How to get around Queensland airports: an accessible traveller’s guide

Coming to Queensland? We can’t wait to have you.

Accessible travel starts where your journey does, and in order to experience the wonder of Queensland it’s important to arrive comfortably and with confidence.

Read on for advice on how to get around Queensland airports and discover the range accessible airport features and support services offered.

Brisbane Airport

Welcome to the River City – Queensland’s capital and biggest metropolitan centre. With so many journeys starting at Brisbane Airport, it’s great to know you’re in good hands from the moment you arrive thanks to award-winning accessible facilities. Touch down and so many incredible experiences are right on your doorstep.

Arriving at Brisbane Airport

Pick up and drop off: there are signed zones at the Domestic and International Terminals for picking up and dropping off passengers with accessibility needs. In the designated accessibility pick-up and drop-off spaces, you are able to park and leave your vehicle for up to 30 minutes, allowing time to assist passengers to or from the terminal. Please leave your Disability Parking Permit displayed on vehicle.

Parking: accessible car parking is available at both short-term and long-term car parks. These are located close to the lifts on each floor for convenience. 

Terminal Transfers

If you need to transfer between Brisbane Airport’s Domestic and International Terminals, the free Skygate Loop Bus and the Airtrain cater to passengers with disabilities.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Brisbane Airport

A range of facilities at Brisbane Airport aim to make your journey as comfortable as possible:

• Wheelchairs are available upon request from individual airlines, see staff inside the terminal if you require assistance
• Lifts: passengers with mobility needs are advised to use the many lifts throughout the airport, while there are also escalators throughout.
• Priority seating is provided at gates to passengers with disabilities, limited mobility, as well as passengers travelling with young children and unaccompanied minors. You’ll find these seats identifiable by the accessible symbol on their headrests.
• All International Terminal directory boards incorporate tactile and Braille features to make your time with us more accessible.
• Accessible drinking fountains can be found throughout the airport
• Unisex accessible toilets available throughout all terminals, while both domestic and international terminals offer a Changing Places bathroom to provide additional space for people with profound disabilities and their carers to use the amenities more comfortably.
• Buggy assistance is available for passengers seeking transportation to and from their gate – contact your airline directly to arrange a buggy

Assistance animals

Brisbane Airport welcomes assistance animals. Special toilet and watering facilities for assistance animals can be found in both the International and Domestic Terminals.

Remember to advise your airline if you are travelling with an assistance animal when you book your flight.

Brisbane Airport is also trialling therapy dogs as a way of reducing pre-flight stress for travellers - so you might see Cooper the Labradoodle, Kevin the Sheepadoodle and four of their puppy friends on your visit.

Need assistance?

Look for our helpful Brisbane Airport Ambassadors – these volunteers wearing marked blue shirts can answer any questions you might have.

Airports are busy environments and for some people this can be a stressful experience, especially if you or someone with you has a disability such as autism, dementia, or anxiety that isn’t immediately obvious to airport staff. For this reason, Brisbane Airport has a Hidden Disabilities program. If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can collect a sunflower lanyard to wear through Brisbane Airport.

Wearing the lanyard when you are at the airport is a way for you to indicate to staff that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport process. Brisbane Airport staff have been trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and to provide you with any help you may need at that stage of your journey through the airport.

If you require further medical or concierge assistance than the complimentary support services your airline offers, Medical Travel Companions can help. These qualified companions provide support for passengers in transit, flight or a full range concierge services. More details and pricing is available on Brisbane Airport’s website.

Gold Coast Airport

The beach is calling – but before you head for the sand, here’s everything you need to know about Gold Coast Airport before you arrive.

Arriving at Gold Coast Airport

Parking: accessible parking spaces are clearly marked and are located in all public car parks at Gold Coast Airport. These are reserved for passengers with cars displaying a valid disability parking permit.

