Where to Use Your Companion Card: Activities Across WA and Australia
What this guide covers:
- Where you can use your Companion Card across WA and interstate
- Real activity ideas for day trips, outings, and holidays
- How the Companion Card works alongside your NDIS plan
- Tips for booking at venues that require phone reservations
Key takeaway:
The Companion Card is accepted at over 4,200 venues across Australia. Your support person enters free—so you can focus on enjoying the experience, not worrying about double the cost.
What Is the Companion Card?
The Companion Card is a government initiative that provides free entry for your support person at participating venues across Australia.
If you need a companion to access community activities—whether that’s a family member, friend, or NDIS support worker—the card ensures you don’t pay twice for the same experience.
Quick Eligibility Recap
To be eligible for the WA Companion Card, you must:
- Be a permanent Western Australian resident
- Have a significant and permanent disability
- Be unable to participate in most community venues without attendant care support
- Have a lifelong (not temporary) need for a companion
Applications take approximately 20 working days to process. You can apply through the WA Companion Card program directly.
Where to Use Your Companion Card in Western Australia
Western Australia has hundreds of participating venues—from Perth’s major attractions to regional gems in the South West, Great Southern, and beyond. Here’s a practical breakdown of where you can use your card.
Public Transport
Getting around is often the first step to community participation. The good news? Your Companion Card is widely accepted on WA’s public transport network.
Transperth (Perth Metro)
Your companion travels free on all Transperth buses, trains, and ferries. Up to two companions can travel at no cost when accompanying you. No booking is required—simply present your card when you board or if asked by a transit officer.
This makes everyday outings far more accessible. Heading to the movies in Fremantle? Visiting a friend in Joondalup? Your support worker doesn’t add to the fare.
Transwa (Regional Services)
Planning a trip to Albany, Bunbury, or Kalgoorlie? Transwa accepts the Companion Card on all regional trains and coaches, including the Prospector, Australind, and AvonLink services.
Important: You cannot book companion fares online. Call Transwa on 1300 662 205 to ensure your companion’s free seat is allocated.
Rottnest Island Ferries
All three major ferry operators—Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest, and Rottnest Fast Ferries—accept the Companion Card. Your companion travels free.
However, none of these operators can process companion fares through their online booking systems. You’ll need to call ahead:
- Rottnest Express: 1300 467 688
- SeaLink Rottnest: 1300 786 552
- Rottnest Fast Ferries: (08) 9246 1039
This does require a bit more planning, but a day trip to Rottnest with your support worker becomes much more affordable.
Cinemas and Entertainment
Catching a film is one of the most popular ways people use their Companion Card. Most major cinema chains across WA are participating affiliates.
Major Cinemas
- Event Cinemas: Locations at Kings Park (Moonlight Cinema), Innaloo, and Whitford
- HOYTS: Locations at Carousel, Garden City, Warwick, Joondalup, Karrinyup and more
- Ace Cinemas: Location at Rockingham
- Reading Cinemas: Locations at Belmont, Armadale, Busselton, and Mandurah
- Luna Palace Cinemas: Locations at Leederville, Fremantle (Luna on SX), and Nedlands
Luna Palace venues are particularly worth noting. Their smaller, quieter theatres can be preferable if you find traditional multiplexes overwhelming.
Outdoor Cinemas
For a more relaxed setting, outdoor cinemas are excellent options during the warmer months:
- Telethon Community Cinemas (Burswood, Bassendean, Joondalup, Murdoch)
- Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park
- Kookaburra Cinema in the Perth Hills
Major Attractions
WA’s top attractions are well-covered by the Companion Card scheme.
Perth Zoo
Your companion enters free when you present your card at the gate. A note on policy: Perth Zoo specifically requires the official government-issued Companion Card. Generic carer cards from other organisations are not accepted.
AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia)
Located at Hillarys Boat Harbour, AQWA welcomes Companion Card holders and their companions. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including the famous underwater tunnel.
Scitech
Scitech accepts the Companion Card and goes further with accessibility supports. They offer sensory backpacks containing ear defenders, fidget tools, a Social Story, and Communication Cards—available for loan at no extra cost.
Adventure World
WA’s premier theme park in Bibra Lake accepts the Companion Card. Given that entry fees can exceed $60 per person, the free companion ticket represents significant savings. Staff conduct an Access Assessment at entry to discuss any support needs for rides and attractions.
Fremantle Prison
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed prison accepts the Companion Card for its ticketed tours, including the popular Torchlight and Tunnels tours. Some tours involve ladders and uneven surfaces, so having a companion for physical support can be essential.
Live Events and Major Venues
Attending concerts, sports, and theatre is easier with the Companion Card—though booking processes vary.
Optus Stadium
Home to the West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers, and Perth Scorchers, Optus Stadium accepts the Companion Card through Ticketmaster’s accessible booking system.
You can book online via the Ticketmaster accessible seating form or call 1300 446 925. The stadium features over 450 wheelchair positions and a dedicated Sensory Room near aisle 149.
RAC Arena
For concerts and events at RAC Arena, companion tickets are available through Ticketek’s accessible seating line on 1300 665 915. Note that while your paid ticket is issued at booking, the companion ticket is collected at the Box Office on event day.
RAC Arena participates in the Sunflower Program and has a Quiet Room on Level 1 for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Crown Theatre, Perth Concert Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre
These venues accept the Companion Card. For ticketed shows, call the accessible bookings line rather than booking online—this ensures the free companion ticket is processed correctly.
