Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania!

Devils at Cradle Wildlife Park

Why Visit?

Discover the wonders of Tasmania"s unique wildlife with an accessible visit to the Devils at Cradle Wildlife Park. Nestled in the pristine environment near Cradle Mountain, this conservation sanctuary specializes in the care and preservation of the Tasmanian Devil, along with other native carnivorous marsupials.

Getting There

The park is located just outside the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park entrance, approximately a 2-hour drive from Launceston and 1.5 hours from Devonport. Accessible parking spaces are available close to the entrance, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

Start Your Tour

Begin your visit at the visitor center, which is equipped with accessible restrooms and a gift shop. The center is fully accessible, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. From here, partake in the guided day tour or book an enchanting after-dark feeding tour to see these mysterious creatures in action.

Exploring the Sanctuary

The pathways around the sanctuary are well-maintained and wheelchair-friendly, allowing you to navigate easily between the various enclosures. Informative signage throughout the park provides interesting facts about the animals and their habitats, making every stop educational and engaging.

Wheelchair-Friendly Viewing Areas

Special viewing platforms are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring you get a front-row experience of the Tasmanian Devils in their natural-like habitats. Watch them dine, play, or interact with each other, a truly intimate encounter.

Learn and Interact

Join one of the park’s knowledgeable guides for a "Keeper Talk," available throughout the day. These sessions are held in accessible areas and are a fantastic way to learn more about the ongoing conservation efforts and the biology of the Tasmanian Devils.

Before You Leave

Don’t forget to stop by the accessible cafe for some refreshments or a light meal, rounding off your visit with a taste of local produce.

A visit to Devils at Cradle is not just a tour; it’s a chance to support crucial conservation work while enjoying the captivating beauty of Tasmania’s wildlife in a fully accessible setting.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Lake St. Clair

Why Visit?

Discover the serene beauty of Lake St. Clair on a wheelchair-friendly adventure that promises captivating landscapes and accessible amenities. This glacially sculpted lake, nestled between Ontario, Canada, and Michigan, USA, offers a refreshing getaway with stunning waterfront views and well-paved paths.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your day at the Lake St. Clair Metropark, easily accessible from Detroit via I-94 E. This sprawling area features ample disabled parking and accessible restrooms. Start with a leisurely roll along the 1,600-foot boardwalk, where you can breathe in the fresh lake air and catch a glimpse of local wildlife. The path is smooth, flat, and offers plenty of shaded resting spots.

Midday: Picnic and Nature Watch

Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the accessible picnic areas overlooking the marina. The tables are wheelchair-friendly, offering a comfortable spot to relax. After lunch, head over to the Nature Center, accessible via a paved path, to learn about the lake’s ecosystem and its role in the Great Lakes Basin. The center offers tactile exhibits and an accessible viewing area.

Afternoon: Fishing and Boating

Lake St. Clair is renowned for its world-class fishing. The park"s fishing pier is designed with wheelchair users in first mind, featuring lower guardrails and a stable surface. If you"re interested in a scenic cruise, check with local charters like Lake St. Clair Sailing, which offers accessible boating options.

Late Afternoon: Sunset and Departure

Wrap up your visit by admiring a stunning sunset from the accessible beach area, where the paths are firm and lead close to the water"s edge. It"s a perfect spot to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Interesting Fact: Lake St. Clair, though smaller than its Great Lakes neighbors, is pivotal in connecting Lake Huron and Lake Erie and has a surprisingly fast water renewal rate, cycling through its volume every 7-10 days!

This accessible itinerary ensures a delightful and inclusive experience at Lake St. Clair, blending relaxation with engaging activities perfectly suited for everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Cradle Mountain

Why Visit?

Embark on a breathtaking journey through Craxe Mountain, a jewel in Tasmania"s wilderness heritage, perfectly accessible for those on wheels. This wheelchair-friendly adventure promises awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and serene moments in nature.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your tour at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, which offers accessible parking and facilities. Here, you can grab a map and check out the interactive displays detailing the area"s flora and fauna. Board the accessible shuttle bus, equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs, making stops at various key points around the park.

Stop 1: Dove Lake

The shuttle"s first stop is the iconic Dove Lake. The lake features a boarded path that is smooth and wide, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. Revel in the stunning view of Cradle Mountain reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake. There are several accessible viewing platforms along the path, offering the perfect spot for a scenic break.

Day 2: Wildlife and Wilderness

Start your morning with a visit to the Wildlife Walk, a gentle, flat boardwalk through button grass plains where you can spot wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat.

Stop 2: Enchanted Walk

Next, venture to the Enchanted Walk, a magical experience through ancient rainforests with cascading streams and moss-covered stones. The path is well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the enchanting surroundings.

Day 3: Leisure and Departure

On your final day, take time to visit the Cradle Mountain Lodge, where accessible facilities provide comfort and great views. Indulge in a heartwarming meal at the lodge"s restaurant, which offers local cuisine from Tasmania’s rich produce.

Each step of your journey at Cradle Mountain is not just an exploration of natural beauty, but also an easy and enjoyable experience with thoughtful accessibility features, ensuring that everyone can partake in the wonders of Tasmania’s wilderness.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.