Wheelchair Accessible Tours And Activities In Cairns
Cairns is a popular holiday destination and for good reason! With its lush rainforest and waterfalls, to the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s not hard to see why. What many might not know, is that tourism operators in Cairns are improving accessibility to these beautiful locations for all. This article is your guide to the most wheelchair-friendly tours and experiences in and around Cairns, allowing for greater inclusions for people of various accessibility levels.
Wheelchair-Accessible Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Day Tours
Quicksilver Pontoon at Agincourt Reef - From Port Douglas
If you’re after the best wheelchair accessible reef experience, then the Quicksilver activity platform at Agincourt Reef is the way to go.
Departing from Port Douglas Crystalbrook Marina, the wharf has boarding ramps for easy wheelchair access onto the boat. The Quicksilver vessel itself is well equipped with oversized bathrooms suitable for most passengers in a wheelchair. Upon arrival at Agincourt Reef you’ll find the upper and lower decks connected with ramps for easy access between levels.
What might be considered the most important feature on the Quicksilver Pontoon that you won’t currently find anywhere else on the 2300 kms of Great Barrier Reef is the water-powered chair lift. Located on the top deck, the chair lift has a weight limit of 90kg and allows disabled guests to bypass the stairs and be lowered into the water to enjoy swimming and snorkelling to their heart’s content.
Great Adventures Pontoon at Moore Reef - From Cairns
While it doesn't have a chair lift like its sister pontoon, The Quicksilver, Great Adventures activity platform at Moore Reef is a great alternative if you are wanting to experience a reef excursion that departs from Cairns.
Boarding at Cairns Marlin Marina, access onto the Great Adventures Reef King vessel is via a ramp, making it accessible for passengers in wheelchairs. However it is important to note that there are no wheelchair accessible bathrooms onboard the Reef King or the Moore Reef pontoon. So guests in wheelchairs would either need to have a carer present for assistance, or some mobility to access the restroom.
One positive feature to mention is the motorised chair lift on the Reef King catamaran that enables wheelchair bound passengers the ability to move between the upper and lower decks of the Moore Reef platform. Guests will require a bit of mobility or assistance to move from their wheelchair to the lift. The Reef King is the only Great Adventures vessel with the motorised chair lift, so please get in touch to find out when it is in operation.
There is also a ramp from the boat to the pontoon, but keep in mind that it has timber decking that may cause wheels to get stuck. The underwater observatory, swimming platform and semi-submersible boat tour is only accessible by steep stairs.
Combine Green Island and the Great Adventures Pontoon at Moore Reef!
Reef Magic Pontoon at Moore Reef - From Cairns
Also located at Moore Reef, the Reef Magic activity hub is another potential option that may be suitable for visitors in wheelchairs who are wanting to visit the reef from Cairns.
Access to the The Reef Magic vessel from Cairns Marina is possible via a ramp, however, this is depending on the tides. Limited mobility or a carer’s assistance is highly suggested as it may be required to navigate a set of stairs during boarding.
Once on board the catamaran though, passengers will find wide aisles between the seats to move easier around the boat and a wheelchair-friendly bathroom and shower.
However while at the platform, to access most areas such as the underwater observatory, sundeck and ocean for snorkelling, guests are required to manoeuvre stairs, which depending on the level of mobility, will need the assistance of a carer.
If you’re unsure as to whether this reef tour will be suitable, it’s best to get in touch with our online travel consultants for more information.
Sunlover Pontoon at Moore Reef - From Cairns
Sunlover Reef Cruises are well-equipped to accommodate wheelchair guests.
Their accessible-friendly vessel has multiple entrance points with ramps to allow for a smoother process of embarking and disembarking.
Onboard, there is a wheelchair table on the main deck and wheelchair accessible ramps are located across all door jams for ease of movement around the vessel. There is one wheelchair accessible bathroom on the boat which is also the same used for the duration of the visit at the Sunlover Moore Reef Pontoon.
