Exploring Queensland's vibrant communities and beautiful places is something everyone deserves to do.
If you live with a significant, ongoing disability and need a hand from a support person to participate, the Queensland Companion Card can make a real difference. It's designed to ease the cost of getting out and about by ensuring your essential companion isn't charged for entry at participating locations.
This card helps open doors across Queensland and Australia, allowing your support person free access when you buy your ticket. It fosters connection and makes shared experiences more achievable.
For Queenslanders seeking clarity on eligibility, the local application steps, or finding places across the state that welcome the card, this guide offers helpful insights.
What does the Queensland Companion Card do?
The Companion Card program in Queensland supports residents who require practical assistance from another person to engage in community events and visit local venues.
When you, as the person holding the card, pay the entry fee at an affiliated business or organisation, the card covers the admission cost for your essential companion. They won't need to purchase a separate ticket.
The core idea is fairness – it ensures that the need for physical support doesn't create an extra financial barrier, helping make community participation accessible.
Who qualifies for a Companion Card in Queensland?
To receive a Queensland Companion Card, you need to be a resident of the state and either an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The program is specifically for people living with a disability that is both significant and permanent.
It's intended for individuals who genuinely require ongoing, direct help from a companion to take part in community activities and navigate venues safely and effectively. This need stems from the effects of the disability itself.
The card acknowledges that even with assistive devices or technology, some people still require person-to-person support for community access. Eligibility relies on this need for companion assistance being lifelong – not something temporary or expected to resolve through future treatments or developmental changes.
It's also useful to understand that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Companion Card are separate programs with different aims. Being an NDIS participant doesn't automatically qualify you for a Companion Card, as the assessment focuses specifically on the need for companion support for community access.
How to apply for your Companion Card in Queensland
Getting a Companion Card in Queensland involves completing an application process to confirm your eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of the usual steps:
- Confirm your eligibility: Review the qualifying criteria to see if the card aligns with your circumstances.
- Get the application form: Download the current Queensland application form directly from the official QLD Companion Card website.
- Gather necessary proof: You'll need to include documentation with your form. This typically involves:
- Supporting reports: Information from your doctor or relevant allied health professional that confirms your disability, its permanence, and your lifelong need for attendant care support in the community. They will need to fill out section 2 of the application form for you.
- Photographs: Two recent, clear, passport-sized colour photos against a plain background are required. The back of the photos must be signed by your health professional.
- Lodge your application: There are three ways of submitting your application for the Companion Card in Queensland:
- By Post: Mailing the signed form and all supporting documents to:
Companion Card Smart Service Queensland Reply Paid 89109 BRISBANE CITY QLD 4000* Email: Email your completed application form as a PDF and a copy of the front and back of the verified photos as a JPEG to companioncard@smartservice.qld.gov.au - In person: You can submit your form at one of the Queensland Government Service Centres:
- Brisbane QGSC
Upper Plaza (access via the corner of George & Charlotte Streets)
33 Charlotte Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000 - Cairns QGSC
William McCormack Place Ground Floor
5B Sheridan Street
CAIRNS QLD 4870 - Maroochydore QGSC
Mike Ahern Centre
Ground floor
12 First Avenue
MAROOCHYDORE QLD 4558
What happens next?
The Queensland Companion Card team assesses your application based on the provided information. They may reach out if clarification is needed. If successful, your card will be mailed to you. If the application isn't approved, you'll receive a letter explaining why and outlining the process for requesting a review.
Finding places to use your Companion Card in Queensland
Your Companion Card opens up opportunities across Queensland and the rest of Australia at affiliated businesses that have partnered with the program.
These organisations understand the importance of companion support and agree to waive the entry fee for the cardholder's companion.
You can find a searchable list of participating businesses in Queensland on the official QLD Companion Card affiliate directory.
With over 900 affiliates in Queensland, there's a wide range of options. Always remember to mention your Companion Card when booking and present it when purchasing tickets or entering a venue.
While you should always check the full list for a more comprehensive understanding of where to use the card, here are some types of places in Queensland where the card is commonly accepted:
Fun, culture & entertainment
Movie cinemas, performing arts centres like QPAC in Brisbane, live entertainment venues, iconic Gold Coast theme parks (Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld), wildlife parks such as Australia Zoo or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, museums including the Queensland Museum, art galleries likeQAGOMA, bowling centres, and large sporting fixtures typically support the Companion Card.
Pools & leisure centres
Many council-run and private swimming pools or leisure centres across Queensland accept the card.
Tours & experiences
Look for Companion Card acceptance on tourist attractions like Tasman Venture whale watching tours in Hervey Bay, scenic rail journeys, or local tours throughout the state.
Getting around on public transport
Generally, your companion travels free on Queensland's TransLink network (buses, trains, trams, ferries) when they are with you and you present your Companion Card. You still need a valid ticket or pass for yourself.
A friendly reminder: Policies can vary, so always double-check with the venue or service operator beforehand that they accept the Companion Card and clarify any specific procedures they might have.
Other important information about the Queensland Companion Card
- Validity: The card is usually issued for five years in Queensland. You should receive renewal information before it expires.
- Lost or damaged cards: If your card gets lost, stolen, damaged, or your details change, get in touch with the Queensland Companion Card office to arrange a replacement.
- Your choice of companion: The card belongs to you, the person with the disability. You can choose who accompanies you each time – it could be a friend, family member, paid support worker, or a Like Family Social Carer.
How to contact the Queensland Companion Card team
If you have specific questions about the Companion Card in Queensland, here’s how you can usually contact them:
- Phone: 13 74 68
- Email: companioncard@smartservice.qld.gov.au
- Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card/about-companion-card
Need a companion? Let Like Family keep you company
Like Family's support workers are the perfect partners for your Companion Card. We focus on social and community support, with our social carers dedicated to working helping you get the most out of your next activity.
Get in touch with our helpful Customer Care team today via hello@likefamily.com.au or call 1800 545 332 and get ready to head out.