What does it take for a family of four to travel from the US to Australia for a dream accessible holiday? When that journey involves a wheelchair, Muscular Dystrophy, and a “wish” to meet a global icon, the answer is: meticulous planning and a passion for inclusion.
You may have seen this story on our social media, but here we break it down for you.
At AccessibleOz, we recently had the honor of coordinating a truly life-changing adventure for Reese and his family. Travelling from the US to Brisbane, Queensland, Reese’s journey proves that with the right support, the world is open to everyone.
The Destination: Queensland
For a family seeking the best of Australia, Queensland is the ultimate destination. But navigating international travel with a disability requires more than just a flight booking. Sam and the AccessibleOz team worked behind the scenes to ensure that Australia Zoo was seamless, and the trip up to Mount Tamborine in the famous Gold Coast Hinterland was one to remember. Here is a little more about all of the destinations they visited during their trip.
1. Howard Smith Wharves and Brisbane
The family kicked off their trip in the heart of Brisbane. Howard Smith Wharves is a prime example of modern, inclusive urban design. With smooth riverwalks and accessible lifts, Reese and his family were able to enjoy world-class dining under the glow of the iconic Story Bridge without worrying about barriers.
2. The Gold Coast
For a family seeking the best of Australia’s coastline, the Gold Coast is a world leader in inclusive tourism. We made sure Reese’s family could experience the “Glitter Strip” without limitations.
Why the Gold Coast is an Accessible Paradise:
- Beach Access Program: The Gold Coast offers one of the most extensive accessible beach programs in Australia. You can utilise the beach matting and specialised beach wheelchairs (like the Sandcruiser and Hippocampe) available at iconic spots like Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach.
The Highlight: A “Croc-Solid” Day at Australia Zoo
The heartbeat of this trip was a visit to the world-famous Australia Zoo. As a huge fan of the Irwin family, Reese’s dream was to see the “Home of the Crocodile Hunter” in person.
We were thrilled to organise a seamless day for the family, featuring:
- A Personalised Meerkat Encounter: Getting up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most curious residents.
- World-Class Accessibility: Australia Zoo is renowned for its inclusive facilities, making it easy for wheelchair users to navigate the expansive grounds.
- A Magical Moment with Robert Irwin: The highlight of the trip was a surprise meet-and-greet with Robert Irwin.
Reese’s mum, Jayme, shared that Reese was thrilled, surprised, and a little starstruck. Robert was incredibly kind, making the moment absolutely magical and a meaningful part of the entire experience.
“Everything was Amazing”: A Mother’s Feedback
The most rewarding part of our work at AccessibleOz is hearing from the families we serve. This feedback touched our hearts:
“Everything was amazing!! We could not have planned for better experiences and perfect weather. We cannot say thank you enough for all you did to make this wish a reality. Reese had the time of his life!! Actually, we all did.”
Why Choose Accessible Oz for Your Australian Adventure?
This trip was a massive success because of the partnership between Sam at AccessibleOz, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and our incredible partners.
AccessibleOz exists to bridge the gap for international travellers. We specialise in:
- Vetted Accessible Accommodations: No “surprises” when you check in.
- Inclusive Transport: Coordination of vehicles equipped for power wheelchairs.
- Custom Itineraries: Tailored to physical, sensory, and cognitive needs.
Whether you are travelling from the USA like Reese or coming from anywhere else in the world, our mission is to ensure you can focus on creating memories while we handle the logistics.
Plan Your Accessible Australian Dream
Are you ready to explore Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or Australia Zoo? Let AccessibleOz take the stress out of your planning.