Guests can also enjoy touch tank and fish feeding presentations from the deck.
In order to access the water, semi-submersible, glass bottom boats and the underwater observatory, stairs are required to be navigated. A carer must be present if a guest can not walk or access these activities unassisted.
Wheelchair-Accessible Island Day Tours
Green Island
Out of all the islands and sand cays scattered around the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland, Green Island is considered the most wheelchair-friendly, and accessible for those with limited mobility.
Green Island is a flat sand cay that has been developed with ease of movement in mind for prams, walkers and wheelchairs. Wide paved and timber boardwalk pathways and ramps allow visitors with limited mobility to explore the island and access amenities.
There are wheelchair accessible bathrooms on Green Island, staff at the information counter can provide their location on a map.
While a normal wheelchair cannot be taken onto the soft sandy beaches, guests can visit the lifeguard station to access a beach specific wheelchair. This chair is not considered to be a flotation device and is only for use on the beach. A carer must be responsible and present at all times during its use. It’s recommended to contact the island prior to visiting to ensure the beach wheelchair is available for you to use on the day of travel.
The Marineland Melanesia Habitat on Green Island showcases crocodile and turtle feeding shows, along with touch tanks and souvenirs.
Accessibility of glass bottom boat tours on Green Island are dependent on the level of a passengers mobility and the presence of a carer to assist, as there are a few steps to navigate onto the vessel.
Great Adventures Green Island Transfers
Great Adventures has a fleet of vessels that offer transfers and activity packages to Green Island, however not all have wheelchair accessibility and amenities. Passage onto the boat from the jetty will vary depending on the tides.
In some cases, the gangway may be too narrow for a wheelchair, requiring passengers to navigate a few steps to board. Standard wheelchairs will usually fit, but motorised ones may not, so it’s best to get in touch with our online team so we can advise on suitability. The Reef Spirit vessel has a disabled toilet on the lower deck. Just keep in mind if boarding from the upper deck (due to tidal changes) there are a few steps from the upper to lower level.
It's best to check with reservations for more information on the tides while planning your trip.
Kuranda Accessibility-Friendly Activities And Day Tours
Activities In Kuranda Village
While visiting the quaint village of Kuranda, there are several attractions which have wheelchair accessibility.
Kuranda Heritage and Rainforest Markets, Birdworld, The Koala Gardens and Butterfly Sanctuary all have ramp access, allowing visitors in wheelchairs the opportunity to appreciate these experiences!
Tropic Wings offers a range of return coach transfer packages (no Skryrail or Scenic rail) up to Kuranda on an electric bus that has wheelchair access. Please get in touch with our online travel experts to find out more options!
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Undoubtedly a popular attraction for all who visit Cairns, The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers an unparalleled perspective of not only the dense rainforest and Barron Gorge Falls, but also Cairns City and beyond.
The Skyrail has accessible gondolas with ramps at every platform to accommodate wheelchairs. Enjoy expansive 360 degree views as you journey over the lush Macalister Range and Kuranda State Forest canopy. It is strongly encouraged to advise staff prior to your day of travel to ensure operators at each platform are well prepared for your trip.
Along the way, Skyrail offers two lookout stops featuring accessible boardwalks. Barron Falls and Red Peak gondola stations allow wheelchair passengers to access the pathways via ramps. Barron Falls boardwalk has a glass floor section, providing an even greater immersive experience!
Some considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip on the Skyrail Cableway is that a wheelchair cannot exceed 610 mm in width and 950 mm in length. Any greater than this, and it will be too large to fit in the gondola.
For the health and safety of the Skyrail staff, the collective weight of both the wheelchair and the occupant should be of a reasonable load to allow operators to comfortably assist without injury.
Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are located at all Skyrail stations from Cairns to Kuranda.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Famous for its history and captivating travels through the Barron Gorge National Park, The Kuranda Heritage Scenic Railway is a must do when visiting Cairns!
