In a major step forward for inclusive tourism in Sydney, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has unveiled a new accessibility initiative, introducing a Companion Pass alongside comprehensive Visitor Accessibility Guides designed to make planning and exploring the park easier for guests with disabilities.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, which is located in Doonside, Western Sydney (close to bustling Blacktown), is home to over 2000 Australian native animals, including over 60 threatened species. Australian Wildlife Parks, which runs three wildlife parks, including Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, has two other locations: Mogo Wildlife Park (situated between Batemans Bay and Narooma) and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park in Nulkaba.
Their new commitment to supporting accessible adventures marks an important milestone for the Wildlife Park. James Bueno, the Commercial Director at Australian Wildlife Parks, shared,
“The Companion Pass is a new annual membership designed to remove barriers and provide greater accessibility, flexibility and confidence for guests who need additional support when visiting our parks. It’s about making it easier for people to plan visits, attend with a carer or support person when needed and enjoy our parks in a way that suits their individual needs.
Meaningful wildlife experiences should be accessible to everyone. We recognise that access, mobility and sensory needs vary and we’re committed to ensuring our parks can be enjoyed in a way that feels comfortable, supported and inclusive.”
What is the new Companion Pass?
Zoe Stephanidis, the Marketing Manager at Australian Wildlife Parks, who was instrumental in the development of the Pass, spoke to us about how they’ll benefit visitors living with disabilities. She stated that the pass “was designed to recognise that many people require ongoing support, and that inclusion should be built into the experience from the beginning.”
The Australian Wildlife Parks Companion Pass costs $70 and is valid for a year. It includes the following:
- Free entry for pass holders as well as 2 support workers, 365 days to 3 wildlife parks
- 30% off additional general entry tickets (up to 4 accompanying guests)
- 10% off all in-park purchases, including food and beverages, animal encounters & experiences
- Free Wildlife Adventure Trail experience (1 per year)
- Free Mt Franklin Water or Coca-Cola beverage (1 per year)
To purchase the Companion Pass, the visitor must hold a valid Companion Card.
They’ve also released a new comprehensive Visitor Accessibility Guide, which you can find here, giving detailed information on planning your visit, mobility access and equipment, assistance dog support and more.
The guide has also been written with autistic visitors in mind, featuring sensory-friendly information like the quieter areas of the park and the least busy times of day.
How did the idea first come about?
Zoe said that her discussions with close friends who live with a disability informed the decision and rollout of the new Companion Cards. She stated,
“The idea really came from conversations I’ve had with people close to me who live with disabilities, as well as friends who are carers. Hearing about their real experiences planning a day out helped me understand the challenges they can face.
It’s not just about having ramps or accessible paths; it’s the extra costs that aren’t covered, the need for one or sometimes two support people, and simply feeling welcome and understood when you arrive. Those conversations made it clear that we could do more to make visits easier and less stressful, and create something that supports guests not just once, but every time they visit.”
Conversations with people who have lived experience were “incredibly important” to Zoe:
“Inclusion is often about consistency and understanding. It’s about knowing that wherever you visit, however many times you return, the support is there. Those conversations reinforced that accessibility isn’t just infrastructure, it’s attitude, affordability and genuine welcome.”
What does a visit look like for someone with a Companion Card?
Zoe states that a visit with a Companion Card will “feel easy and welcoming from the moment guests arrive.”
“They have access to our mobility equipment, low-noise areas if they need a break, accessible animal encounters, and staff who understand that everyone’s needs are different.
We welcome support items, sensory aids like earmuffs, and any extra assistance a guest might need. The biggest difference is often how it feels, knowing your support people are included, your needs are respected, and you can focus on enjoying the day instead of worrying about the details.”
You can find out more about Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park’s new Companion Card here.
