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Official Business Member – Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at ZigZag Whitsundays

ZigZag Whitsundays is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, the globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities. Our crew are trained to recognise the green Sunflower lanyard, pin or wristband, and to respond with patience, understanding and a bit more time when you need it.

Making the invisible visible.

Sunflower Members Use Promo Code ” SUNFLOWER ” at checkout to get 10% Off

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple way to discreetly share that you have a disability or condition that is not immediately obvious, and that you may need a helping hand, more time, or a little more understanding.

Around one in six people worldwide live with a disability, and many of those are not visible. Autism, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia, low vision, hearing loss, sensory processing differences, diabetes and many other conditions can shape how someone experiences a day out on the water.

You don’t have to tell anyone what your condition is. Wearing the Sunflower is voluntary, and it lets the people around you know that you may need a bit of extra support.

You can read more about the scheme at hdsunflower.com/au.

What it means when you book a tour with us

When you wear the Sunflower on a ZigZag day tour, you can expect:

• Crew who recognise the lanyard and respond accordingly
• A free Sunflower lanyard at check-in if you don’t already have one
• Time to ask questions before, during and after the tour
• A chance to talk through your needs in advance if you would like to
• Plain language, clear communication and no pressure

Your day with us

Before your tour

Get in touch with our team before your tour if you would like to talk anything through. That might be dietary requirements, mobility considerations, sensory triggers, or just what to expect on the day. The more we know in advance, the easier we can make things on the day.

At Coral Sea Marina

Check in with our crew at our boarding point. Wearing your Sunflower lanyard, or letting us know quietly, helps us flag your booking so the captain and crew are aware before you step on board. If the marina is busy, we can find you a quieter spot to wait.

Boarding Superflyer

Stepping from the dock onto Superflyer can feel unsteady, particularly if balance, anxiety or vision are part of your day. Take your time. Our crew will offer a hand, give clear instructions, and never rush you.

On the water

Superflyer is a working day tour boat, so there is engine noise, wind on deck, the motion of the boat, and busy moments when the group is gearing up or moving between activities. If any of this is going to be challenging, tell the crew. We will help you find the best spot to sit, check in with you through the day, repeat the safety briefing quietly if needed, and give you space when you want it.

Stinger suits and snorkelling

Stinger suits are required for swimming during stinger season. The fabric and fit can be confronting for some people, particularly anyone with sensory sensitivities. Let us know if you need more time, a private space to change, or if you would rather skip the suit and stay on the boat. The same goes for snorkelling. There is no pressure to get in the water, and you are welcome to stay aboard or swim close to the boat.

At Whitehaven Beach

The walk to the lookout, hot sand and a busy beach can all be a lot. Pace yourself, ask the crew where the quieter parts of the beach are, and take the time you need.

Coming back

Disembarking is the reverse of boarding. Take your time, accept a hand if you would like one, and let us know if there is anything else you need before you leave the marina.

How to let us know

You can let us know in a few ways:

• Mention it when you book, in the special requirements field
• Email or call us before your tour
• Tell our crew at check-in
• Or simply wear your Sunflower lanyard, pin or wristband on the day

You don’t need to tell us what your condition is. We just need to know that you might need a bit of extra support, and we will work the rest out with you.

What the Sunflower doesn’t do

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is not a fast-track pass. It does not guarantee priority boarding, seating or service. There is no qualifying list of conditions, no application process, and no need to provide proof. It is a discreet signal that you may need help, more time, or a bit of patience, and it gives our crew the cue to respond accordingly.

Get a Sunflower lanyard

If you don’t already have a Sunflower lanyard, pin or wristband, ask our crew at check-in and we will give you one. They are free to wearers for the duration of the tour and must be handed back to staff at the end of the day

You can also order official Sunflower products directly from the Australian store at hdsunflower.com/au/shop.html.

Inclusive day tours in the Whitsundays

Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is part of how ZigZag Whitsundays welcomes everyone on board. The Whitsundays should be for everyone who wants to experience them, and we are working to make our tours more inclusive every season. See our official Sunflower member listing here. If there is something we can do better, tell us.