Wheelchair accessible walks in Queensland's national parks

List

Danielle	 Reckless

By Danielle Reckless

In Queensland, the outdoors is open to everyone. Our national parks are home to the world’s oldest rainforests, rugged volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches that stretch as far as you can see—and we’re working hard to ensure all travellers can experience it for themselves.

Wide boardwalks and lookouts, accessibility requirements thanks to level walking tracks, as well as wheelchair and stroller-accessible facilities like restrooms, campsites and picnic areas, help Queensland's national parks be accessible to all.

Here are the best wheelchair-accessible national parks and walks in Queensland you should explore.  

Accessible walks in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Barron Gorge National Park

Couple high above the rainforest at The Edge Lookout in Barron Gorge National Park. The man is in a wheelchair and his female partner stands beside him as they look into the green gorge, with Barron River winding below.

The Edge Lookout, Barron Gorge National Park, Cairns

You’ll experience the tranquillity of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics on your first deep breath in.

Just 27km north-west of CairnsBarron Gorge National Park is home to rugged peaks, thundering waterfalls, deep gorges and dense rainforest. One of Queensland's most impressive, wheelchair-accessible national parks, visitors can get up close to the jaw-dropping views and the wildlife on the Din Din Barron Falls boardwalk, with wheelchair access to The Edge Lookout and elevated boardwalk. 

For an added adventure, arrive at the national park by riding above the canopy on the wheelchair-accessible Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (wheelchair accessible for manual wheelchairs, depending on size, and offers a range of services for those with higher needs, including a Hidden Disabilities program). 

Skyrail can also provide complimentary onsite wheelchair use, subject to availability.

Daintree National Park

Man in wheelchair exploring accessible walks in Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Cairn & Great Barrier Reef

A visit to the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world will change you. Its deep spiritual significance to the Kuku Yalanji people is palpable, and it’s where two UNESCO World Heritage areas collide as the Wet Tropics reaches out to touch the Great Barrier Reef.

The Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park has three boardwalks that are wheelchair accessible—Marrdja, Dubuji and Kulki—and a fourth that is partially wheelchair accessible. Here you’ll discover ferns, cycads and ancient pines that have been evolving for over 400 million years, and spot camouflaged fiddler crabs and mud-skippers hiding amongst the mud.

The Daintree Discovery Centre is an incredible place to explore the region's beauty. From the visitor centre, head out on the aerial walkway; it's been designed to be wheelchair-accessible, accommodating most wheelchairs and prams—though some sections do have slight gradients so visitors with mobility devices may require assistance here (note: the canopy tower is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs). 

The walkway is suitable for visitors with vision impairment, with the lower section of the handrails and balustrades forming a continuous ‘shoreline’ along the length of the walkway. Audio guides are also available that have been fitted with a T switch to be suitable for use with hearing aids. 

If visiting the Daintree Discovery Centre with guide dogs, it's recommended that animals be fitted with appropriate protective footwear due to the metal-grated surface of the elevated walkways.

Elsewhere in the Daintree, amble along the elevated Baral Marrjanga track to see a spectacular array of butterflies and wildlife through the ancient rainforest of Mossman Gorge.

Wooroonoon National Park

Mamu Tropical Skywalk, a level metal viewing platform, stands out among tropical rainforest foliage at Wooroonoon National Park. A group of friends are on the platform, looking out at the greenery.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Wooroonoon National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

A wheelchair-accessible national park in the clouds, rise above the thick forest humidity and into a canopy of World Heritage rainforest on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk in Wooroonoon National Park, 

Just 15 minutes outside of Innisfail, facilities here are pram and wheelchair friendly, with braille for low-vision visitors. Explore from the forest floor to the treetops, with views over the North Johnstone River gorge and get to know the land of the Ma-Mu people.

Undara Volcanic National Park

Family of four and a tour guide walking along a boardwalk within a lava tube cave with Undara Experience

Undara Volcanic National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

In Queensland, even adventures below the surface are open to all. Explore the underground lava tubes at Undara Volcanic National Park, a few hours west of Cairns. It's incredible to think that these are the oldest standing lava tubes on earth originating from a single volcano—but it's even more moving to see it up close.