Kerbside rampways are provided to assist people moving from car parks and the street to the sidewalk into the terminal building.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Gold Coast Airport

Gold Coast Airport has had a number of recent upgrades to improve accessible facilities, including:

• Wheelchairs are available upon request from individual airlines, see staff inside the terminal if you require assistance
• There are a number of accessible toilets and parents rooms, along with braille signage to these facilities
• Priority accessible seating is available and marked at each gate
• The terminal includes a hearing loop to assist hard-of-hearing passengers and visitors
• Tactile ground surface indicators assist with directional guidance throughout the airport
• Gold Coast Airport offers a Low Sensory Entry, Low Sensory Amenity Block and Sensory Friendly Room. They have also developed a terminal sensory map that identifies low, medium and high sensory areas to help passengers navigate through the terminal and prepare for crowded areas, additional noise, smells and lights. It identifies areas where you can stop and be in a quieter area if required.
• Gold Coast Airport's website offers a range of resources to help prepare and make journeys as comfortable as possible, designed to assist people in understanding how an airport works and what to expect. This includes a written social story, visual social story, and a 'My Airport’ activity book to guide children through the airport journey, making it a fun game of ‘i-spy’, find-a-words and even a checklist they can tick off as they check in, go through security and discover different areas within the airport.

Assistance animals

Certified guide dogs, hearing dogs or other assistance dogs that assist a person with a disability are welcome in all areas of Gold Coast Airport.

Gold Coast Airport’s AmbassaPAW Program engages volunteer therapy dogs to help alleviate the stress often associated with travelling. Therapy dog Quincy is usually onsite on Wednesday from 7am-9am, and will soon be joined by five more therapy dogs as the AmbassaPAW program expands.

‍Need assistance?

Before you travel, discover Gold Coast Airport’s accessibility guide which offers comprehensive information. If you have any questions during your visit, make your way to Gold Coast Airport’s Ambassador Information Desk for guidance.

Gold Coast Airport also offers a Hidden Disabilities program. If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability sunflower lanyard – this is a discreet way for you to indicate to staff that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. 

Sunshine Coast Airport

Ready to explore the Sunshine Coast? Fly into Sunshine Coast Airport and the region’s sparkling coastline, quaint country towns and awe-inspiring national parks are yours to discover.

Arriving at Sunshine Coast Airport

Pick up and drop off: there are dedicated passenger pick up/drop off spaces at the front of the terminal. Vehicles are only permitted in these areas while actively loading or unloading passengers.

Parking: accessible parking is available in all Sunshine Coast Airport car parks. The spaces have been located to ensure easy access to pathways leading to the terminal building.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Sunshine Coast Airport

A range of facilities at Sunshine Coast Airport aim to make your journey as comfortable as possible:

• Toilets for passengers with limited mobility are provided throughout the terminal building
• Parents rooms are located at both ends of the terminal and are equipped with a baby change station, toilet facilities, microwave and a nappy disposal unit. They also provide seating for use while feeding.
• A hearing loop has been installed to assist hard-of-hearing travellers
• Airline staff at check-in can provide passengers with wheelchairs, a lift into the aircraft (for passengers that may have difficulty using stairs), arrange early boarding, or provide general assistance whilst on-board the aircraft. Pre-booking support is recommended.

Assistance animals

Sunshine Coast Airport welcomes certified assistance animals. Remember to advise your airline if you are travelling with an assistance animal when you book your flight.

Cairns Airport

Home to the world’s largest coral reef and UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, Cairns holds adventure for everyone. If Cairns Airport is your starting point, read on for accessibility information.

Arriving at Cairns Airport

Pick up and drop off: Each terminal at Cairns Airport has dedicated drop-off/pick-up areas for travellers with accessibility requirements. These areas are adjacent to the general drop-off/pick-up areas, and are only available to vehicles displaying a disability permit. Drivers should note that there is a 2.4m height clearance at the drop-off/pick-up zones.

