Clubmates Travel

Maria’s Story: From Fear to Freedom in the Red Centre

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Matilda Negri

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For many people we support, confidence doesn’t grow in a straight line. It grows one small step at a time, often beginning with a moment that feels scary, unfamiliar, or completely out of reach. Maria’s journey on our supported tour to Uluru and Alice Springs is a beautiful example of that. What started as a trip filled with nerves and uncertainty quickly became a powerful experience in capacity building, courage, and self belief.

 

Maria lives with ongoing anxiety, and new environments can be overwhelming for her. Before this tour, she had never flown, never ridden a camel, and certainly never expected to hold a snake. But with the guidance of our trained support crew – who specialise in assisted travel, emotional regulation, and building trust on the road – she was able to take on challenges she once avoided.

 

This is what supported travel is designed for. It gives people the safety of skilled support workers, the encouragement to try new things, and the chance to build independence through real life experience.

Facing a Fear of Camels and Loving Every Minute

One of the standout moments of the tour happened at the camel farm in Alice Springs. Maria was excited but terrified. A camel looks big when you’re standing next to it, and even bigger when you’re asked to climb on.

 

Getting onto the camel was the first challenge. Our crew supported her gently and calmly, talking her through each step. As the camel began to stand, its back legs rise first, then the front – a movement that can feel sudden even for confident riders.

 

Maria screamed the entire time the camel stood up.

 

But once the camel steadied and began walking, something shifted. Her breathing slowed. Her shoulders dropped. And then – a smile. A huge, relieved, joyful smile. She rode the camel quietly, taking in the desert around her.

 

When it was time for the camel to sit back down, she screamed again. Then she hopped off, turned to us and said, That was fantastic. I loved it.

Her First Ever Flight and a Support Worker Holding Her Hand

Flying was something Maria had always been too scared to attempt. Airports feel busy, loud and unpredictable, and take off can be frightening for anyone.

 

But with the right support, the impossible became possible.

 

On the day of the flight, Evelyn from our support crew held Maria’s hands and walked backward, step by step, guiding her into the aircraft. She stayed with her through every moment of uncertainty – buckling in, taxiing, take off, landing.

 

Maria was scared, but she did it.

 

It was her first ever flight. A huge personal milestone. And she arrived proud of herself, knowing she had achieved something many people take for granted.

“No Snakes” – To Holding One Proudly

When the group visited a wildlife experience, the staff offered the chance to interact with a snake. Maria immediately said no. Not just a polite no – a firm, absolutely not.

 

So we didn’t push. We simply stood with her and allowed her to watch others interact. After some time, she agreed to let Peter bring the tail of the snake close to her. Still too much. So he held it further away. Then a little closer. Then a little closer again.

 

Step by step, she grew brave.

 

By the end of the activity, Maria had her hands on the head of the snake, while Peter held the tail.

 

Her fear had transformed into curiosity, then confidence. She was grounded. Calm. Proud.

Why We Need to Tell Maria’s Story

For many NDIS participants, supported travel is not just about going somewhere new. It is about practicing independence in a safe environment, strengthening social skills, and developing the confidence to engage with the world.

 

On this tour, Maria achieved:

• Her first ever flight
• Her first ever camel ride
• Her first hands on wildlife interaction 
• Growth in emotional regulation 
• Increased trust in others
• A stronger sense of independence

The Power of Supported Travel

Maria’s transformation didn’t happen because the activities were easy. It happened because she was supported by a team who specialise in:

• Managing anxiety in unfamiliar places
• Breaking tasks into achievable steps
• Encouraging independence without pressure
• Creating safety in busy or unpredictable environments 
• Understanding sensory, emotion, and behavioural needs while travelling 

Ready to Create Your Own Success Story?

If you or someone you support has goals around confidence, independence, social participation, or trying new things, supported travel can help bring those goals to life.

Our team designs trips that are safe, enjoyable, and backed by trained support workers who understand the challenges involved.

 

Let’s make your next step a powerful one.

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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.