How to explore Tropical North Queensland in 4 days as a wheelchair user

Our family loves to travel, but finding a destination that combines good wheelchair access while catering to our crew’s varied interests can be a challenge. That’s why we’re frequent travellers to Tropical North Queensland. The remarkable region offers the escape we desire with the accessibility we need. Whether we’re looking to unleash our inner adventure-seeker on ATVs in the rainforest town of Kuranda, or longing for a relaxing stroll under the towering palms with a beach wheelchair on Four Mile Beach, we can always find something to match our mood.

After holiday stays in Cairns and Palm Cove, for our most recent adventure we ventured a little further north to Port Douglas. When it came to planning our itinerary, we were excited to embrace new activities. We have previously soared high above the rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, meandered along the accessible walkway at Mossman Gorge, and cruised to the turquoise waters of Fitzroy Island. Our mission this time was to discover new accessible fun and the result was an invigorating itinerary which took us from the rainforest to the reef, with time to meet some of Australia’s legendary wildlife along the way.

As the founder of both Have Wheelchair Will Travel and Travel Without Limits magazine, I understand the varying access needs of travellers with a disability and that a no one size fits all approach applies. Our Tropical North Queensland itinerary worked well for my son Braeden who can do a standing transfer and walk short distances with assistance.

Day one: afternoon

Tropical North Queensland’s warm embrace greets visitors at Cairns Airport, signalling it’s time to leave the shackles of life at home behind. If there’s even the slightest resistance, it’s sure to be washed away at the first sight of the palm-fringed Ellis Beach and the Coral Sea, which laps beside the road on the way to Port Douglas. 

Accommodation with space for a family can be found at Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas. Offering a one-bedroom accessible studio which can interconnect with a one-bedroom apartment, Paradise Links Resort offers families, or those travelling with friends or support workers, privacy, comfort, and accessible facilities.

There is a small step that needs to be negotiated to access the accommodation.

Evening

Rumbling bellies demand satisfaction, and the laid-back atmosphere at the Tin Shed makes it a magnet for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s large open-air deck overlooking Dickson’s Inlet is the ideal spot to relax. Sipping a drink or dining on one of the many delicious family-friendly menu choices while watching the sun dip behind the mountain range will ensure a smooth transition into tropical mode. Grilled barramundi and prawn buckets leave the kitchen at a rapid pace refuelling travellers after a day of exploration.

A gentle ramp provides access into the Tin Shed and spacious seating arrangements ensure there’s good circulation space for wheelchair users.

Day two: morning

What better way to start the day than with a drive along the coastline before heading into the rainforest to Kuranda. Keep your eyes peeled for a possible sighting of one of the Cassowaries that call the area home.

If you don’t spot a Cassowary in the wild, don’t worry, you’re guaranteed to see one at Rainforestation Nature Park. Here you can meet other Aussie locals including saltwater crocodiles, the rare Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and Australia’s favourite marsupial the koala. For those hankering to get up close for a koala cuddle and photo, make sure you book ahead for this special experience. 

While visiting Rainforestation Nature Park take the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous Australian culture with demonstrations from the Pamagirri guides, the local First Nations People. Observe their technique and then have a go at throwing a boomerang. It may look simple in the hands of pros but it’s not easy to get the boomerang to return.

Afternoon

Make it a true Australian experience with an Aussie BBQ in the Rainforestation Nature Park restaurant. A hearty lunch of salads, barbecue meats and fruit will keep energy levels up for the rest of the day’s activities. 

After lunch a unique experience awaits with the chance to take a tour in a restored World War 2 amphibious vehicle. The 45-minute guided Army Duck tour through the rainforest is filled with facts and figures about the various plants and wildlife, including the deadly ones. It’s a seamless transition from land to water as the Army Duck cruises the lake. This is where the stunning Ulyssys butterfly may delight, flashing its iridescent blue wings as it flutters by.

An elevated platform allows guests with a mobility restriction to transfer to the seat at the rear of the Army Duck.

Rainforestation Nature Park offers wheelchair access throughout. The natural terrain means some ramps are a little steep.

Evening

Strap in for an Australian farm experience at Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm, just a short 15-minute drive from Rainforestation Nature Park. Take an ATV or buggy tour of the farm, including an exhilarating creek crossing, rainforest tour, and the chance to try your hand at mustering cattle.

Booking a two-seater buggy is a great alternative for anyone living with a disability who’s unable to drive an ATV.

Watch the sun set while enjoying a barbecue dinner overlooking the farm. Local Wagu steak and vegetables cooked on the Hibachi barbecue to your liking is a rewarding end to a busy muster.

Day three: morning

Take flight with Nautilus Aviation, Cairns with a 30-minute scenic ride to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Seeing the reef from the air is one of the most spectacular ways to appreciate its size and beauty. Even from the air, the reef’s marine life can be seen en route to Green Island, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay. If time and budget allow, splurge on an extra 15 minutes in the air and fly over the World Heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Take in the awe-inspiring views of Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge National Park and falls and before landing back in Cairns.

Afternoon

Take the helm when you skipper your own pontoon barbecue boat with Cairns Boat Hire and explore Trinity Bay at your own pace. After a quick briefing it’s time to leave Marlin Marina and head for the mangroves, stopping to drop anchor whenever it’s time for a feed. The smell of the hamburgers and sausages cooking at the back of the boat might even improve the chances of spotting a crocodile. Level access is provided onto the pontoon boat from the wharf.

Day four: morning

Head into the wild at Wildlife Habitat. The eco-certified wildlife sanctuary invites visitors into its exhibits for an immersive experience. Take the accessible elevated boardwalks and explore five unique environments including Wetlands, Savannah, Rainforest, Nocturnal and Woodlands. For an extra special encounter, book a private tour with one of the wildlife keepers who will provide insights into the resident’s personalities, preferences, and lifestyle. The animals are extra cheeky when a staff member is in tow - no doubt hopeful of an extra treat. And when the humans are ready for a treat, there’s a build your own burger lunch (with chips) waiting in the  Curlew Cafe that’s sure to satisfy.

Afternoon

Four Mile Beach is not only home to swaying palms and an enviable stretch of sand, but also a Sandcruiser beach wheelchair. Gentle ramp access, beach matting and compact sand make wheeling the Sandcruiser along the level beach a breeze and enables easy access to the water.  

The beach wheelchair can be reserved and is free to loan from Port Douglas Life Saving Club.

Evening

As night falls, the magic of Flames of the Forest illuminates an enclave of rainforest located just 10-minutes from Port Douglas. Australia’s only rainforest dining experience offers a multi-sensory experience for guests looking for a unique way to appreciate their surroundings. Dining by candlelight tastebuds are tantalised by the local tropical inspired menu and between courses guests are entertained by two Kuku Yalanji brothers who share the magic of their local First Nations culture through Dreamtime storytelling.

Some mobility is recommended for Flames of the Forest to enable access to the transfer bus and bathroom facilities on site.