Travel Accessibility & Key Considerations
At Autopia Tours, we believe Australia’s natural wonders should be accessible to as many people as possible. While some of our adventure-based tours involve walking, uneven terrain, or step-entry vehicles, we are committed to providing clear, honest information so every traveller can make confident decisions about their journey.
This Accessibility Statement explains the services, facilities, and considerations that may affect your experience. If you have questions or individual requirements, our friendly team is here to help.
At a Glance
- Vehicles require step entry and are not wheelchair-lift accessible.
- Many tours include walking on varied terrain, but most walks are optional.
- We welcome guide dogs and assistance animals with prior notice.
- A translation app service is available in 11+ languages.
- Companion Card discounts are offered for eligible travellers.
- You can request front-row seating, extra time for boarding, or additional trip information.
- Our team is available to discuss individual needs and help determine whether a tour is suitable.
Information at Your Fingertips
1. Our Services
Autopia Tours is a leading provider of small-group adventure tours across Australia, including day trips and multi-day experiences departing from:
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Darwin
- Alice Springs
- Uluru / Ayers Rock
Our tours highlight diverse landscapes such as coastlines, rainforests, deserts, mountain ranges, and wildlife habitats. Activities vary by tour and may include:
- Nature walks
- Scenic lookouts
- Cultural experiences
- Wildlife encounters
- Outback road journeys
Our reservations team can assist you in choosing a tour that aligns with your mobility, sensory, or language needs.
2. Key Accessibility Considerations
Understanding Your Fitness and Mobility
Our tours range from low to high physical activity. We encourage travellers to assess their comfort level with:
- Step-entry minibuses
- Short or moderate walks
- Uneven or natural surfaces
- Weather conditions
- Getting in and out of the vehicle multiple times per day
Activity Level Guide
- Low: short, optional walks 50 to 100 m; mostly flat surfaces
- Moderate: 300 m–2 km walking, mixed terrain
- High: longer walks or steeper sections (not on all tours)
Our team can confirm the expected conditions for your travel date.
Travellers Over 75 Years
For medium- and high-activity tours, travellers aged 75+ are asked to provide:
- A doctor’s certificate (within 30 days of travel), or
- A signed medical liability waiver if a certificate is not available
This helps ensure your comfort and safety throughout the day.
Non-English Speaking Travellers
We offer a GPS-triggered translation app available in 11+ languages: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese.
The app provides text and/or audio commentary depending on the tour.
Note: Internet reception may vary in remote areas; we recommend downloading the content before departure. Headphones not provided.
Wheelchair Users and Mobility Devices
Our current fleet is not wheelchair accessible. This means:
- No wheelchair lifts
- No ramps
- No securing points for wheelchairs or scooters
- Step entry is required for all passengers
However:
- Collapsible manual travel wheelchairs may be stored in luggage (subject to space and itinerary).
- Travellers must be able to board the vehicle via steps, with assistance from their own companion if needed.
- Our guides can offer verbal support and extra time, but cannot physically lift passengers.
Please contact us before booking to confirm suitability.
Blind or Low-Vision Travellers
We welcome travellers with blindness or low vision. Support available includes:
- Verbal orientation from guides
- Assistance locating seats or stable footing
- Descriptions of landscapes or environments
- Reserved seating (front row)
- Guide dogs and assistance animals, with prior notice to ensure compliance with local parks and attractions
Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Travellers
Support options include:
- Text-based commentary on select tours
- GPS-triggered translation app (text mode)
- Front-row seating on request for lip-reading
- Printed notes or summaries where available
Hidden or Invisible Disabilities
We recognise that not all disabilities are visible. Examples include:
- Autism
- Anxiety or trauma-related needs
- Chronic pain
- ADHD or executive functioning challenges
- Sensory sensitivities
We encourage open communication so we can adapt where possible, such as providing:
- Predictable schedules
- Extra time for transitions
- Clear step-by-step explanations
- Quieter seating preferences
3. Accessible Traveller Questionnaire
To help us provide the safest and most enjoyable experience for every traveller, we invite guests with accessibility requirements to complete our Accessible Traveller Questionnaire.
