There are a couple of ways overnight stays can be funded, depending on your plan and how your supports are structured.

Option 1 - Short Term Respite (STR)

This falls under Category 01 – Core Supports. Using STR means that many of the costs associated with your overnight stay - such as accommodation, meals, activity-based transport, and support - can be covered within your NDIS funding over a 24-hour period.

Some costs may still be out of pocket, such as travel to and from the overnight stay, flights, and non-disability related activities like event tickets or entry fees.

STR is designed to provide both participants and their support networks with a break, while also creating opportunities for social connection, independence, and skill development.

Option 2 – Group & Community Participation

This falls under Category 04 – Core Supports and covers the cost of the support provided during your overnight stay.

In this case, other expenses such as accommodation, meals, activities, and transport are typically paid as out of pocket costs.

Regardless of the option used, the level of support and the quality of the overnight stay remains the same.

STR is usually funded within your core supports budget if it relates to your disability needs and meets NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria.

It may not always be listed specifically as STR in your plan, but can often be accessed under core supports.

You can always review your NDIS plan or funding breakdown to see if STR/STA is stated in your plan.

Our team will work with you prior to your overnight stay to confirm your funding options and ensure everything is set up correctly.

In most cases, there will be some out of pocket costs associated with overnight stays. These may include transport not covered under NDIS, as well as certain activities or entry fees.

We always aim to keep these costs as low as possible while still delivering a high-quality and enjoyable overnight stay.

No, STR funding cannot be used for overseas overnight stays. This funding is intended to support respite-related services within Australia.

It also cannot be used for non-NDIS supports such as flights, accommodation unrelated to disability support, or general travel expenses.

If you require support during an overseas overnight stay, you may be able to use other NDIS funding, such as Category 04 - Core Supports (Group & Community Participation), to cover the cost of direct support.

All other costs, such as accommodation, meals, activities, and travel - will be out of pocket.

Before confirming your overnight stay, our team will provide a clear breakdown of what is covered by NDIS funding and any out of pocket costs, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Our overnight stays include accommodation, support from our Travel Buddy team, and a structured itinerary of activities designed to promote social connection, independence, and enjoyment.

You’ll also receive a detailed plan before the stay so you know exactly what’s included and what to expect.

Our overnight stays are suitable for participants looking to build independence, connect with others, and enjoy new adventures in a supported environment.

If you’re unsure whether it’s the right fit, our team is happy to chat and guide you.

We recommend bringing personal items such as clothing, toiletries, medications, and anything that helps you feel comfortable.

A full packing list and activity plan will be provided prior to your overnight stay.

Each overnight stay includes a mix of social, recreational, and skill-building activities tailored to the group and location.

These are designed to be fun, engaging, and aligned with participant goals, making each stay a meaningful adventure.