelchair ramps that give access from platform to carriage.
- Trained on-board staff to assist with meal service and provide other assistance as required.
- All capital city terminals have access to platforms via ramps and a lifting device is available at Alice Springs, where there is no platform.
- The Indian Pacific is a long-distance train spanning the continent from Sydney to Perth - 4,352 kilometres, travelling via Adelaide. This remarkable train offers modified cabins with wheelchair access and en-suite bathrooms complete with grab rails. Reservations are essential.
Coach Travel Australia's two truly national coach companies, Greyhound Pioneer Australia and McCafferty, both offer accessible travel. It is important to let the coach company know about the type of disability and any special requirements at the time of booking. Many tour operators within Australia also cater for travellers with a disability. Typically friendly and obliging, they provide a wide spectrum of services to ensure your trip is easy and enjoyable.
Public Transport In all major metropolitan areas, buses, trains and ferries offer good access and services. The advent of the Australian Accessible Transport Standard regulations will ensure excellent access on all types of public transport across Australia.
Car/Van Hire Major hire companies provide a range of suitable transport including vehicles fitted with hand controls. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles, from vans to four-wheel drives, are available to rent. They should be requested at least seven days in advance.
Taxi Service Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available through major taxi companies in all capital cities. It's a good idea to book 24 hours in advance.
Parking The international wheelchair symbol for parking is used across Australia in venues such as shopping centres and major car-parking stations. Allocated bays are provided. Unauthorised drivers face heavy fines for parking in these, so remember to bring your permit and display it.
By Sea If you wish to travel by sea between the Australian mainland and Tasmania, TT Line's vessel Spirit of Tasmania (operating across Bass Strait between Melbourne, Victoria, and Davenport, Tasmania), provides accessible accommodation and services.
Disability Information ProvidersNational organizations such as NICAN (National Information Communication Awareness Network) and ACROD (National Industry Association for Disability Services) provide information on access, service providers, carers and facilities for the disabled.
NICANPO Box 407
Curtin ACT 2605
Ph: +61 2 6285 3713, 1800 806 769
www.nican.com.auACROD33 Thesiger Court
Deakin ACY 2600
Ph: +61 2 6282 4333
www.acrod.org