From rainforest to reef

​​​​​​​​​​​From rainforest to reef

​Coastal Queensland tourism experiences for all

Here you’ll find guides to some of Queensland’s most exciting destinations and accessible experiences along the coastline, welcoming people with disability and mobility restrictions. While only 4.4% of people living with a disability in Australia use a wheelchair[1], offering a variety of accessible experiences creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to explore and travel without limitations. Accessible tourism is thoughtfully designed to enhance travel convenience for everyone, including people who use a mobility aid. It also provides valuable assistance to people using prams, those who might have difficulty navigating stairs and those for whom space to manoeuvre is needed. The tourism industry is increasingly embracing, adapting and expanding experiences to be more accessible and inclusive. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends and family, your next unforgettable journey along Queensland’s coast awaits.

Explore Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest!​​​​

​Skyrail Rainforest Cableway​​​​​

Soaring sky high above the rainforest canopy, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gives visitors a bird’s eye view of Queensland's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. The adventure begins in Smithfield, just 15 minutes out from Cairns city centre, and provides manual wheelchair and mobility-friendly access to all. In little time, visitors will embark on an aerial journey, gliding through the treetops to Kuranda, arriving to discover spacious, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks for a guided tour with a ranger. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of Barron Gorge and Din Din (Barron Falls) from The Edge Lookout.

Kuranda Scenic Railway​​​​

What goes up, must come down… and there’s no better way to return through Wet Tropics rainforest to Cairns than by Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's one of Australia's most spectacular rail journeys, where guests traverse a heritage-listed railway line, through breathtaking scenery and travel alongside towering waterfalls and deep ravines. The train unwinds its way through 15 hand-built tunnels and more than 55 bridges. Kuranda Scenic Railway has ramps and​ motorised lifts for boarding assistance and accessible seating, facilities and space for assistance animals on board – available on every service.​


A man in a wheelchair next to a train​Customers at Kuranda railway station
Passengers aboard the Army Duck rainforest tourPassengers aboard the Army Duck at Rainforestation Nature Park

​Rainforestation Nature Park​​​

The Wet Tropics Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, is also home to Rainforestation, where visitors can embark on amphibious Army Duck Rainforest Tours, uncover thousands of years of Indigenous culture with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and meet iconic Australian animals in the Koala and Wildlife Park. Guests with mobility needs can ride and wade through the rainforest and water on board the Army Duck thanks to the flat loading platform and removable arm rests that transfer guests onto the vehicle.

A natural wonder of the world…explore the Great Barrier Reef!​​​

A trip to Cairns wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s largest and longest coral reef system – World Heritage Great Barrier Reef! A boat ride will get you up close to the life and soul of the reef, and if you want to take it to the next level, learn how to scuba dive!

Quicksilver Cruises​​​​

For travellers with mobility restrictions, Quicksilver Cruises presents the ultimate accessible adventure aboard the Quicksilver VIII catamaran bound for Agincourt Reef. This experience provides many activities available on board, including an underwater observatory, glass bottom boat rides and a pontoon thoughtfully equipped with a waterpowered lift (hoist) designed to gently lower

guests with mobility restrictions into the pristine waters. Quicksilver also offers floatation devices for a more supportive swim.

Quicksilver Dive​

Quicksilver Dive is the Great Barrier Reef’s first PADI Adaptive Dive Facility. Based in Port Douglas, the school is recognised as accessible for anybody wanting to give scuba diving a go under the tuition of expert dive masters. It offers dive courses for those with varying levels of mobility and abilities and is equipped with a plethora of accessible facilities.

Information sourced from Tourism and Events Queensland Queensland.com (opens in new tab)

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016, 4430.0. Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2015.


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