Must-do accessible experiences on the Cassowary Coast

As frequent visitors to Cairns, our family have had the opportunity to explore many of the region’s natural wonders. We delighted in soaring above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and cruised to Green Island and Fitzroy Island for the day. Venturing north of Cairns, we visited the palm-fringed beaches of Palm Cove and Port Douglas and explored Mossman Gorge and the Daintree.

On our most recent visit, it was time to travel south of Cairns to the Cassowary Coast region. Travelling with our son Braeden, who is a wheelchair user, we were thrilled to find myriad ways to explore both the coast and the rainforest.

Our itinerary for Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast worked well for my son Braeden, who can do a standing transfer and walk short distances with our assistance. Here are some of the best accessible experiences we found along the way.

Cairns to Mission Beach

They say it’s about the journey not the destination, and the drive from Cairns to Mission Beach provides a feast for the senses. The countryside is stunning, with rainforest-covered mountains on one side, and (with a small scenic detour) a stretch of coastline on the other.

Take your pick on where you stop for a break, but make sure to refuel at the roadside stalls along the way. Local producers beckon visitors with fresh products straight from the farm. Bananas bursting with flavour, honey fresh from the hive and Charley’s Chocolate will keep sweet tooths happy while supporting the area’s farmers.

As you edge towards the Cassowary Coast, keep an eye out for Queensland’s native cassowary, a prehistoric-looking flightless bird that is the third largest bird species in the world. An estimated 100 birds call Mission Beach home, but they can be spotted in Etty Bay, El Arish and anywhere else along the way. Keep your eyes peeled, because nothing beats spotting a cassowary in its natural surroundings. Remember though, it’s safest to admire these Queensland locals from afar.

Mission Beach

Two hours south of Cairns is Mission Beach. It’s a quiet, unassuming town where the friendly locals outnumber tourists, and the laid-back vibe makes it the perfect place to unwind before or after a visit to vibrant Cairns. Without the hustle and bustle, the rainforest, beaches, and cassowaries will have your full attention.

If your visit to Mission Beach coincides with the first or third Sunday of the month, pop down to that markets at Ulysses Park where you can mingle with the locals and stock up on local produce and hand-made goods before enjoying a day at the nearby beach.

Grab the Sandcruiser beach wheelchair – free to borrow from Mission Beach Surf Lifesaving Club – and wander the shoreline at Mission Beach or nearby Bingil Bay. If relaxing under the shade of a swaying palm is more your style, there won’t be any jostling for prime position at Mission Beach, as there is a seemingly endless row of palms to choose from.

Both Mission Beach and Bingil Bay offer wide stretches of beach with compact sand, making pushing the beach chair a breeze. For access to the Sandcruiser beach wheelchair contact Mission Beach Surf Club.

Kennedy Walking Trail

For a scenic coastal walk head to the southern end of Mission Beach, where you’ll find the Kennedy Walking Trail. The timber boardwalk section of this popular trail hugs the coast and offers stunning water views across to Dunk Island. Walk or wheel along the coastal rainforest, home to an abundance of local wildlife including cassowaries and wallabies. The wheelchair-accessible portion of the walk is approximately 10 minutes one way, finishing at Lovers Beach.

Paronella Park

Paronella Park was the dream of one man, Jose Paronella. Jose had a vision to build a castle and purchased the land where Paronella now sits in 1929, opening the park to the public in 1935. To this day, Paronella Park draws visitors who marvel at the property and its extensive gardens.

To learn more about the history of Paronella Park, join a 45 minute guided tour (free with entry ticket) through the gardens. The knowledgeable guide will fill you in on Jose’s life, his incredible vision, and the family he raised at Paronella Park.

Due to the naturally steep terrain of the property and the historic nature of Paronella Park, be prepared for some access challenges. If a wheelchair user is able to transfer from their chair to a vehicle, staff will drive visitors from the top of Paronella Park to the base and back to the entrance when required. A visit to Paronella Park will be easier for power wheelchair or scooter users.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Mamu Tropical Skywalk is a 55-minute drive north-west of Mission Beach. It’s a must-visit attraction if you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible or step-free option to take in the unique landscapes of the region. The elevated walkway, built in natural clearings in the rainforest in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry, offers visitors a spectacular route through the Wooroonoon National Park, a World Heritage rainforest. The Mamu Tropical Skywalk has 2.5kms of accessible walkways, including elevated portions with breathtaking views and the show-stopping cantilever walkway.

There are a few inclines along the compacted pathways, but maps at the start of the walkway indicate the most access-friendly way of navigating around these.

Visitors are encouraged to download the Mamu Tropical Skywalk app, which provides an audio description of the walk (available in nine languages).

For visitors interested in visiting both Mamu Tropical Skywalk and Paronella Park, there is a discounted combination ticket available to purchase. The Australian Companion Card is accepted.

To further help plan your trip, here's the ultimate accessible travel guide to Cairns and beyond.