Transport: taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs can be requested by calling Cairns Taxis on 13 10 08

Parking: clearly sign posted accessible parking is available in the airport’s public car parks. These are located at the nearest point to the terminal entrances.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

If you have any concerns, speak to staff at security screening – private screening rooms and assistance is available from friendly, trained staff.

Facilities within Cairns Airport

• Ramps, lifts, and aerobridges allow easy access to and from the gate lounge to the aircraft.  Airline staff can offer assistance for boarding and disembarkation by prior arrangement.  In some cases, a mobile assistance lift is also available, particularly for regional flights.
• Hearing loops are in place throughout both terminal buildings including boarding gates, check-in desks and the main retail area to assist people with hearing difficulties.   
• Tactile ground surface indicators are used both within the terminals and outside the terminals to provide an indication of changes of condition to people with vision impairment. The locations include escalators, ramps, lifts, and stairs.
• Public toilets are located throughout the terminals, and each includes an accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair access. Braille is included on toilet doors/signs to assist a person with vision impairment locate the correct facility.
• Accessible water fountains are available throughout both terminals

Assistance animals

Accredited assistance animals are welcome inside and around the terminals.

Need assistance?

Assistance from the front of the terminal buildings into the terminals may be provided by the relevant airline if pre-arranged. Cairns Airport staff may be available to assist passengers requiring assistance at the kerbside to and from the terminals.  This should be pre-arranged in advance by contacting: (07) 4080 6703 during business hours.

Cairns Airport also offers a Hidden Disabilities program. If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can collect a sunflower lanyard to wear through Cairns Airport.

Wearing the lanyard when you are at the airport is a way for you to indicate to staff that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport process. Staff have been trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and to provide you with any help you may need at that stage of your journey through the airport.

Mackay Airport

Whether you’re visiting to taste your way through the sugar industry or explore the great outdoors, Mackay is committed to access for all – and that starts from arrival.

Arriving at Mackay Airport

Pick up and drop off: there are two drop off and pickup areas provided at the front of Mackay Airport’s terminal. The first area is located at the southern end of the general public drop off and pick up area. For those that may need to drop off or pick up closer to the terminal, the second area can be accessed via the lane designated for taxis – through the boom gate.  Customers are required to press the ‘help’ button at the boom gate and state that they are dropping off/picking up a passenger from the accessible drop off bay.  

Parking: accessible parking spaces are available in all public car parking areas and are clearly sign posted. These are close to the terminal entrances.

Mackay Airport has tactile ground surface indicators in car parking areas and drop off/pick up points to assist passengers to navigate to the terminal building.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Mackay Airport

• Direct assistance from the front of the terminal to the check-in counter is available if pre-arranged and agreed with the airline in advance
• Wheelchairs are available on request to transfer passengers from drop-off to check-in
• A number of check-in counters have been modified and lowered to allow easier access for people using a wheelchair.
• Ramps and mobile assistance lifts allow easy access to and from aircraft.  Airline staff can offer assistance for boarding and disembarkation by prior arrangement. 
• A unisex accessible toilet is located landside opposite the check-in counters and one is located in the departure lounge. 
• Lift access is available to lounges

Assistance animals

Guide dogs and other accredited assistance animals are welcome inside the terminal.  If you are travelling with an assistance animal, prior arrangements for carriage must be made directly with the airline.

Need assistance?

Mackay Airport employs a number of customer service officers to can provide assistance, advice, and first aid. Should you require assistance call 0434 607 658.

Mount Isa Airport

Landing in the oasis of the Outback? Discover how to get around this Queensland airport below.

Arriving at Mount Isa Airport

Pick up and drop off: There are two disabled pick up/drop off bays located out the front of the terminal (near the taxi rank area). Drivers must remain with the vehicle.

Parking: accessible parking is provided within the short and long term public carparks at Mount Isa Airport.

