You no longer have to fiddle with your Google Maps settings to check if a place has step-free access. Google Maps provides wheelchair accessibility information for more than 40 million places worldwide, including public transport, pubs and restaurants.
To turn on an “Accessible Places” feature to have wheelchair accessibility information displayed more prominently in Google Maps see: https://youtu.be/-oWsAMwJ-ks?list=TLGGvA3LiqOTgMIwOTExMjAyMw
Air Travel
Queensland Government information on air travel, people with a disability.
Sunflower Lanyards first started in the UK and now catching onto to major Australian and international airports.
Wearing a sunflower lanyard helps airport staff & colleagues to recognise that you have a hidden disability without you needing to declare it. This allows you to travel independently through the airport whilst knowing that if you need any additional support during your journey, any airport staff will be able to support.
If you don’t want to receive one at the airport you can purchase one here
Railway, malls and major events are also catching onto this wonderful initiative overseas.
Virgin Airlines use to have a Disability Assistant Concession fare which was a 50 per cent discount for an assistant’s airfare for all domestic Australian travel. That includes business class and flights booked with points. I am unable to verify if this is still in play, so best to ask when you ring up.
Virgin Australia Specific Needs and Assistance Process
Travel Agent Guide
If you need additional assistance when travelling with Virgin Australia they have put out a Guest Accessibility Plan to assist with every part of the journey.
Lots of helpful info travelling with special needs or disability.
Specific needs and assistance Including:
– Travelling with an Assistance Dog
– Vision and hearing impairments
– Special meals
View information here
Mobility assistance and Hidden disability assistance
Travelling with a carer
Guest Accessibility Plan – Virgin Australia (PDF)
Qantas Carer Concession Card is issued to people with disability and high level support needs who require the full-time assistance of a carer whilst they are on the aircraft. 10-50% off some fares.
pwd.org.au/services/qantas-card
Airport Hidden Disability Programs
Cairns – The Hidden Disability Program offers a discreet way for travellers to indicate to airport staff that they may need a little extra help or guidance.
Hidden disabilities can include autism, anxiety, dementia, mental health conditions, visual impairments, deaf or hard of hearing.
Visitors can choose to wear a sunflower lanyard or badge when they are travelling through Cairns Airport 
Staff have been trained to recognise the symbol and will be prepared to provide additional support, if required.
Adelaide – You can collect a hidden disability lanyard at Adelaide Airport – Also see their information on special assistance and assistant dogs here
Goldcoast – You can request a Hidden Disability lanyard as part of their program. They also have a sensory map, written and visual social stories
Hobart – Has video social stories for major airlines
Melbourne – You can request a Hidden Disability lanyard as part of their program. They also have a sensory map and social stories on International Departures and Arrivals.
Brisbane – You can collect a hidden disability lanyard at Brisbane Airport. Assistance Dogs info here
Sydney – You can pick up a hidden disabilities lanyard at the Airport Services Centre located on Level 3 (Administration) at T1 International terminal or from the Ambassadors information desk on Arrivals level at T2 Domestic terminal.
Perth – Perth Airport is offering both lanyards and wristbands to customers, although we do recommend the lanyard as it tends to be more visible to staff during busy periods. See their website to request a lanyard/wristband.
The teams at The Tour Specialists and Cairns Holiday Specialists recognise this and have put together some travel
information specifically for tours and accommodation to assist those guests that may have major or minor disabilities looking to holiday in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
Great Barrier Reef For Disabled Travelers
Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest Disabled Access
Kuranda Day Tour For Disabled Travellers
Wheelchair Access For Palm Cove
Wheelchair Access For Port Douglas
Check out their website for all the info!
Travel Without Limits – Inclusive Tours Holiday Travel Companions
New Australian magazine and online platform all about making travel possible for people of all abilities and needs.
Travel Without Limits makes what you’ve dreamt about possible. Find ideas, inspiration and tips shared by others with a disability.
Visit Website
Out There Travel Care is proud to launch groundbreaking care services for visitors in the Cairns & Port Douglas Region.
We are a team of qualified travel carers provide care and support services specifically tailored to visitors with a disability or has mobility challenges and health concerns, and designed to make the region’s iconic tourism experiences more accessible and enjoyable:
Tour Companion offers care support on a selection of tours and activities from Cairns to Port Douglas.
A qualified carer will join the travel party for a day on the reef, in the rainforest or in and around the regions.
Respite Care provides destination-specific care services tailored to the individual and designed not only to allow the primary carer a day off to relax and explore the region, but also to create a memorable day in the tropics full of the individual’s interests and passions.
Personal Care provides professional support for daily personal care needs or emergency care after a holiday incident at any time of the day or night in the comfort of the traveller’s accommodation.
Call us on 4255 6888 or 042 556 888. Visit Website
ClubMates Travel is now a well-established global company, proud to help anyone wanting assisted Travel in the creation and enjoyment of fulfilling a perfect unsupported or supported holiday for people with disabilities.
Whether traveling in your home country or abroad, as an individual or as part of a group, we have you covered.
Experience your dream holiday now! Visit Website
Wheelie Campers offers self-drive wheelchair accessible camper vans.
Rented as self- drive with pick up on the Gold Coast or delivered to your door nationwide.
The vehicle will accommodate 5 passengers plus a driver and a wheelchair. Visit Website
Everyone Deserves a Holiday!
Cairns local Flynn is 19 years old, has Autism and an intellectual impairment.
He loves to travel and write about his experiences, especially 
what makes travel easier for him.
He has reviewed several tourist attractions and various accommodation in Cairns and the Gold Coast. He hopes to travel further afar and continue his blogging in the hope it will inform and inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and try new things.
Be sure to follow his blog!
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Don’t forget to check out the Directory listings under ‘Inclusive Tours Holiday Travel Companions’