Clubmates Travel
How ClubMates Travel Works with the NDIS: A Guide for Support Coordinators
Posted on September 12, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 9 minutes
Across Australia, many Support Coordinators tell us the same thing: “I don’t know if travel is still possible under the NDIS.”
It’s understandable. The conversation around travel and the NDIS has been clouded by uncertainty, audits, and shifting rules. But here’s the truth: travel supports remain absolutely possible — when they’re delivered correctly.
At ClubMates Travel, we’ve been a registered NDIS travel provider for decades. Our role isn’t to sell holidays — it’s to provide specialist support services that align with participants’ NDIS goals, while they explore new places and build independence.
This blog explains exactly how it works, so you can confidently guide your participants and their families.
Why Travel Supports Still Fit Within the NDIS
The NDIS funds supports, not leisure. That’s why our services are framed around:
- Social and community participation – meeting new people, joining group activities, building peer relationships.
- Capacity building – managing change, trying new experiences, practising independence away from home.
Daily living skills – budgeting, planning meals, managing personal routines in unfamiliar environments. - Health and wellbeing – engaging in movement, relaxation, and self-care while travelling.
Travel is simply the context. The outcomes are what matter.
Two Invoices: Transparency and Compliance
One of the biggest misconceptions is around costs. To keep everything crystal clear, we always split charges into two invoices:
1. Support Costs (NDIS Claimable):
– Support worker time during the trip
– Personal care assistance
– Social participation supports
– Pre-travel planning, risk assessments, and goal documentation
2. Travel Costs (Paid by Participant):
– Flights and transport fares
– Accommodation and hotels
– Meals, tickets, insurance, souvenirs
This separation ensures compliance with the NDIS Act (s34 “reasonable & necessary”).
Example Outcomes from Supported Travel
Here’s what participants typically achieve on our tours:
Social Participation
- Joining group outings like markets, festivals, and day tours
- Taking on buddy or helper roles
- Practising conversation starters with prompts
Daily Living Skills
- Ordering food independently
- Managing pocket money
- Packing and keeping track of belongings
Capacity Building
- Coping with last-minute changes in plans
- Making choices in a safe environment
- Receiving structured feedback to build resilience
Health & Wellbeing
- Trying accessible walks, swimming, or dancing
- Using calming strategies in new settings
- Building self-esteem through success and fun
How a Trip Works: Step by Step
Step 1 – Goal Alignment: We begin by asking about the participant’s NDIS goals and support needs.
Step 2 – Matching Trip Type: Options include group tours (great for social participation) or 1:1 customised trips (ideal for high needs or specific goals).
Step 3 – Quoting: We issue a split quote with clear NDIS vs non-NDIS costs.
Step 4 – Booking & Planning: Risk assessments, travel documents, and support crew allocations are completed.
Step 5 – Travel & Support Delivery: Participants enjoy the trip while our trained travel support workers provide assistance.
Step 6 – Reporting Back: With consent, we share outcome notes and risk management updates, which can support plan reviews.
This process gives Support Coordinators peace of mind, knowing the journey is structured, compliant, and measurable.
Case Study: Joanne's Growth
Joanne from Victoria was hesitant before her first trip. She’d never travelled without her usual carers and felt anxious about leaving home.
On tour, she started small — with encouragement, she ordered her own meals and joined group conversations. By the end of the week, Joanne proudly said:
“Before I left, I was so nervous. But now I feel confident and proud of myself. I did things I never thought I could.”
Stories like Joanne’s show how supported travel can deliver real, measurable progress toward NDIS goals.
Common Questions from Support Coordinators
“Can my participant claim flights and hotels?”
No. These are out-of-pocket. Only disability supports are claimable.
“What if my participant has complex needs?”
We offer tailored ratios — from 1:3 to 1:1 or even 2:1 support. Some participants begin with short getaways before trying longer tours.
“Do you work with agency-managed participants?”
Yes. We can claim directly from the NDIA, as well as work with plan- and self-managed participants.
“Can you help with plan reviews?”
Absolutely. With participant consent, we provide supporting documents, outcome notes, and risk assessments.
Why Choose ClubMates as Your NDIS Travel Provider?
- 30+ years’ experience in accessible travel
- Registered provider following the NDIS Code of Conduct
- Trained travel support workers — skilled in high-stress, unpredictable environments
- Tailored trips: group, private, short, or extended
- Goal-focused planning with documentation for compliance
- Safe, inclusive experiences that families and coordinators trust
What This Means for Support Coordinators
You don’t need to worry about whether a trip will “pass” NDIS scrutiny. We’ve built our service to be goal-aligned, transparent, and compliant.
When you work with ClubMates Travel, you can reassure participants and families that:
- Their funding is being used correctly.
- The outcomes are meaningful and trackable.
- They are supported by a trusted, specialist provider.
NDIS Travel Supports Are Still Possible
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.
