Air, Rail and Coach
Air Travel
Qantas offers a discount on domestic flights within Australia if you're unable to fly without an accompanying support person. You and your nominated carer will receive 10 or 50 per cent discount off several fare categories, but you'll need to show a Carer Concession Photo ID.
If you're hearing impaired, contact Qantas on 1800 652 660 (within Australia; toll-free) or + 61 2 9957 7103 (international). Alternatively, the Australian Communication Exchange has a National Relay Service that enables you to contact Australian organisations like Qantas and Virgin Blue. Dial 13 25 44 (within Australia; charged at standard rates) or + 61 7 3000 7799 (international).
Virgin Blue offers special assistance to travellers with disabilities at all stages of a flight. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on board Virgin Blue aircraft, but assistance is provided for getting on and off the aircraft and to and from the seat. If you're hearing impaired, reservations can be made through the Australian Communication Exchange National Relay Service.
For disability access information on flights to South Australia's regional cities and towns, contact the following airlines direct:
Regional Express, flying to: Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Kingscote, Mount Gambier, Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln, Whyalla.
O'Connor Airlines, flying to: Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Whyalla
Coach Travel
With advanced notice, coach companies are generally happy to arrange special seating, assist you in getting on and off the coach, and provide storage for equipment such as wheelchairs. However most coaches do not have lifts or lowered floors.
Rail Travel
Australia's national rail system is gradually improving its access for those with mobility difficulties. There are special wheelchairs provided on most trains and aluminium ramps providing access from train platforms to carriage.
The Indian Pacific (Sydney to Adelaide to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin) have a specially designed cabin that provides full wheelchair access, sleeping accommodation for two and an en suite bathroom and toilet suitably modified for wheelchairs.
For information on long distance train travel, contact Great Southern Railway. Ph: 13 21 47 (within Australia) and +61 8 8213 4592