Kerbside ramp ways are provided to assist people with disabilities to move from carparks and the street to the sidewalk into the terminal building. Tactile ground surface indicators are provided to assist with directional guidance.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Mount Isa Airport

• The airport is single level and has easy access to facilities including check-in, security screening and the departure lounge.
• Accessible toilet facilities are available inside the terminal and departure lounge.
• Passengers requiring a wheelchair to get to their aircraft will need to contact their airline directly. Most airlines have wheelchairs available adjacent to check-in areas.

Assistance dogs

Certified guide dogs, hearing dogs or other assistance dogs that assist a person with a disability and reduce their need for support are welcome in all areas of the Mount Isa Airport. Certified physical assistance dogs should be wearing the appropriate badge on their coat or harness and people accompanied by a dog, including trainers, must also carry an identity card.

Need assistance?

Mount Isa Airport has managers on duty for requests on how to get special or additional assistance. The Customer Service office is located to the northern end of the terminal opposite the check in desks.

Townsville Airport

Make your way to the gateway to North Queensland and a lifetime of experiences await, from the refreshing pools along The Strand to accessible adventures on Magnetic Island. Here’s some helpful advice to navigate your way through Townsville Airport so you can get straight to the adventure.

Arriving at Townsville Airport

Pick up and drop off: departures drop off is at the southern end of the terminal and arrivals pick up is at the northern end of the terminal

Parking: accessible car parking bays are located within the Saver and Select car parks, close to the terminal.

Transport: taxis services are located at the front of the terminal immediately in front of the exit from secure area and in close proximity to the baggage collection. Shuttle bus services are available at the front of the terminal.

Kerbside rampways are provided to assist people with disabilities to move from carparks and the street to the sidewalk into the terminal building. Tactile ground surface indicators are provided to assist with directional guidance.

To request assistance, please contact your airline directly when making a reservation. This will enable the airline to inform you and, where required, make suitable arrangements at the airport or during the flight to assist you.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Townsville Airport

• Accessible toilet facilities are available in the arrival and departure lounge areas. Toilets on the airside area of the terminal (through security) have Braille signage at their entry points.
• Lift access to the upper level concourse will assist those with limited mobility.
• Four parent rooms are located in the terminal, and include baby change tables, seating, bottle warmers and privacy screens to assist breastfeeding mothers.

Assistance animals

Certified guide dogs, hearing dogs or other assistance dogs that assist a person with a disability and reduce their need for support are welcome in all areas of Townsville Airport. Certified physical assistance dogs should be wearing the appropriate badge on their coat or harness and people accompanied by a dog, including trainers, must also carry an identity card.

Note: there is no area in the immediate terminal facility for toileting assistance dogs. There is a grassed area approximately 300m from the terminal on Stinson Avenue.

Boarding and disembarking aircraft

Most airlines can provide special arrangements for people with walking or mobility assistance needs, including boarding and disembarking access via a special mobile lift. Please advise your airline on booking if you require this assistance.

Rockhampton Airport

From rugged countryside to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, if Rockhampton is calling – read on.

Arriving at Rockhampton Airport

Rockhampton Airport has one main passenger terminal that is used for domestic and international (charter) passenger movements.

Pick up and drop off: two dedicated 25-minute disabled parking bays are located at the northern end of the passenger drop-off / pick-up area within the Short Term Carpark. There are also four dedicated 25-minute disabled parking bays directly opposite the Arrivals and Departures sections of the terminal building.