Freshwater and Kuranda Railway Stations are both equipped with a hydraulic lift to allow access to train carriages suitable for wheelchairs, whereas Cairns Central train station has access to a wheelchair ramp.
The wheelchair accessible carriages can cater to a max of four wheelchairs, plus extra seating for companions on request.
Along the journey up to Kuranda, the train will briefly stop at Barron Falls viewing platform for a photo op. However due to the nature of the lower train platform, there is no lift or ramp available to disembark the train here without climbing down the stairs.
When booking, just advise our friendly reservations team that you require wheelchair access so we can check on availability with the Kuranda Scenic Railway staff and notify that assistance is required at each train station.
Kuranda Day Tour Packages
Offers below are subject to the availability of facilities at the Skyrail and Railway platforms and the guests ability to participate in some activities at the Rainforestation. Please contact our friendly online travel consultants if you have any questions.
Tropic Wings
- Tropic Wings Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway (STAR)
- Tropic Wings Grand Kuranda Experience
- Tropic Wings Ultimate Rainforest Experience
Value Day Tours / Down Under Tours
- Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail (Self-Drive)
- Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Skyrail
- Kuranda Rainforest Skyrail and Scenic Railway
- Down Under Tours: Waterfall, Wetlands & Skyrail
Wheel-Chair Friendly Day Activities And Experiences
Cairns Aquarium
Located in the centre of town, Cairns Aquarium is a great way to explore a variety of marine life you’d find inhabiting the Great Barrier Reef. Visit the Turtle Hospital or the Coral Biobank to learn about reef rehabilitation and conservation programs! Split between two levels, the Aquarium is fully designed with accessibility in mind. Equipped with elevators, gently sloping ramps, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and a warm welcome for accredited Guide and Service Dogs. If needed, the convenience of wheelchairs are also available for use. Simply inquire upon your arrival, staff will be more than happy to assist.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Located in Wangetti about a 40-45 minute drive north between Cairns and Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure Park is a frequently asked about activity for those visiting Far North Queensland.
The park caters to most accessibility needs with moderately level pathways and ambulant bathrooms.
If you’re wanting to visit with guide dogs or service dogs, it’s best to book ahead of time and advise of your requirements so the park staff can make necessary arrangements prior to your day of travel. This is due to the nature of the animals residing at Hartley’s as they may see dogs (no matter how gentle in nature) as “predator or prey”.
The park staff may also be able to make plans to mind your service animal for a short time while you explore the park. Please request well in advance prior to visiting.
Wheelchairs are also available upon request and free of charge to use during your visit. These do need to be pre-booked ahead of time, so just advise at the time of reservation.
It’s important to note, that if you’re requiring return transfers, transfer operators can cater to guests using a foldable wheelchair, but do not currently have facilities with a hydraulic chair lift for electric chairs. Alternatively, transfers may be possible with Oasis Transport, however this is subject to availability and may require at least 48 hours notice to organise.
Hartley's Experiences
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures - Entry (Self Drive)
- Hartley's Breakfast With The Koalas
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures & Big Croc Feed With Return Transfers
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Wildlife Park & Return Transfers
Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat
The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas has a number of accessible and immersive experiences that visitors in wheelchairs can enjoy. Delight in Breakfast with the Birds, hand-feed kangaroos in the Savannah or get your picture taken with one of the snakes, crocodiles or koalas.
With the exception of the Stork Tower, Predator Plank, Birdseye Bridge and Swim With The Salties, all other experiences inside the Wildlife Habitat are wheelchair accessible. The park also offers wheelchair hire at no additional cost, ensuring visitors can explore the habitats and wildlife with ease. This comes in handy as the park is larger than it looks from the outside!
Wildlife Habitat Experiences
Whether you desire to go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, experience the rainforest village of Kuranda or explore local attractions from Cairns to Port Douglas, Far North Queensland is a tropical holiday destination that has something for all levels of accessibility.
If you plan ahead, you’ll be able to organise an unforgettable trip, leaving you with awesome memories from your time spent visiting this stunning region of Australia!
