Clubmates Travel
From 'No' to 'Yes' - Deb's Transformation at Uluru
Posted on September 19, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 8 minutes
When Deb first contacted ClubMates Travel, she shared her love for the Australian outback and her fascination with trucks. Despite this passion, she had never truly explored either. Being in a wheelchair and not having access to the right supports meant that camping, outback adventures, and trucking experiences always felt out of reach.
That’s where we came in. As one of Australia’s leading NDIS holiday providers, we knew it was possible — and we wanted to show Deb that with the right travel support, she could achieve more than she imagined.
Camping in a Wheelchair
Deb joined one of our supported group camping tours to Uluru with her partner, Brian. Camping was brand new to her, and she was unsure how it would work. Swags sit low to the ground, and Deb needed to carefully transfer from her wheelchair.
At the start, Peter, our Director, assisted Deb in and out of her swag. But after a couple of days, something remarkable happened: Deb was doing it herself. What began as support turned into independence — the very essence of a capacity building holiday.
Pushing a Wheelchair Up the Olgas!
One of the most memorable moments came at Kata Tjuta. Determined that Deb would not miss out, Peter pushed her wheelchair up the rugged trail so she could experience the sweeping views. The path was tough, the chair took a beating, but Deb reached a point she never thought possible.
This is what supported travel for people with disabilities is all about — having skilled support workers by your side who make the impossible possible.
Trucks and Road Trains in Australia's Red Centre
For someone who loves trucks and road trains, the Kenworth Trucking Museum in Alice Springs was a dream stop. Inside was a semi-trailer cab. Deb wished she could get in, but steps were a barrier. With encouragement and support, she climbed in with a little help from Peter and Brian.
Sitting proudly in the cab, Deb’s face lit up. It looked like she was about to start her very own trucking adventure. These moments may seem small, but they build confidence and create lasting memories — the kind of experiences NDIS holidays are designed to deliver.
How Supported Holidays Build Independence
Since her Uluru trip, Deb has been working toward a more independent life, including plans to move into her own home. While financial barriers have prevented her from booking another trip yet, the growth she experienced on her journey has continued long after she returned home.
Peter explains:
“We breed independence. These aren’t just small wins — they add up to something bigger. For Deb, it wasn’t just a camping trip. It was proof she could push herself further than she thought possible.”
Key Outcomes from Deb's Capacity Building Holiday
- Capacity Building: Progressed from needing daily help to independently managing her swag.
- Social & Community Participation: Shared experiences with her partner and fellow travellers.
- Confidence & Skills: Tackled challenges she once thought impossible.
- Pathway to Independence: Inspired to move toward living on her own.
The Power of Yes: Reconnecting with Deb
Fast forward to 2023. At the Having a Say disability conference in Geelong, Alicia from the ClubMates team was approached by a familiar face. It was Deb, who spotted the ClubMates logo and eagerly came over. Sitting down with her walker, Deb smiled and asked, “Have you heard about me? I must have been quite difficult to deal with!”
She went on to explain how tough it had been to comply with all the challenges during her Uluru trip. But with patience, encouragement, and the occasional push from Peter and the crew, Deb allowed herself to step away from the “no” narrative that had followed her for years. She went from a tent to a swag, tackled activities she never thought possible, and most importantly, discovered the power of saying yes. After a lifetime of being told “no,” Deb realised that supported travel had given her the chance to rewrite her own story.
At ClubMates Travel, we believe supported tours are more than just a getaway — they are opportunities for growth, confidence, and connection. Deb’s story shows the power of a capacity building holiday to transform lives and help participants achieve their NDIS goals.
Thinking about a supported trip for yourself or someone you care for?
Our team specialises in planning safe, accessible, and fun adventures that also align with NDIS funding. Click below to contact us and start planning your journey.
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.