Wheelchair users can head out on a guided tour of Road Cave with Undara Experience, which has ramps and lift access to assist in safely getting around. Visitors can also spend the night in converted railway carriages which are also wheelchair-accessible. 

Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Barrine Teahouse and national park lakeside in Atherton Tablelands

Lake Barrine Teahouse, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

The Atherton Tablelands is a must-do while you're in Cairns, and if you find yourself winding through the Gillies Range be sure to pull over at Lake Barrine. Part of Crater Lakes National Park, deep blue Lake Barrine is technically a maar; a crater lake formed by two massive volcanic explosions.

Take the Twin kauris walk; a short but scenic track through the World Heritage tropical rainforest. Follow the sealed bitumen track to the boardwalk at the base of two exceptionally large bull kauri pines, which soar some 45m tall. These trees are the largest of all Australia's conifers and are found only in a small section of the Atherton Tablelands. Once you're done, a Devonshire Tea awaits by the water's edge at Lake Barrine Teahouse.

If iconic trees are your kind of adventure, put two other nearby wheelchair-accessible walks on your radar: Clohesy Fig boardwalk in Dinden National Park, and Curtain Fig National Park, where a 180-metre return boardwalk circles the famous 50-metre tall curtain fig and enables you to see all sides of its massive 39-metre circumference. 

Accessible walks on the Gold Coast

Lamington National Park

Two women walking across a boarded treetop walk

The Tree Top Walk at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast

Behind the glistening Gold Coast lies a deep green hinterland that dates back over 180 million years. Explore the green behind the gold along the Centenary Track in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park. This historically significant, 1.8km return sealed track winds through an aromatic World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest teeming with vibrant birdlife. Want to continue on? The first 700m of the Border Track is wheelchair-assisted. 

Spend the night among the trees at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Nestled in the lush, green national park, O'Reilly's offers two wheelchair-accessible mountain view rooms, and wheelchair-assisted walks depart from the retreat, too—including their famous Treetop Walk. 

Springbrook National Park

Nearby, Springbrook National Park offers even more natural immersion, with accessible facilities at the Gwongorella picnic area and Goomoolahra waterfall track, both designed with class one grades. Note: the waterfall track is not recommended for those with vertigo as the lookout peers over the top of the falls.

While you're exploring the park, take in the views across the valley and out to the coast from Canyon Lookout. Designated disabled parking is right in front of the lookout on an asphalt surface, and there is level entry onto the large viewing platform.

Tamborine National Park

While you’re in the hinterland, venture to Tamborine National Park to take the 500m return path to Cedar Creek Falls Lookout. It’s about a 30-minute return journey and an easy grade on bitumen suitable for strollers and assisted wheelchair access. You’ll come face to face with the cascading waterfalls and those swimming in the rock pools below.

Accessible walks on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa National Park and Great Sandy National Park

Couple  on the boardwalk in Noosa

Noosa Main Beach, Noosa National Park , Sunshine Coast

Holidaying in Noosa? This region is known for its accessible Noosa Main Beach, which offers beach wheelchairs, beach matting and calm waters to explore. But if you fancy a little time among the trees, head to Noosa National Park.

The Coastal Walk trailhead is at the end of Park Road, with designated disabled parking adjacent to the park entrance and wheelchair accessible walkways. The path is concrete and smooth, helpful with those in wheelchairs or using mobility aids and continues just over 1km to Dolphin Point. Beyond Dolphin Point the trail contains steps. 

Located north of the Sunshine Coast, Great Sandy National Park is comprised of two precincts: the Cooloola section and K'gari (formerly Fraser Island).

Known for its wild beaches and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, there are wheelchair-friendly walks in the Cooloola section, which spans from Rainbow Beach down to Noosa Heads. Check out the day-use area at the Freshwater campsite, the Bymien picnic area, Fig Tree Point, and Harry's camping and day-use areas for wheelchair-accessible amenities.

