Clubmates Travel
ClubMates Travel Finalist in the Australian Disability Service Awards
Posted on September 25, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 7 minutes
Australia’s largest supported travel provider, ClubMates Travel, has been named a finalist in the Australian Disability Service Awards 2025 for Most Effective Community Inclusion Program.
This category recognises organisations creating real opportunities for people with disability to be part of their communities. For ClubMates, that’s the core of every tour — helping people build confidence, independence, and social connection while experiencing mainstream Australian life.
Community Inclusion That Changes Lives
Every year, ClubMates Travel runs over 60 multi-day supported group tours, from music festivals and sporting events to outback adventures, cruises, and international cultural trips. The itineraries, designed by a team of specialised disability travel consultants, are aligned with passenger goals to build confidence, independence, and connection.
- Michael*, once anxious and unsure, returned from an outback trip having learned to cook, pitch a tent, and adapt to challenges. He came home more confident and engaged in everyday life.
- Joanne, who had never travelled without her family, finished her first tour joining group outings and making new friends on her own.
- Natasha, a wheelchair user, took her first international trip to Japan without relying on her parents, discovering she could do far more than she believed.
- Edward*, who once struggled with social isolation, now reconnects with friends and looks forward to group tours each year.
*Names changed for privacy
These are just a few of the hundreds of transformations ClubMates witnesses every year.
About Director Peter Negri
Managing Director Peter Negri began with a simple dream to drive a bus. In 2006 he purchased OzMates and grew it into ClubMates Travel, a national leader now running more than 60 supported group tours each year across Australia and overseas.
Despite growing to be the biggest NDIS registered supported travel provider even throughout covid and NDIS crackdowns, Peter is still in his element behind the wheel of a 4WD, dusty and off-road, helping passengers try things they wouldn’t do at home.
“When our big red bus rolls into town, people notice. They see wheelchair users and support workers not tucked away, but part of the action. They see us dancing at Tamworth, watching the Bathurst 1000, or sharing a laugh over dinner at a regional pub. The wider community sees what real inclusion looks like and they love it.
With the right supports passengers get to experience parts of Australia and the rest of the world that they never dreamed of. It’s not an easy job, certainly not as glamorous as it might look from the outside, but the hard work is worth it when we witness first hand the transformational power of travel to connect with the community.”
We’re honoured to be finalists, and even prouder to continue creating journeys that change lives.
Winners of the Australian Disability Service Awards will be announced on 13 November 2025.
Book with us for your next life changing trip!
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.