This short form allows you to share any mobility, sensory, cognitive, or medical needs that may affect your tour experience. By understanding your requirements ahead of time, we can:
- Offer personalised advice on which tours are most suitable
- Communicate any limitations of our vehicles, walking tracks, or partner facilities
- Ensure our guides and operations team are prepared
- Reduce surprises on the day and support you in making confident, informed choices
Completing the questionnaire is optional, but highly recommended for travellers with accessibility needs.
👉 [Click here to complete the Accessible Traveller Questionnaire]
If you prefer, our reservations team can also complete the form with you over the phone we’d be happy to assist.
4. Companion Card Policy
Autopia Tours is proud to support travellers who require a companion due to a permanent disability.
Eligibility
- You hold a valid Companion Card.
- You require support for mobility, medical, communication, or personal care needs.
Discounts
- 50% off companion fare on day trips
- 35% off companion fare on multi-day tours
The primary participant pays the standard fare.
How to Apply
- Contact our reservations team at least 7 days before travel.
- Email a copy of your Companion Card.
- Provide information about the support you require on tour.
Terms
- Discounts depend on availability and vehicle capacity.
- Companions must actively assist throughout the tour.
- Standard cancellation policies apply.
5. Departure Locations & Meeting Points
We use designated pick-up points in each city. Your booking confirmation includes:
- Clickable Google Maps location
- Relevant landmarks
- Instructions for which side of the street or entrance to wait at
We can also provide on request:
- Photos of the meeting point
- Notes on accessible pathways, lighting, or surfaces
- Best public transport routes
- Suggestions for alternate meeting points if required
If you require extra time to reach the departure location, please let us know so we can alert your guide.
6. Modes of Transport
Autopia Tours uses a fleet of modern step-entry minibuses and small coaches. Vehicles commonly include:
Typical Vehicle Models
- Mitsubishi Rosa
- Yutong D7
- Yutong D9
Boarding
- Entry via 2–3 steps (approx. 35–40 cm high each).
- Doorway approx. 70 cm wide.
- Guides can provide verbal guidance and stabilising assistance as needed.
Interior Layout
- Centre aisle approx. 35–40 cm wide
- Two seats on the left, one on the right
- A single front seat beside the driver
- Access to the front seat requires stepping around the engine bay
Seat Preferences
We will try to accommodate requests for:
- Front row
- Extra legroom
- Seats that reduce motion sensitivity
Requests should be made before travel.
Rest Stops
Regular stops allow passengers to:
- Stretch legs
- Use restrooms
- Access cafés or visitor centres
Guides can assist by identifying facilities and providing orientation.
7. Before Joining a Tour or Activity
Activity Levels & Walking
Tours may include:
- Short strolls (50–200 m)
- Optional walks (up to 2–3 km)
- Mixed terrain: gravel, dirt, grass, steps, boardwalks, sandy paths
Most walks are optional. You are welcome to remain at a lookout or visitor centre if preferred.
Sensory Considerations
Locations may involve:
- Bright sunlight or reflective surfaces
- Wildlife sounds
- Crowds
- Low lighting in some indoor areas
Guides can identify quieter spaces or adjust pacing.
Determining Suitability
Our team can provide:
- Exact expected walking distances
- Terrain descriptions
- Alternative viewpoints
- Recommendations for lower-impact tours
- Advice on whether a companion may be useful or required
8. Additional Support
We are happy to provide:
- Companion Card discounts
- Assistance determining whether your mobility equipment can be stored
- Images of departure points or bus layouts
- Step-by-step tour descriptions
- Support selecting the most suitable tour
- Step-on support guides (additional cost)
9. Contact Us
If you have questions or would like personalised advice, please reach out:
Phone: +61 (03) 9393 1333
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: (Insert link to accessible version)
We are here to help ensure you feel safe, informed, and excited to explore Australia with us.































