Arts Festivals
Alt text: A man in a wheelchair is focused on painting a canvas on an easel in an art studio.
WA’s major festivals have embraced digital accessibility, making it easier than ever to use your Companion Card.
Fringe World
Fringe World (running 21 January – 15 February 2026) offers full digital support for Companion Card holders. Register your card once in your Fringe World account, and the companion ticket option appears automatically when you purchase tickets online.
Perth Festival
Perth Festival also supports online booking for companion tickets. During checkout, select “Book Accessible Services” to add your companion ticket in the same transaction.
Regional WA Activities
The Companion Card isn’t just for Perth. Regional WA has excellent coverage.
South West
- Busselton Jetty: Your companion enters free for the jetty walk, train ride, and underwater observatory. The train and observatory lift are wheelchair accessible. Book ahead: (08) 9754 0900.
- CinefestOZ: Australia’s premier destination film festival in Busselton and Margaret River accepts the Companion Card for screenings and events.
- Margaret River Caves: Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, and Ngilgi Cave are affiliates. Accessibility varies—Ngilgi Cave’s above-ground “Ancient Lands Experience” is fully wheelchair accessible, while Lake Cave involves a steep 350-step climb.
Great Southern
- Albany Entertainment Centre: A major regional performing arts venue accepting the Companion Card.
- Albany’s Historic Whaling Station: Almost entirely wheelchair accessible (except the interior of Cheynes IV). Free wheelchair hire is available on-site.
- National Anzac Centre: The ticketed museum overlooking King George Sound accepts the Companion Card. The adjacent Princess Royal Fortress is free for everyone.
Goldfields and Kimberley
- Museum of the Goldfields (Kalgoorlie)
- Sun Pictures (Broome): The world’s oldest operating outdoor picture garden
- Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre
You can search the full list of WA affiliates at the WA Companion Card directory.
Using Your WA Card Interstate
The Companion Card operates under national mutual recognition. Your WA-issued card is valid at participating venues in every Australian state and territory—over 4,200 businesses nationwide.
This is particularly useful for holidays or visiting family interstate.
Victoria
- Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary: All accept the Companion Card and offer excellent accessibility resources, including sensory maps and Social Scripts.
- Public Transport: Your card entitles you to a free Companion Pass on Melbourne’s Myki system.
New South Wales
- Sydney Opera House: Accepts the Australian Companion Card for most performances. Book via their priority line: +61 2 9250 7752.
- Taronga Zoo: Accepts interstate cards at both Sydney and Dubbo locations.
Queensland
The Gold Coast theme parks are popular for supported holidays, and all accept the Companion Card:
Present your card at the ticketing counter. These venues distinguish between the government-issued Companion Card (which grants free entry) and other concession cards (which may only provide a discount). Make sure you have the official card.
South Australia
- Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park: Both operated by Zoos SA, both accept interstate Companion Cards.
How the Companion Card Works with Your NDIS Plan
A common question: Does the Companion Card replace NDIS funding? The answer is no—they work together.
What NDIS funds: Your NDIS plan can fund your support worker’s time through Core Supports (Assistance with Social and Community Participation). This covers their hourly rate while they support you at activities.
What NDIS does not fund: According to NDIS guidelines, the scheme does not cover entry fees, tickets, or the “basic cost of activities that everyone would be expected to pay for.”
What the Companion Card does: The Companion Card covers your support person’s entry fee at participating venues.
The result: Your NDIS budget pays your support worker’s wages. The Companion Card eliminates their ticket cost. You pay your own entry fee. This stretches your NDIS funding further, allowing you to participate in more activities without worrying about double costs.
If you’re looking for support to access community activities, our Community Participation services can help you make the most of your plan. And if you need help understanding how your plan can support outings and activities, our Support Coordination team in Perth is here to guide you.
Tips for Using Your Companion Card
Always carry the physical card
Venues require you to present the official government-issued plastic card. Photos on your phone or generic care cards won’t be accepted at most locations.
Book ahead for ticketed events
For concerts, theatre, and major sports, you’ll often need to call the accessible bookings line. Online systems frequently can’t process the free companion ticket.
Check individual venue policies
While the Companion Card generally provides free entry for your companion, some venues may have specific conditions. A quick phone call can save confusion on the day.
Register your card digitally where available
Festivals like Fringe World let you link your card to your account for seamless online booking. Set this up early in the season.
Ready to Get Out and About?
The Companion Card opens doors—literally. From a quiet morning at the cinema to a weekend trip down south, it ensures that needing support doesn’t mean paying double.
If you’re an NDIS participant looking for support to access community activities, we’re here to help. St Jude’s has been supporting Western Australians since 1982, and our team understands how to make the most of your plan.
Get in touch with our Community Participation team to explore how we can support you to live the life you choose.
This article was reviewed in February 2026. For the most current list of affiliates, visit the WA Companion Card affiliate directory.
Yes. Your companion can be a family member, friend, or paid support worker—whoever you need to participate in the activity. The same companion doesn’t need to accompany you every time.
No. The Companion Card is a separate state government initiative. Having an NDIS plan does not automatically qualify you for a Companion Card—you need to apply separately through the WA Companion Card program. However, documentation from your NDIS assessments can support your application.
Only at participating affiliates. Look for the Companion Card logo at venues, or check the affiliate directory before your visit. Non-affiliated venues are not obligated to provide free companion entry.
Yes. The scheme operates nationally. Your WA card is valid at participating affiliates in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory.
The WA Companion Card is valid for five years. You can apply to renew before it expires through the same application process.
