The Companion Card is a national scheme that allows Australians with a significant permanent disability to bring a companion to participating venues and events without the companion paying a separate entry fee. Each state and territory runs its own program, so the card you hold is issued by your home state and recognised at affiliated venues across the country. For travellers aged over 50 — whether you are a cardholder yourself or you travel as a companion to someone who holds a card — understanding how the scheme works before you leave home can make a real difference to how you plan your trips.
What is the Companion Card and who is it for?
The Companion Card is a national initiative designed so that Australians with a significant permanent disability are not required to pay for a companion's entry when they attend community activities, venues, events, or use certain public transport services. The companion — often a partner, adult child, friend, or paid carer — receives their ticket or entry at no charge when accompanying the cardholder. The card itself is free to apply for and free to hold.
Importantly, the scheme is not age-based. You do not need to be a certain age to apply or to act as a companion. For travellers in the 50–75 age group, the relevance can run in two directions: you may be a cardholder yourself if you have a qualifying disability, or you may regularly travel as the companion of someone who holds a card. Either way, knowing how the scheme works before you plan an interstate trip means fewer surprises at the ticket desk.
The Companion Card is affiliated with a wide range of venues across Australia — theatres, galleries, sporting venues, tourist attractions, national parks, zoos, cinemas, and public transport networks. Affiliated venues display the Companion Card logo. The companion's free entry applies only at these affiliated venues, not everywhere, so it is always worth checking the relevant state's affiliated venue directory before you travel.
How does the scheme work in practice?
When a cardholder arrives at an affiliated venue, they present their Companion Card alongside their own ticket purchase or entry request. The venue then provides a complimentary ticket or entry for one companion. The companion does not need to hold any card of their own — their free entry is entirely contingent on accompanying the cardholder. The cardholder still pays their own entry at whatever rate applies to them (full price, concession, or pension rate, depending on other cards they hold).
Each affiliated venue sets its own policy on how many companions can attend free of charge — in most cases it is one companion per cardholder per visit. If a cardholder requires two support people, it is worth contacting the venue in advance, as policies vary. The scheme covers the companion's entry or ticket cost, but does not extend to food, merchandise, transport to the venue, or any other incidental costs.
On public transport, the companion benefit works somewhat differently and varies by state. In Victoria, for example, the Companion Card allows a companion to travel free with the cardholder on metropolitan trains, trams, and buses, and on some V/Line regional services. Always confirm the current transport rules with the relevant state transport authority before travelling, as conditions can change and some services have specific requirements around Myki cards or prior registration.
Where do you apply — and why does your home state matter?
Each state and territory in Australia administers its own Companion Card program. You apply through the program in the state or territory where you live, and that state issues your card. The card is then recognised at affiliated venues across all states and territories, so you do not need to reapply when you travel interstate. This portability is one of the scheme's most practical features for travellers.
Because each state runs its own program, eligibility assessments, application forms, supporting documentation requirements, and processing times differ slightly. Most programs require evidence of a significant permanent disability and confirmation that you need a companion to participate in community activities. Your treating specialist, GP, or an occupational therapist may need to provide supporting information. It is sensible to begin the application well before any planned travel.
If you are unsure whether you or someone you care for qualifies, the best starting point is your home state's program website, listed in the section below. Each program's website includes eligibility criteria, application guidance, and contact details for staff who can answer questions. Do not apply through another state's program — apply through the state where you reside.
State and territory programs: where to apply
Victoria's program is managed through companioncard.vic.gov.au. New South Wales runs its program at companioncard.nsw.gov.au. Queensland's program sits within the Queensland Government's disability services pages at qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/companion-card. Western Australia's program is at companioncard.wa.gov.au. Each of these sites includes the affiliated venue directory for that state, which is worth bookmarking before you travel.
South Australia's program is administered by the Department of Human Services — search for 'Companion Card South Australia' on the SA Government website at sa.gov.au, as the direct program URL can change with departmental restructures. Tasmania's program is managed through Communities Tasmania; search 'Companion Card Tasmania' at communities.tas.gov.au. The Australian Capital Territory program is run through the ACT Government's disability services area at act.gov.au. The Northern Territory program is administered by the NT Government — search 'Companion Card Northern Territory' at nt.gov.au.
When travelling interstate, carry your card and be prepared to show it at the point of entry. Most venue staff across the country are familiar with the Companion Card logo and the scheme's operation, but in smaller or regional venues it is always courteous to mention it when you first approach the ticket desk rather than at the point of payment. If a venue is not affiliated, the companion's free entry does not apply — no exceptions are made for non-affiliated venues, regardless of which state issued your card.
Using the Companion Card on public transport
Public transport benefits are one of the most valuable aspects of the Companion Card for travellers. In Victoria, registered cardholders can travel with a companion on the metropolitan network and selected regional V/Line services at no cost to the companion. The cardholder pays their usual fare (concession or full, depending on other entitlements), and the companion travels free. It is worth contacting Public Transport Victoria at ptv.vic.gov.au to confirm current conditions, as registration processes and service inclusions are updated from time to time.
