Clubmates Travel
Gold Coast or Sydney? Where is better for NYE?
Posted on November 9, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 10 minutes
New Year is a time when everything seems to shut down — yet the world feels alive with parties, fireworks, and celebration. For people with disabilities, though, planning something fun and social isn’t always easy. Accessible accommodation fills quickly, transport can be tricky, and finding the right level of support that isn’t going to charge you an arm and a leg at that time of year often makes it all feel too hard.
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could take care of everything for you? At ClubMates Travel, we do just that.
This year, we’re offering two incredible supported group experiences — one on the Gold Coast and one in Sydney — and in this article, we’ll help you decide which one’s right for you.
The Gold Coast NYE Party: A Summer Favourite for Fun and Friendship
Our annual Gold Coast trip is one of ClubMates Travel’s biggest and most loved adventures. Every year, up to thirty travellers join us from across Australia for ten unforgettable days of sunshine, social connection, and laughter. With a large, experienced support crew and travellers of all abilities, everyone is welcome to be themselves and feel part of the group.
This trip is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to meet new people, build confidence, and enjoy a well-organised, worry-free getaway. It’s also ideal for those who may feel a little nervous about travelling — because this is a trip we know inside out. Everything’s planned, supported, and filled with opportunities to relax and have fun.
What’s Included
- Days 1–2: Travel from Melbourne to Sydney, then on to the Gold Coast, with motel stays along the way.
- Dreamworld: A full day of excitement and adventure at one of Australia’s best-known theme parks.
- New Year’s Eve: Celebrate in style with a big day at MovieWorld followed by a party at a local pub, where friendly Gold Coast locals often join the fun.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Meet some of Australia’s favourite animals up close.
- Cruise the Broadwater: A relaxing day on the water, enjoying the sights and sea breeze.
- Shopping Trip: Pick up souvenirs and gifts before heading home.
- Return Journey: Travel back to Melbourne, sharing laughs and memories with new friends.
Each year, we see amazing transformations on this trip — passengers forming lifelong friendships, growing more confident, and discovering a new sense of independence. It’s proof that when travel is accessible and supported, the possibilities are endless.
Sydney Harbour NYE Fireworks: A World-Famous Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of ringing in the New Year by Sydney Harbour, this trip is for you. Our Sydney New Year’s Eve itinerary is a little shorter than our Gold Coast adventure — seven days packed with big-city excitement, famous landmarks, and plenty of opportunities to socialise and explore.
This experience is perfect for those who love being in the heart of the action but still want the reassurance of travelling with a supportive crew who understand accessibility needs. With everything from transport to accommodation organised for you, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the experience.
What’s Included
- Day 1: Travel from Melbourne to Sydney, with comfortable stops along the way.
- Sydney Harbour: See the world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks up close — a truly unforgettable experience.
- Sightseeing and Attractions:
- Visit the Sydney Zoo and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
- Wander through Paddy’s Markets and Chinatown for food and souvenirs.
- Explore the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship.
- Take a scenic trip to Manly Beach to soak up the sun and ocean views.
- Day 7: Travel back to Melbourne, filled with wonderful memories.
With smaller group numbers and a city-based setting, this tour is ideal for people who love exploring at their own pace and taking in the energy of Sydney. From the buzz of the harbour to the sparkle of the fireworks, it’s a celebration you’ll never forget — and a chance to start the new year surrounded by friends and support.
Choosing the Right Experience for You
If you’re looking for… | Choose the Gold Coast Trip | Choose the Sydney Trip |
Length of Trip | 10 days – a longer summer adventure | 7 days – shorter, city-based getaway |
Vibe | Fun, social, relaxed, and beachy | Energetic, iconic, and full of big-city excitement |
Activities | Dreamworld, MovieWorld NYE party, Currumbin Sanctuary, Broadwater cruise, shopping | Sydney Zoo, Wax Museum, Chinatown, Manly Beach, Chinese Gardens, NYE fireworks |
Perfect For | Travellers who love group fun, sunshine, and making new friends | Travellers who prefer sightseeing, shorter trips, and iconic landmarks |
Level of Support | Large crew, familiar itinerary, great for first-time or anxious travellers | Smaller group, personalised support, ideal for confident explorers |
Highlights | Annual tradition, proven favourite, big NYE celebration with locals | Rare opportunity to see Sydney’s fireworks in person |
What Both Tours Have in Common
Whether you choose Sydney or the Gold Coast, both experiences share what makes every ClubMates tour so special — expert support, genuine inclusion, and a focus on helping every traveller feel part of something bigger. Each trip is designed around social and community participation, giving people the chance to connect, build confidence, and enjoy meaningful experiences with others. You’ll be surrounded by a friendly, trained support crew who make sure everything runs smoothly, so you can simply enjoy yourself. Most importantly, both tours promise something truly unforgettable — being somewhere amazing on New Year’s Eve, celebrating together with friends, and starting the new year with joy and belonging.
Making New Year's Eve Possible for Everyone
New Year’s Eve can be tough if you’re alone or unsupported. For people living with a disability, it can also be a reminder of how hard it can be to join in on the celebrations. That’s why these tours mean so much. They open the door to experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach — laughing with new friends, feeling the excitement of the countdown, feeling….well, NORMAL. And why shouldn’t they?
Our team takes care of the planning, the logistics, and the support, so you can focus on the joy of the moment. Because everyone deserves to start the new year surrounded by friendship, fun, and possibility.
Accessible rooms are limited and fill fast for these popular tours!
If you’re thinking about joining us, now’s the time to secure your place. Contact our friendly team today to find out which New Year’s Eve trip suits you best and make this summer one to remember.
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.
