All Aboard South Australia’s First Sensory Bus
South Australia has welcomed the opening of its first purpose-built, mobile sensory-friendly space. Designed by COX, the refurbished and converted decommissioned metro bus has embarked on its newest and most important chapter yet- providing a safe and sensory friendly environment for people with autism and sensory needs at some of the state’s biggest events.
Although a first for the autism community in South Australia, the longing for inclusion is universal, shared not only by those with sensory needs but equally their parents, friends, and families.
Minister for Infrastructure and Autism Emily Bourke described the opening of the sensory bus as a significant milestone in reducing barriers to inclusion and creating a welcoming environment for autistic children, young people, and adults. “The purpose-built sensory bus will provide a welcoming space for autistic people and their families who want access to a sensory environment at major events,” she said. As ’the festival state’ heads into its busiest season, this initiative is timely, marking a new chapter in inclusivity and the ongoing effort to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
The idea for the bus began with a heartfelt conversation between Annie and Nathan Hull – parents to Eli, who is autistic with ADHD and an intellectual disability – and Emily Bourke, Minister for Infrastructure and Autism. Like many parents, the Hull’s simply want Eli to experience the world as other children do. For what can be a simple and carefree outing for some is not the case for Annie, Nathan and Eli who face unique challenges and often stressful situations in navigating what should be an exciting experience. Undeterred, they spoke openly about the difficulties of managing often overstimulating environments and the need for greater inclusion for people with autism at major public events. This exchange sparked the beginning of a truly transformative project – hopefully the first of many.
The exterior of the bus proudly features the work of two autistic artists, Lily Giles and Amanda Turner, whose vibrant designs were selected through a state-wide competition that invited members of the autism community to visually interpret the theme “Spaces We Shape.” The winning pieces capture the importance of inclusion and the profound positive impact that supportive environments can have on individuals with sensory needs.
Central to supporting diverse sensory experiences, the design principles focus on creating a therapeutic, inclusive, and safe environment -a space that promotes emotional regulation, engagement, and wellbeing. Inside, the bus is divided into three distinct yet interconnected zones, each intuitively designed to respond to varying sensory sensitivities.
COX Director, Zoë King
Designing South Australia’s first sensory bus has been more than a project – it’s been a privilege and a joy, and I am deeply proud to have helped bring it to life. It has been an incredible collaborative effort to make this project what it is and I extend our thank you to DPC, Ventia, McMahon’s Services, Fleet Support, RLB, Torrens Transit and Kelsian for working with COX to be part of such a special project.
Perforated plywood walls and curved surfaces form the entryway into the first zone, ‘plug and play’ – an area focusing on auditory sensory needs. All new bench seating with storage line each side of the bus, offering space for people to sit and either listen to their own music or use the provided noise-cancelling headphones.
Dabbled lighting from the large, wrapped windows provide soft lighting throughout while maintaining a visual connection to surrounding events for those seeking a safe retreat for sensory separation.
At the heart of the bus lies an open activity zone designed to support proprioceptive engagement and emotional regulation through play. Colourful, textural graphics line the walls while liquid sensory flooring tiles animate the floor. The floor plan ensures wheelchair accessibility and flexibility for future tactile and sensory additions.
At the rear, the sensory regulation pod serves as a tranquil retreat, thoughtfully designed to support light and noise sensitivities. Drawing inspiration from an ‘under the sea’ concept, a calming palette of blues and purples creates an immersive yet soothing environment for those who need time and space to regulate.
The pod features soft, upholstered wall panels and built-in seating with integrated padding, offering both comfort and safety. Indirect LED lighting traces the contours of the benches and ceiling, casting a gentle glow that enhances the atmosphere while avoiding overstimulation. Carefully integrated acoustic treatments reduce ambient noise, creating an environment where users can self-regulate, relax, and engage with the space on their own terms. Through the combination of tactile surfaces, ambient lighting, and thoughtful spatial design, the sensory regulation pod exemplifies the project’s core principle: architecture that responds intuitively to human needs, balancing sensory engagement with emotional wellbeing.
The launch of the sensory bus is a celebration of understanding, acceptance, and the power of community. It offers autistic people the opportunity to engage with, explore, and enjoy the world around them without barriers, obstacles, or fear, shaping a more inclusive future and one that COX is proud to have taken part in.