Queensland tourism operators to get $4.5 million worth of accessibility improvements

10 May 2024

Queensland's tourism sector is set for accessibility upgrades following the recipient announcement of the Access Project Grant. Twenty-eight Queensland tourism operators, not-for-profits, and local governments, are set to receive between $50,000 and $200,000 to put towards tangible, high-impact accessibility improvements within their organisation.

A total of 28 Queensland tourism operators, not-for-profits and local governments are set to improve the accessibility of their operations as they share in Access Project Grants worth almost $4.5 million through the Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund.

The grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, with each project co-designed with people with disability so they improve accessibility in all its forms.

That includes improved access, accessible transport, adaptive equipment and technology, communication, signage and digital accessibility, and sensory-friendly spaces and resources.

Some of the funded projects, due to be completed by 30 June 2025, include:

  • Daintree Discovery Centre – a 70-metre accessible canopy walkway.
  • Cobbold Gorge Tours – a modified bus, all-terrain wheelchair and kayak launch pontoon.
  • Story Bridge Adventure Climb – a wheelchair winch system with custom designed chairs.
  • Hook-A-Barra on Daintree – access vehicles, hearing loops and viewing tank modifications.
  • Tangalooma Resort Tangatours – an accessible glass bottom boat.
  • Capricorn Caves – wheelchair accessibility upgrades to the cave walk and toilets.
  • Noosa Ferry – accessible boat for up to 49 passengers including 14 wheelchairs.
  • Airtrain – platform gap fillers at the domestic and international stations.
  • Traveller’s Rest 1770 – accessible amenities, pathways, seating, shade and signage.
  • Great Keppel Island – a wheelchair-accessible boat and beach access wheelchairs.
  • Qantas Founders Museum – a virtual reality experience.
  • Cooktown Museum – a lift, stair lift and access footpath.
  • Australian Age of Dinosaurs – an electric wheelchair-accessible shuttle.
  • Sea World – an accessible entrance ramp.

The Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund is a key program in the $12 million Year of Accessible Tourism funding package that aims to help the Queensland tourism industry better cater to visitors of all abilities.

For more information, visit the Access Project Grants page