Now, that journey is set to become even more inclusive, thanks to a wave of accessibility upgrades both online and onboard.
With more than one in five Australians living with a disability, SeaLink Marine and Tourism has introduced a series of improvements designed to make travel easier for everyone, from the moment you book your ticket to the moment you step onto the sand.
On the digital front, SeaLink has integrated UserWay, a leading accessibility tool, across all its websites. The widget, found in the bottom left corner of the booking page, allows users to personalise their online experience with options for text size adjustments, contrast changes, screen reader compatibility, dyslexia friendly fonts, keyboard navigation and real time translation into 50 languages. Over the past year, this has helped resolve nearly 40,000 online accessibility issues, lifting SeaLink’s digital accessibility score to an impressive 95 per cent.
It is not just the booking process that has been upgraded. At Redland Bay and across the ferry network, SeaLink has introduced wheelchair friendly ramps, accessible toilets, priority boarding and trained crew ready to assist. The company also participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme, an initiative that discreetly signals a traveller may need extra support, making for a more compassionate and understanding journey.
For those boarding ferries such as the Odyssey in South East Queensland, there are thoughtful touches including a chair lift, fully accessible restroom and smartphone commentary in multiple languages for visually impaired guests and international travellers.
SeaLink Executive General Manager Phil Boyle says the changes are all about ensuring more people can enjoy the bay’s incredible destinations with confidence and ease.
“Our goal is to meet guests where they are, in language, ability and location. By improving accessibility both online and on the water, we are opening up these brilliant experiences to everyone.”
Whether you are planning a weekend escape to Minjerribah’s beaches, a fishing trip in Moreton Bay or a family holiday across the islands, SeaLink’s new approach ensures the journey is smoother, friendlier and more inclusive than ever.
You can explore SeaLink’s accessibility features when booking your next trip at www.sealink.com.au.