Clubmates Travel
What Really Are Inclusive Tours in Australia?
Posted on October 1, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 9 minutes
When people hear the words inclusive tours, they might think it’s just about ramps and wheelchair access.
But true inclusivity is so much more than that. At ClubMates Travel, we believe everyone deserves the chance to experience Australia without barriers—whether those barriers are physical, sensory, or social.
In this guide, we’ll show you what inclusive travel really looks like in practice, why defining inclusivity is such a challenge, and how our team makes it possible to create experiences that others often avoid attempting.
What Does Inclusive Travel Really Mean?
Inclusive travel means different things to different people. For someone with a physical disability, it might mean wheelchair access to accommodation and transport. For another person with an intellectual disability, it could mean smaller groups, quiet time, and sensory-friendly activities. Families and carers might define inclusivity differently again— prioritising safety, social connection, or flexibility.
The reality is that no single definition exists, because every person’s needs are unique. That’s what makes truly inclusive tours so difficult to achieve, and why many providers only run trips for people with intellectual disabilities—it’s simply easier than planning for complex mobility equipment, medical supports, or unknown conditions across a country as vast as Australia.
Planning independently often becomes overwhelming—booking the wrong hotel, discovering poor accessibility, or relying on support workers who aren’t trained for travel can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare. It’s not worth the hassle.
Inclusive tours remove those barriers and create opportunities to build confidence, connect with peers, and discover new places safely.
This is why going with an experienced provider matters.
Designing Inclusive Tours in Practice
At ClubMates Travel, we embrace this challenge. We plan for every detail so more people can be included, no matter their ability. Our approach covers the whole journey from door to destination:
- Before the trip: We discuss each traveller’s goals and requirements, from equipment needs to sensory considerations.
- On the road: Our accessible buses allow everyone to travel together in comfort.
- At activities: We build itineraries with flexible options for different comfort levels.
- Support for independence: We encourage passengers to try things on their own—ordering meals, navigating an attraction, or socialising—knowing our crew is there as backup.
The Hidden Checklist for Inclusive Tours
When most people plan a trip, they ask the basics: Is the hotel accessible? Can I get on the bus? But truly inclusive tours come down to dozens of small details that can make or break an experience. These are the checks we run every time we design a journey:
- Accommodation reality check: Does “accessible” really mean roll-in showers, wide doorways, and grab rails, or is it just a marketing buzzword? Don’t get cauht out when you arrive.
- Transport compatibility: Can the coach or transfer vehicle safely carry electric wheelchairs and scooters? Is there space for luggage AND mobility equipment without splitting up friends?
- Flight accessibility: Airlines vary in what they provide. Does the airline provide aisle chairs for boarding, safe storage for power wheelchairs, and lifting equipment for transfers? Do you need to remove your wheelchair battery? How will you administer medication during the flight?
- Emergency readiness: What happens if medical equipment breaks down or extra supports are suddenly required? We always prepare back-up solutions.
- Sensory considerations: Are there quieter spaces or downtime scheduled for passengers who get overwhelmed by crowds or noise?
- Meal flexibility: Have you researched what restaurants cater for allergies? Do you have equipment to cater for swallowing difficulties?
- Staff preparedness: Are your supports trained to manage both mobility and behavioural support needs in unpredictable situations on the road?
- Group balance: Does the itinerary allow for social participation without overwhelming anyone, especially passengers who may be shy or non-verbal?
These aren’t the questions that usually appear on glossy travel brochures, yet they are the details that define whether an inclusive tour is truly successful.
Examples of Inclusive Tours in Australia
Inclusive travel can take many forms. Here are just a few examples of the experiences our passengers enjoy:
- Festivals and Events: From the Tamworth Music Festival to the Bathurst 1000, we make major events accessible and enjoyable.
- City Adventures: Celebrate Sydney’s harbour fireworks or explore Melbourne’s laneways.
- Cruises: Supported cruise trips with comfort and inclusion built in.
- Outdoor Getaways: From camping in the Snowy Mountains to discovering regional towns, we make even off-the-beaten-track adventures possible. You think it’s impossible to go camping in a wheelchair? Think again!
You can explore all our inclusive tours by using the search filters on our website to find trips by type, destination, or date.
Travel Without Limits
At ClubMates Travel, inclusive tours aren’t just about access—they’re about belonging.
Every journey is carefully designed so that no one feels left out or overlooked.
If you or someone you support is ready to experience the joy of truly inclusive travel, get in touch with our friendly team today.
We’ll help you find the perfect trip and take care of every detail, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Start exploring inclusive tours today—because the world should be open to everyone.
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.
