ClubMates Travel

Best Group Travel Ideas for People with Disabilities

Clubmates Travel

Best Group Travel Ideas for People with Disabilities

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Matilda Negri

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Thinking about travelling with a group but not sure where to start?

Group travel can be one of the most empowering ways to build confidence, friendships, and independence. 

 

At ClubMates, we’ve spent decades designing supported group travel experiences for people who deserve to see the world just like any other but cannot do it alone. In our previous article about group travel, we talked about why group travel can be life-changing for people with disabilities—how it helps build confidence, community, and real independence.

 

Now in Part 2, we’re diving into what’s next: where you can actually go. You’re not limited to the movies, the park and ten pin bowling! With crew who know accessible travel, you’ll find there are plenty of accessible destinations designed to support different abilities, interests, and goals.

 

Here are some of the best ideas for your next group adventure.

1. Cruises: Relaxation and Community at Sea

There’s a reason cruises are one of the most popular group activities.

 

You get accommodation, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing all in one place—without having to move luggage or navigate unfamiliar transport. For people with disabilities, this kind of set-up creates a calm, contained environment perfect for socialising and relaxing.

 

Highlights:

  • Wheelchair-accessible cabins and public areas (not all ships have great accessibility; you have to know which cruise lines to go with. Ask our team for more info.)
  • Onboard entertainment and shore excursions already organised and quiet zones when things get a bit much
  • Group dining and activities with very accommodating ship crew who welcome ClubMates support crew and passengers like old friends!

2. Australian History and Indigenous Culture Tours

For those who enjoy learning, these tours offer more than sightseeing—they provide a meaningful way to connect with Australia’s past and First Nations heritage.

 

Places like Uluru, Kakadu National Park, and Lightning Ridge are not just beautiful; they’re also packed with history and culture. Exploring these destinations helps build a sense of identity and belonging.

 

Highlights:

  • Guided cultural experiences and talks
  • Accessible walking paths at key locations
  • Opportunities for learning and personal growth

3. Music and Comedy Festivals

From Tamworth Country Music Festival to Melbourne’s Laneway Festival, these trips are designed for passengers who want excitement and social connection.

For people with disabilities—especially those who experience social anxiety—autism group travel to these events provides a safe, supported way to enjoy loud, busy environments with confidence.

Highlights:

  • Priority access to some of the best festivals in the country
  • Create lasting social connections with other passengers who love music
  • Join in with a local community that supports culture and inclusion

4. Adventure and Outdoor Exploration

Not everyone wants a relaxing trip. Some people love a bit of excitement. A disability should not hinder you from having an adventure trip, but you do need to go with a group and a tour guide who knows what they’re doing.

 

Our guided tours for travellers with extra support needs include bushwalks, 4WD adventures, and even supported camping trips. All planned with accessibility and safety in mind, , these are ideal options for wheelchair friendly holidays and adventurous group activities for people with disabilities.

 

Highlights:

  • Confidence and capacity-building experiences
  • Discover parts of Australia you never imagined with the right support
  • Supported risk-taking in a safe environment

5. Sporting Events

Big games, major tournaments, or geeking out on sporting history—sports bring people together. For passengers passionate about AFL, NRL, super cars or tennis, we offer fully supported group tours to the MCG and events like the Australian Open or Bathurst 1000.

 

Highlights:

  • Wheelchair-accessible seating and behind the scenes tours
  • Group bonding through shared interests
  • Fun, structured days with flexible downtime

Choosing the Right Group Tour for You

Everyone’s idea of a great trip is different. For some, it’s about music and parties. For others, it’s about quiet moments by the water or learning something new.

 

At ClubMates, we don’t just plan trips for fun (although there’s plenty of that). Every destination is chosen with social participation, personal growth, and support needs in mind. 

 

No matter what your travel style, we can easily say that group trips are incredibly rewarding

 

Need help figuring out what suits you or someone you support?

Give us a call and we can match you to one of our experiences to your goals and interests. 

 

Click below to browse our offered Group Tours. 

About the Author: Matilda Negri
Matilda Negri has grown up watching her father, Peter, lead ClubMates Travel and create life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. From a young age, she’s seen the difference travel can make—helping people build confidence, make friends, and experience the world beyond their usual routine. Matilda has joined ClubMates passengers on trips to places like South Africa and Greece, giving her a unique perspective and a passion for sharing these stories through her writing.

China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.

And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”

Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora

Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.

There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.

The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.

The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror

At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.

This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.

The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.

We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.

Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World

Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.

This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.

Why China? Why ClubMates?

Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.

Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.

If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.

ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.

Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.

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