Parking: accessible parking bays are available within the terminal carparks, with easy access to the terminal entrance.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Rockhampton Airport

• If you require a wheelchair or other assistance on arrival, please contact your airline prior to your flight.
• While there are airport and airline staff on site at all times, access to and from an aircraft on the tarmac is facilitated via signage, kerb ramps, pathways, handrails, Tactile Surface Ground Indicators (TSGI) and marked pedestrian areas.
• Airline personnel are always available to assist passengers transiting to or from their aircraft.
• A mobile elevator is also available to assist passengers in wheelchairs and those with mobility needs to be transported safely between the terminal and the aircraft.
• Accessible toilet facilities in both the Arrivals and Departure ends of the terminal. There are also two accessible toilets in the departure lounge. Braille and pictogram signs have been installed on all toilet entry doors to assist vision impaired travellers.
• Visual signage, including pictograms and Braille text where applicable has been installed throughout the terminal building.
• Tactile Surface Ground Indicators (TSGI) are installed at some key locations throughout the terminal building to assist patrons with visual impairments to identify kerb ramps and pedestrian crossing locations

Assistance animals

Assistance animals are welcome inside the terminal building. The assistance animal toilet facility is located centrally at the front of the terminal.

Please ensure that your airline is provided with adequate advanced notice if an assistance animal is travelling with the passenger.

Hervey Bay Airport

There’s no limit to the fun you can have on the Fraser Coast, from whale watching to beach play. Arrive at Hervey Bay Airport with ease and start exploring.

Arriving at Hervey Bay Airport

Pick up and drop off: there are three dedicated drop-off spaces in the passenger drop-off area, and vehicles with valid disability permits by remain here for up to 20 minutes.

Parking: there is ample dedicated parking for those with assistance needs

Transport: Ground transport is easily accessed at the front of the terminal. The taxi rank is located opposite the terminal adjacent to the arrivals hall with drop-off bays kerbside at the check-in entrance, and is staffed by a taxi concierge who can coordinate wheelchair accessible vehicles.   

Direct assistance from the front of the terminal to check-in or the baggage area can be made available if coordinated with your airline in advance.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Hervey Bay Airport

• Public toilets are located throughout the terminal, with disabled facilities available inside the departure lounge and main terminal area. 
• Braille is included on toilet doors and signs to assist the vision impaired
• Ramps allow easy access between the departure lounge and the aircraft and the aircraft and the arrivals hall. Airline staff can offer assistance for boarding and disembarkation by prior arrangement. In some cases, lift access is also available.

Assistance animals

Certified guide, hearing or assistance dogs are permitted inside the terminal. The grassed area to the left of the terminal entry roundabout may be used for animal toileting. 

Whitsunday Coast Airport

Time for an island escape? Fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport and views worthy of a postcard will soon be your playground.

Arriving at Whitsunday Coast Airport

Pick up and drop off: drop off and pick up zones allow quick access to the terminal. If you would like more time to meet or farewell your loved ones, the airport offers one hour of free parking in the car park, located opposite the terminal.

Parking: dedicated disability parking spaces are located in the first row of the public car park, directly opposite the terminal building.

Kerbside ramps are provided to assist people with special needs to move from carparks and the street to the sidewalk into the terminal. Tactile ground surface indicators are provided for directional guidance.

Transport: ground transportation – including taxis and buses - are easily accessible from the Whitsunday Coast Airport through the arrivals end of the terminal.

Security

All passengers are required to undergo screening at the airport, including those travelling in a wheelchair or with mobility aids. A private search room is available should this be preferred.

Passengers with medical implants, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, are advised to request separate screening upon arrival at security and avoid the walk-through metal detector.

Assistance animals must also undergo screening, however will not be separated from the passenger and the harness can remain on for this process.

Facilities within Whitsunday Coast Airport

• If you are a passenger requiring assistance inside the terminal building, or boarding your flight, please contact your airline ahead of travel to coordinate support.
• The terminal building is equipped with a hearing loop to assist those with hearing aids.
• Accessible toilet facilities are available within the terminal.

Assistance animals

Certified guide dogs, hearing dogs or other assistance dogs that assist a person with special needs and reduce their need for support are welcome in all areas of the Whitsunday Coast Airport. Certified physical assistance dogs should be wearing the appropriate badge on their coat or harness and people accompanied by a dog, including trainers, must also carry an identity card.