27/10/2025
๐๏ธ Short Term Respite (STR) by the Sea in Crescent Head, NSW
๐ Little Tern โ A Wellness Experience Like No Other
๐ What Is Short Term Respite (STR)?
๐ Summary from the Official NDIS Guidelines (October 2025)
Short Term Respite (STR) is a funded support under the NDIS that allows participants to be cared for by someone other than their primary informal supports โ giving carers a break while ensuring continuity of care.
According to the NDIS, STR may include:
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Standard accommodation: Clean, comfortable, accessible spaces with basic amenities โ such as hotels, motels, cabins, cottages, hostels, short stay rentals, or respite facilities.
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Support in your own home or a homestay: NDIS funds the supports, not the accommodation, and only if the homestay is not provided by friends or family.
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Support for everyday activities: Personal care, meal prep, mobility, cleaning โ the same supports informal carers would normally provide.
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Support worker accommodation: If overnight support is required or no local support worker is available near your STR location, NDIS may fund their stay.
โ Not covered: Cruises, tours, holiday-style travel, activity entry fees, or accommodation for informal carers.
๐ Transport: STR funding does not cover transport to and from your respite accommodation or activities if you can travel independently or use public transport. You should factor in travel costs when choosing your STR location. If your NDIS plan includes separate transport funding, you can use it to:
- Travel to and from your STR accommodation
- Travel to and from any activities during your stay (if not already included)
- If you live in a remote or very remote area, you may be able to use your Core budget to fund travel supports. Additional funding may be considered to help you access STR if long-distance travel is required.
STR is designed to sustain informal supports โ not replace them โ and must align with your NDIS goals. Itโs not a holiday, but it can be restorative, empowering, and deeply meaningful.
๐ Rediscover Your Rhythm
๐ Little Tern Beach House โ NDIS Respite by the Sea
Located in Crescent Head, NSW, Little Tern Beach House offers a luxury coastal STR experience thatโs tailored to your goals, your needs, and your rhythm. This is not a group facility โ itโs a boutique, participant-led retreat where support meets serenity.
๐ Bookings Now Open! Sunshine, sea breezes, and support thatโs tailored to YOU.
๐งก Personalised Care
It is our priority to provide a respite experience that is directed by you and personalised to your unique NDIS goals. Whether youโre seeking rest, therapeutic engagement, or functional assessment, we co-design your stay to reflect your needs.
๐ก Modern Amenities
Enjoy beautiful facilities including:
- Spacious living areas
- Accessible bathroom
- Stunning outdoor spaces
๐ Pizza oven | โ Espresso machine | ๐ Massage lounges๐ง Filtered sparkling water | ๐ Premium beds
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Support You Can Trust
We have an incredible team of qualified support workers, including:
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1:1 support option
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Direct care from an OT & Psychologist
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Outcome letters for your NDIS review
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Functional assessments available during your stay [extra cost]
๐จ Engaging Activities: We offer a variety of free activities.
๐จ Activities Menu
At Little Tern, all activities are designed to align with your NDIS goals and support needs. We provide the support to participate, but not the cost of the activities themselves.
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Included Activities (NDIS-Funded Support Provided)
These activities are available at no additional cost and are supported by our team as part of your STR stay:
๐ Beach walking along the Crescent Head coastline
๐ Swimming in the ocean or creek
๐ Bodyboarding in safe, supervised areas
๐ฟ Nature trails and bushwalks
๐ชจ Rock pool exploration & coastal discover walks
๐ธ Coastal photography walks
๐ง Movement therapy including beach yoga and aqua mobility in Killick Creek
๐จ Sensory integration activities such as guided art, nature-based crafts, and creative expression sessions
These activities promote emotional regulation, physical wellbeing, and social connection โ all while aligning with your NDIS goals.
๐ฟ Optional Add-Ons (Privately Paid)
These experiences are available for individual STR guests or as private extras. While not NDIS-funded, they can enhance your stay:
๐โโ๏ธ Swimming at the local Crescent Head pool
๐ณ Bowls at the Crescent Head Country Club
โณ Mini golf
These must be paid privately and cannot be claimed under STR funding. Weโre happy to help you plan and budget accordingly.
โฟ Access Information
Little Tern is mobility-friendly but not fully wheelchair accessible.
Front entry: 10 steps
Rear entry: 2 steps with optional portable ramp
Ramp suitable for light, non-motorised wheelchairs only due to turn circle limitations at the main entryway
Weโre transparent about access so you can plan confidently. If youโre unsure whether Little Tern suits your mobility needs, weโre happy to discuss alternatives or adjustments.
๐ Why Weโre Different
We foster a village-like atmosphere where clients build genuine friendships, feel a strong sense of belonging, and are encouraged to be their authentic selves. Our beachside setting supports emotional wellness, creativity, and personal growth through sensory-friendly outdoor activities.
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How to Access Little Tern STR
Available for eligible NDIS participants with STR in their plan
Funded for up to 14 days at a time, maximum 28 days per calendar year
Can be used in stationary accommodation settings โ including Little Tern
Weโll work with you to ensure your stay aligns with your goals and budget
๐ฌ Ready to Recharge?
Little Tern Beach House is more than a place to stay โ itโs a place to restore, connect, and be supported. Itโs STR with soul. And itโs only available through Yellowbird.
๐ฉ Fill out our STR booking request form https://links.yellowbird.au/widget/form/u2toQXoRhP8aT61vt2oNn