Glass House Mountains

Sunset views over dramatic Glass House Mountains from Glass House Mountains Lookout on the Sunshine Coast

Glass House Mountains Lookout, Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast skyline isn't high rises, it's the iconic peaks of the Glass House Mountains—the views at sunset are sure to leave their mark in a way only nature can. Glass House Mountains lookout is suitable for wheelchair-assisted visitors, while the nearby township of Glass House is a great spot to explore while you're in the area. 

Accessible walks in Mackay

Eungella National Park

Couple enjoying valley views at Sky Window Lookout Eungella National Park

Sky Window Lookout, Eungella National Park, Mackay

Eungella National Park is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks, and a must-visit if you’re in Mackay. Soak up the serenity of this mist-shrouded, rainforest-clad region about an hour and a half east of Mackay, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the platypus that call this area home.

The Sky Window walk is a short 300m wheelchair-accessible walk that won’t take your breath away—but the panoramic views of Pioneer Valley below surely will. There are plenty of interesting signs along the track where you can learn about local flora and fauna, as well as the significance of the region to Aboriginal culture.  

Accessible walks in Queensland Country

Girraween National Park

Short bushwalking trails at Girraween National Park, Granite Belt

Girraween National Park, Granite Belt, Queensland Country

Listen to the peaceful waters of Bald Rock Creek and smell the spring wildflowers along the Wyberba Walk in Girraween National Park—just a short journey from the vineyards and farm gates of the Granite Belt.

The short and sweet wheelchair-accessible walkways begin from the Bald Rock Campground, offering plenty of opportunity for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Keep your eye out for thornbills and bell turtles; take a break at the lookout and soak up the impressive views across to The Pyramid.

Accessible walks around the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Barrum Coast National Park

Banksia Track Boardwalk Burrum Coast National Park

Banksia Track Boardwalk, Burrum Coast National Park, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Experience a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, scented tea-tree forests, towering cabbage palms and birdlife galore in Burrum Coast National Park near Bundaberg.

Several areas in the Woodgate section of the park are wheelchair accessible. The Banksia Track ventures into a lush tea-tree wetland along an 800m-return wheelchair and pram-friendly boardwalk. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos lazing in the shade and listen to a cacophony of bird calls in the canopy above.

Nearby, Walkers Point day-use area offers 250m of sealed walking track suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

Mount Archer National Park

View of the elevated treetop boardwalk at Nurim Circuit Cultural Walks in Mount Archer National Park. The boardwalk is nestled among the trees, while views stretch out to mountains and a river in the background.

Nurim Circuit, Mount Archer National Park, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Explore above the treetops on the wheelchair-accessible Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk in Mount Archer National Park. The 500m flat boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River and extends a heart-racing 25m off the side of the mountain.

Take your time taking in the views and checking out the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture. This is a particularly popular spot for sunrise and sunset.

Wheelchair-accessible toilets and picnic tables are also provided.

Accessible activities beyond the national parks

A woman in a wheelchair enjoying the views out across the Brisbane river, having drinks with friends

Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane

Outside of Queensland national parks, you can find accessible walking trails from our cities to our beaches.

Brisbane’s extensive riverside pathways will serve up sweeping city views whether you’re tackling the Brisbane Riverwalk, South Bank or paths along the Bicentennial Bikeway. Or, get closer to the state’s most fascinating creatures while exploring the koala centre at Daisy Hill Conservation ParkWalkabout Creek Discovery Centre or David Fleay Wildlife Park, which all offer accessible access options.

Prefer crashing waves over the city bustle? Head out to Surfers Paradise Esplanade or the paths along Burleigh Heads for the best Gold Coast views.

Visit Queensland’s National Park website to discover all wheelchair-accessible walking trails. Some walking tracks have tactile indicators for vision-impaired visitors. Braille booklets, tactile maps and audio headsets are also available.

Check out these Queensland-accessible activities for every explorer.

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