Queensland is more than a beautiful holiday destination – it’s a region that is taking accessibility to the next level to make travel inclusive for all. Through thoughtful planning and growing infrastructure, tourist hotspots like Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast have introduced services, facilities and architecture that make travel safer and easier for people living with a disability. With a growing commitment to accessible travel options, the sunshine state is redefining what inclusive adventure looks like. Learn more about accessible tourism in Queensland.
What is accessible tourism, and why is it important?
Accessible tourism refers to designing and delivering travel experiences, services and environments that are inclusive for all people, regardless of their physical, sensory or cognitive needs. This includes a huge range of individuals, from wheelchair users and those who travel with a support animal, to people with low vision or who are hearing-impaired.
In Australia more than 4 million people have a disability, which makes up almost 20 per cent of our population. Accessible tourism recognises that everyone should be able to experience the joy and benefits of travel. It promotes dignity, encourages independence and enables equal opportunity to explore the world.
Accessible attractions in Queensland
Over the years, Queensland has become a shining example of inclusive urban planning. For starters, Brisbane Airport is one of the most accessible airports in Australia. Both the Domestic and International Terminals provide dedicated assistance counters, tactile ground surface indicators, hearing loops and visual paging systems, and adult changing facilities.
Across Brisbane, the Gold Cost and the Sunshine Coast there are plenty of indoor and outdoor accessible tourism attractions to experience, including:
- Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) for a fully accessible cultural hotspot with sensory tours and tactile experiences.
- Wheel of Brisbane with ramp access and inclusive gondolas.
- South Bank Parklands’ step-free paths and beach-entry pools.
- Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld, all of which offer accessible ride options and detailed accessibility maps.
- Surfers Paradise for beach matting and free beach wheelchair hire.
- Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk with an elevated wheelchair-accessible tree-top walk.
- Australia Zoo which offers rental scooters and wheelchair seating.
- Noosa National Park with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk for ocean views.
Explore Queensland without limits thanks to Airtrain
Airtrain is committed to providing accessible travel to all passengers. Our goal is to deliver an inclusive and accessible experience to all of our passengers, including those with specific needs or disabilities. As a Brisbane City Access and Inclusion Industry Champion, we continue to upgrade our facilities and services to achieve our vision.
Through our endeavours to deliver high-impact accessibility improvements to passengers, we have partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and Cérge to ensure that passengers of all abilities enjoy a smooth, safe and comfortable journey. Learn more about our collaborations and partnerships to promote and enhance accessible travel.
We also provide a series of accessibility tools for our Domestic Station and International Station so that passengers can understand the accessibility of our venues ahead of time. These tools include a 360 degree virtual tour, visual story and sensory guide, audio guide, keyword signboards, and more.
