Bundaberg Launches New Accessibility Tools To Empower Inclusive Travel

Travelling with confidence just got easier with the Bundaberg Region’s new accessibility initiatives elevating the destination as one of Queensland’s most welcoming holiday destinations for all.

Bundaberg Tourism has unveiled a suite of new accessibility tools designed to support travellers of all abilities in planning and enjoying their holiday in the Bundaberg Region, including new digital guides, audio storytelling and sensory-friendly initiatives.

Delivered as part of the Bundaberg Region Inclusive Legacy Building Project, and proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund, this destination-first initiative has created lasting change, making Bundaberg more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for people living with disability, their families, carers, and friends.

Tourism Research Australia reports that 40% of travellers with disability avoid travel due to the fear of the unknown and lack of accessible information. Bundaberg’s new resources directly address this by offering detailed, perceptible, and engaging content that removes barriers and builds trust.

“At its heart, this project is about more than just access, it’s about inclusion, dignity and choice,” said Katherine Reid, CEO of Bundaberg Tourism.

“We’re proud to be setting a new benchmark for regional destinations by co-designing practical tools with the people who use them, and by empowering our tourism industry to better welcome all visitors.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said accessibility and inclusivity are key priorities of Destination 2045 to ensure all visitors in Queensland have an enjoyable experience.

“We want the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be the most inclusive Games in history, and inclusive tools like these are integral to ensure we achieve this goal.

“Destination 2045 will deliver a range of tourism projects for the Bundaberg region, and with accessibility tools, we hope that more people can explore and enjoy this beautiful region.

“We are proud to support Bundaberg Tourism creating these inclusive and accessible tools to ensure all people can enjoy their holiday, without being held back.”

Bundaberg Tourism is embedding accessibility into its long-term strategy, ensuring inclusive content is visible across digital platforms, social media, public relations, visitor servicing, and storytelling.

The project was co-designed with people with lived experience of disability, ensuring the tools delivered are not only technically accessible, but genuinely useful, easy to understand, and designed for real-world travel needs.

The project has also strengthened community partnerships through collaboration with Wide Bay Kids Inc. and the Bundaberg All Abilities Alliance, bringing together local disability advocates, tourism operators and council to ensure accessibility remains a shared regional priority.

What’s New?

Accessible Destination Guide

A digital-first resource highlighting 27 inclusive tourism operators and experiences across the region—ranging from accessible accommodation and attractions, to cafes, nature walks, and transport. The guide gives travellers everything they need to know, including parking, mobility access, sensory environments, and more.

Sensory Audio Guides for Blind and Low-Vision Travellers

In partnership with leading accessible travel platform Vacayit, 23 immersive audio guides have been developed to bring the region to life through rich, sensory storytelling. These guides describe the sights, sounds, textures and experiences of popular places like the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Macadamias Australia, and Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience.

Training and Sensory-Friendly Event Experience

Earlier this year, the Bundaberg region hosted its first sensory-friendly destination event experience designed with universal principles to boost participation for neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive visitors in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council. The event sparked widespread commitment and increased sentiment among local operators, community, and government for more accessible events, with 99% of participants expressing strong desire for more accessible and sensory-friendly events. Following this, targeted workshops built industry confidence and skills, leading to more businesses improving and promoting accessibility with stronger confidence.

 

Travellers and their families can now access all new tools and guides via:

 

About Bundaberg Region Inclusive Legacy Building Project

The Bundaberg Region Inclusive Tourism Legacy Building project is an initiative of Bundaberg Tourism awarded through the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund - Access Project Grant. The project is the first step in building the Bundaberg Region’s legacy as a truly inclusive destination, providing authentic, accessible and transformative visitor experiences for all through delivery of the following initiatives:

  • Industry Training - Introducing Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and exploring Accessible Events with GetAboutAble.
  • Development of seventeen (17) operator audio guides to create immersive experiences and increase access to perceptible travel information for people of all abilities.
  • Creation of an Accessible Destination Visitor Guide which will be a central source of information for visitors with accessibility overviews of tourism business across the region.
  • Delivery of an immersive and all-inclusive sensory event in region to grow awareness of our accessible offerings and inclusive destination experiences for the community and visitors alike.

www.bundabergregion.org/accessible-tourism

**ENDS**

For media information, please contact:

Katherine Reid                                                                      Ellie Traynor

CEO, Bundaberg Tourism                                                     Marketing Manager, Bundaberg Tourism

0429 681 770                                                                        0400 432 366

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