New South Wales, Queensland, and other states have their own arrangements for companion travel on public transport, and these are not always identical to Victoria's. Some states require the cardholder to register separately with the transport authority before the companion benefit applies on public transport, even if the card is already active for venue entry. Confirm the requirements with the relevant state's transport authority well ahead of your travel dates.
For longer interstate journeys by train or coach, the companion benefit may or may not apply depending on the operator. V/Line services within Victoria generally recognise the card; for interstate rail such as the Overland or services operated by NSW TrainLink or Queensland Rail, contact the operator directly before booking. Do not assume the benefit applies automatically — a quick phone call or email to the operator's accessibility team before you book can save confusion on the day.
Practical tips for travelling with a Companion Card
Before any trip — whether interstate or within Victoria — download or bookmark the affiliated venue directory for the states you plan to visit. These directories are searchable by region, venue type, and activity, and they are updated regularly. Planning your itinerary around affiliated venues means you can factor in the companion's free entry from the start, rather than discovering after arrival that a particular attraction is not affiliated. The directories are available through each state's program website.
Carry your Companion Card at all times during travel, along with a photo ID. Some venues will ask for ID alongside the card, particularly at larger events or high-capacity venues. It is also sensible to photograph both sides of your card and store the image securely on your phone — if the physical card is lost or damaged while you are away from home, having the card number and details makes the replacement process easier when you return.
Accessibility varies enormously between venues, even among those that are Companion Card affiliated. Affiliation means the companion's entry is free — it does not guarantee step-free access, accessible bathrooms, or other physical accommodations. If mobility is a consideration for the cardholder or companion, contact the venue directly before visiting to ask about their specific accessibility provisions. Most venues are willing to answer these questions honestly and can advise on the best entry point or facilities available.
A note on renewals, expiry, and interstate recognition
Companion Cards are issued for a set period — typically three to five years depending on the state — and must be renewed before expiry. Each state's program sends renewal reminders, but it is good practice to note your card's expiry date yourself and begin the renewal process with enough lead time, particularly if you have a major trip planned. An expired card will not be accepted at affiliated venues.
If you move interstate, you will need to apply for a new card through your new home state's program. Your previous state's card does not automatically transfer. Most states ask for updated documentation at that point, so contact the new state's program early in your relocation process.
Interstate recognition is generally seamless at affiliated venues — venue staff look for the Companion Card logo on your card, not which state issued it. However, if you ever encounter a venue that seems unfamiliar with the scheme or questions your card, you can refer them to the national Companion Card information or the relevant state program's contact details. Situations like this are uncommon but worth being prepared for calmly.
Key takeaways
- The Companion Card entitles one companion to free entry at affiliated venues across Australia — it is not age-based and is relevant to over-50 travellers as both cardholders and companions.
- Each state and territory runs its own Companion Card program; apply through the program in the state where you live, and your card is recognised interstate.
- Affiliated venues display the Companion Card logo — always check the relevant state's affiliated venue directory before you travel.
- Public transport companion benefits vary by state and sometimes require separate registration with the transport authority; confirm conditions before you travel.
- The card is free to apply for and free to hold; the cardholder still pays their own entry or fare at whatever rate applies to them.
- An expired Companion Card will not be accepted, so note your expiry date and begin renewal well before any major trip.
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Indicative prices only — always confirm with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Victorian Companion Card at venues in New South Wales or Queensland?
Yes. The Companion Card is recognised at affiliated venues across all Australian states and territories, regardless of which state issued the card. You apply through your home state and that card is valid nationally at venues displaying the Companion Card logo. Always check the affiliated venue directory for the state you are visiting before you travel.
Does the Companion Card cover more than one companion?
In most cases, the Companion Card covers one companion per cardholder per visit. If a cardholder requires two support people, contact the venue directly before visiting, as individual venue policies vary. The scheme is designed for one companion; any additional companions would need to purchase their own tickets.
Is the Companion Card means-tested or income-based?
No. Eligibility for the Companion Card is based on having a significant permanent disability that requires the support of a companion to participate in community activities — it is not income-tested or means-tested. Age is also not a factor; the card is available to eligible Australians of any age.
Does the Companion Card work on V/Line regional trains in Victoria?
The Companion Card is recognised on many V/Line services in Victoria, allowing a companion to travel free with the cardholder. However, conditions apply and registration requirements can change. Confirm current arrangements directly with Public Transport Victoria at ptv.vic.gov.au before travelling, particularly for less-common regional routes.
What if a venue I want to visit is not affiliated with the Companion Card?
If a venue is not affiliated, the companion's free entry does not apply — there are no exceptions. You can check whether a venue is affiliated by searching the affiliated venue directory on your home state's Companion Card program website. If a venue you regularly visit is not affiliated, you can encourage them to join the scheme by referring them to the relevant state program.
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- Companion Card Victoria
- Companion Card NSW
- Companion Card Queensland — Queensland Government
- Companion Card Western Australia
- South Australia Government — sa.gov.au
- Service Tasmania — service.tas.gov.au
- ACT Government — act.gov.au
- Northern Territory Government — nt.gov.au
- Public Transport Victoria — ptv.vic.gov.au
