Companion Card Eligibility Checker
Check if you're eligible for a Companion Card and find participating venues where your carer gets free entry. Answer 5 quick questions.
Do you have a significant, permanent disability?
This includes physical, sensory (vision/hearing), intellectual, cognitive, or psychosocial disability.
Where Can I Use My Companion Card NSW?
Your companion gets free entry at thousands of participating venues across NSW and Australia.
Cinemas
- ✓ Event Cinemas
- ✓ Hoyts
- ✓ Palace Cinemas
- ✓ Dendy Cinemas
- ✓ Reading Cinemas
- ✓ Village Cinemas
Theme Parks & Attractions
- ✓ Luna Park Sydney
- ✓ Taronga Zoo
- ✓ SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- ✓ WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
- ✓ Madame Tussauds
- ✓ Sydney Tower Eye
- ✓ Featherdale Wildlife Park
Museums & Galleries
- ✓ Australian Museum
- ✓ Powerhouse Museum
- ✓ Art Gallery of NSW
- ✓ Museum of Sydney
- ✓ Australian National Maritime Museum
- ✓ Hyde Park Barracks
Sports & Entertainment
- ✓ Sydney Cricket Ground
- ✓ Allianz Stadium
- ✓ Accor Stadium
- ✓ Qudos Bank Arena
- ✓ ICC Sydney
- ✓ Most NRL/AFL/A-League venues
Transport
- ✓ Sydney Trains
- ✓ Sydney Buses
- ✓ Sydney Ferries
- ✓ Light Rail
- ✓ NSW TrainLink
- ✓ Most regional bus services
Performing Arts
- ✓ Sydney Opera House
- ✓ Capitol Theatre
- ✓ State Theatre
- ✓ Lyric Theatre
- ✓ Enmore Theatre
- ✓ Most major concert venues
View the full directory: Visit companioncard.nsw.gov.au/affiliates for the complete list of participating venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use your Companion Card NSW at thousands of participating venues including:
- Cinemas: Event, Hoyts, Palace, Dendy, Reading, Village
- Theme parks: Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE, Featherdale
- Museums: Australian Museum, Powerhouse, Art Gallery of NSW
- Sports: SCG, Allianz Stadium, most NRL/AFL venues
- Transport: Sydney Trains, buses, ferries, light rail (companion travels FREE)
- Concerts: Sydney Opera House, most major venues
Look for the Companion Card logo or ask at the venue. The card is recognized nationally, so you can use it in any Australian state.
A Companion Card is a free card for people with significant, permanent disability who need attendant care support to participate in community activities.
How it works:
- You buy a ticket for yourself at participating venues
- Your companion (carer) gets free or discounted entry
- On public transport, your companion travels free
The card is valid for 5 years and is recognized across all Australian states and territories.
To apply for a Companion Card in NSW:
- Download the application form from companioncard.nsw.gov.au
- Complete Section A with your personal details
- Have a health professional complete Section B - this can be your GP, specialist, OT, or other registered health professional
- Provide proof of identity - photo ID and proof of NSW residency
- Submit your application by post or email
Processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks. The card is completely free.
Apply online: companioncard.nsw.gov.au/apply
These are two different cards serving different purposes:
| Companion Card | Carer Card | |
|---|---|---|
| For who? | Person with disability | The carer (person providing care) |
| Benefits | Carer gets free entry to venues | Concessions on utilities, rates, services |
| Cost | Free | Free (if receiving Carer Payment) |
You may be eligible for both cards - they serve complementary purposes.
You're eligible for a Companion Card if you:
- Have a significant, permanent disability
- Are unable to participate in most community activities without attendant care support
- Will need this support for life (not a temporary condition)
- Are an Australian resident
There is no age limit - children and adults of all ages can apply.
Examples of eligible conditions include: significant vision or hearing loss, physical disability requiring wheelchair or mobility aid, intellectual disability, autism, acquired brain injury, and mental health conditions requiring constant support.