Year of Accessible Tourism 2023–2024

The Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland is an opportunity to recognise the importance of accessible tourism experiences for all, and to ignite change and create opportunities for Queensland tourism businesses.

Tourism Australia defines accessible tourism as the ongoing endeavour to ensure tourist destination, products and services are accessible to all people regardless of their physical limitations, disability or age.

People with access requirements include those with young children in prams, seniors with mobility requirements, people with hearing, vision or sensory impairments, and people with permanent or temporary disabilities. Their access requirements may include physical/mobility, vision and/or cognitive.

Targeted initiatives are being delivered as part of the Year of Accessible Tourism, with $12 million in funding invested to help the Queensland tourism industry better cater to visitors of all abilities and provide greater destination experiences for all holidaymakers in Queensland.

Learn about the funding programs delivered in the Year of Accessible Tourism, including ongoing and completed projects, as well as new resources to help tourism businesses become more accessible:

• Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund – including 2 grants, the Access Starter Grant and the Access Project Grant, to improve communication, website accessibility, staff training, and adaptive equipment, technology and infrastructure.
• Accessible Tourism Enablers Grant – helping disability service providers create resources (now available) for tourism businesses.
• Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant – supporting the development and improvement of accessible infrastructure.
• Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grant – investing in smaller infrastructure projects or products to enhance accessibility.

This will enable everyone to participate in a tourism experience with choice and confidence and lay the foundations for making Brisbane 2032 the world’s most accessible and inclusive sporting event for athletes and spectators.

Accessible tourism case studies

• New technology to improve accessibility for travellers

  Tourism tech platform Vacayit aims to help travellers with disabilities enhance their travel experiences. Using audio experiences to make the platform engaging and easy to use, they are revolutionising accessible travel worldwide.

• Glen Lough Cabins isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience

  Glen Lough Cabins is a family-run business located in the Granite Belt region on a 40-acre property. The business recently constructed four new cabins with short-term accommodation, providing a little slice of heaven for guests.

• Cauldron Distillery

  The Cauldron Distillery aims to create unforgettable experiences for all visitors. They offer a variety of educational and enjoyable experiences, such as distillery tours, gin making, gin blending, and seasonal events.

• Fun Over 50 Holidays

  Fun Over 50 Holidays celebrated 20 years of operation in 2022 and, in that time, have captivated a loyal following of holiday makers. They successfully applied for a Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grant to better cater for their current and future guests.

• Adventure Moreton Island

  Adventure Moreton Island's commitment to catering to visitors with physical disabilities is a significant step towards inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the adventures and experiences on offer.

• Sweet Relief! sets new standard for accessibility and inclusivity

  The Queensland Music Festival team have joined forces with Spinal Life Australia to pioneer an inclusive music experience.

• Daintree Discovery Centre

  The Daintree Discovery Centre's commitment to accessibility, environmental sustainability, cultural respect, and climate action is woven into the fabric of their operations.

• Maleny Botanic Gardens

  The Sunshine Coast’s much-loved tourist attraction Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World has launched its upgraded accessible buggy fleet.