Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Green Island!

Green Island

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Green Island, a tropical paradise accessible and enjoyable for wheelchair and mobile scooter users. Your adventure starts with a smooth, accessible ferry ride from Cairns, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves from specially designed accessible viewing areas.

Upon arriving at Green Island, explore its beauty on a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk that winds through the lush rainforest. Learn about the diverse plant life and keep an eye out for native birds flitting among the trees. These pathways are well-maintained and flat, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters.

Don"t miss the Green Island Resort"s day visitor area, where you can access an accessible beach wheelchair to enjoy the white sandy beaches. The calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, and with assisted snorkeling tours available, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

For a break, visit Marineland Melanesia, a fascinating nautical museum and crocodile habitat where you can safely view large crocodiles and marine artifacts. The facility is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits without hassle.

Make sure to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the island"s eateries, offering accessible dining areas with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. Indulge in fresh seafood or local delicacies as you soak in the tropical ambiance.

Before heading back to Cairns, take a moment to relax in the island’s accessible spa facilities or browse through the gift shop, which is equipped with wide aisles and easy access.

Green Island is not only a natural wonder but also a beacon of accessibility, ensuring that its wonders are open to all, making it a perfect and inclusive tropical getaway.

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

Cairns Night Markets & Food Court

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Cairns Night Markets & Food Court

Getting There

Cairns Night Markets are a vibrant hub located on the Esplanade in the heart of the city. For wheelchair and scooter users, navigating is a breeze, thanks to flat, well-paved streets and ample accessible parking available directly behind the markets on Abbott Street. Public transport options are equally convenient, with accessible buses frequently serving nearby stops.

Start Your Tour

Kick off your evening adventure at around 5 PM when the market comes alive. Enter through any of the accessible entrances, with the main one conveniently situated on the Esplanade. Immediately, you"re greeted by the lively atmosphere, a mix of tantalizing aromas, and the buzz of excited shoppers and diners.

Explore the Stalls

The Cairns Night Markets are a treasure trove of over 70 stalls, all wheelchair accessible, offering local crafts, souvenirs, and unique Australian goods—perfect for picking up a memento or gift. The aisles are spacious, ensuring easy maneuverability for wheelchairs and scooters.

Dine at the Food Court

Move towards the food court area, where you"ll find an eclectic mix of food stalls featuring dishes from around the world. From succulent seafood to traditional Australian BBQ, and a variety of Asian cuisines, there"s something to satisfy every palate. The seating areas are thoughtfully designed to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Interesting Facts

Opened in 1991, the markets are not just a shopping destination but a cultural experience, showcasing local performers and indigenous artists. The Night Markets operate every night of the year from 5 PM to 11 PM, making them a flexible option for any itinerary.

Wind Down

Conclude your visit by enjoying a leisurely stroll back along the Esplanade, or catch one of the frequent buses back to your accommodation, reflecting on a delightful evening immersed in the local culture of Cairns.

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

Birdworld Kuranda

Why Visit?

Experience the enchanting realm of Birdworld Kuranda, nestled in the heart of Kuranda Rainforest. This colorful paradise is fully accessible, offering a delightful outing for visitors on wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Getting There

Begin your adventure with the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns, which offers wheelchair-friendly services with prior arrangements. The charming train ride unveils breathtaking views of Barron Gorge National Park. Once in Kuranda, Birdworld is easily accessible, located just a short stroll from the railway station. Alternatively, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provides an aerial view of the lush landscape and has accessible cabins that accommodate wheelchairs up to 630mm in width.

Exploring Birdworld

Upon arrival, the pathways in Birdworld are well-paved and flat, ensuring smooth navigation throughout. As you enter, you"ll be greeted by the vibrant hues and diverse species of birds. The sanctuary houses over 350 birds, representing 60 different species from all corners of the globe. The aviaries are designed to mimic the birds" natural habitats, allowing you to observe these magnificent creatures as if you were in the wild.

Don’t Miss Highlights

1. The Amazonian macaws - Their brilliant plumage and playful antics are captivating.

2. The cheeky Australian cockatoos - Always ready for a photo.

3. The rare and exotic cassowaries - With their vivid blue and jet-black colors, they are a must-see.

Accessibility and Facilities

Birdworld ensures that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can enjoy their visit. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available, and the staff is always ready to assist with any special needs.

End your visit at the Birdworld’s gift shop, which is accessible and offers a range of souvenirs, ensuring you take a piece of this avian paradise home. Birdworld Kuranda is not just a bird sanctuary; it"s an accessible retreat that brings you face-to-face with nature and wildlife in a serene, inclusive environment.

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

Behana Gorge Waterfall

Why Visit?

Behana Gorge Waterfall Accessible Adventure

Getting There

Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes just south of Cairns, Behana Gorge Waterfall presents an invigorating retreat into nature, fully accessible by wheelchair. Start your journey from Cairns, driving approximately 30 minutes along the Bruce Highway before turning onto Behana Gorge Road. Here, a paved path accessible by vehicles leads closer to the gorge, allowing those with mobility aids to get up close without difficulty.

At the Waterfall

Upon arrival, a parking area adjacent to the clear, inviting waters of Behana Creek serves as the starting point. From here, an accessible viewing platform offers a stunning view of the waterfall cascading into the deep pool below, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush rainforest. The sounds of the falls and native bird calls create a serene soundtrack to your visit.

Experience & Engage

The area around Behana Gorge is rich in flora and fauna. Engage with interpretative signs along the viewing area that detail the unique ecosystem at play, including the rare ferns and orchids that thrive in the moist, shaded environment. The creek itself is home to an array of freshwater species, which can sometimes be spotted from the platform.

Facilities & Comfort

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at the main parking area, ensuring comfort throughout your visit. Picnic tables nearby provide the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature’s splendor.

Interesting Fact

Behana Gorge not only serves as a natural haven but also plays a crucial role in supplying water to the local area, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to preserve these vital ecosystems.

Wrap-Up

Behana Gorge Waterfall offers a tranquil yet accessible escape into one of Queensland’s picturesque natural landscapes, making it a must-visit for those seeking both adventure and accessibility.

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

Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey through the lush rainforest of Queensland at the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, where the wonders of nature are accessible to all. This wheelchair-friendly expedition promises breathtaking views and a seamless adventure amidst ancient flora and fauna.

Getting There

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, located within the Wooroonooran National Park, about 90 minutes south of Cairns. The route is well-signposted, and accessible parking spots are available close to the entrance.

Experience the Skywalk

Start at the visitor center, where accessible restrooms and a café provide comfort and convenience. Here, you can rent a wheelchair or ensure your mobile scooter is ready for the journey. The main attraction, a 350-meter long elevated walkway, hovers above the ground, offering a safe and smooth path that leads you through the stunning canopy of the rainforest. At a gentle grade, it’s perfect for wheelchairs and scooters.

The highlight of your tour will be the 37-meter high observation tower, equipped with a spacious elevator, delivering you to panoramic views of the North Queensland landscape. Gaze out over the Johnstone River gorge, the Bellenden Ker Range, and beyond.

Interactive Features

Along the way, engage with interactive displays that detail the rich biodiversity of the area, including information about the unique species of plants and birds that make this rainforest their home.

Rest and Reflect

Midway, find the Cantilever, a dramatic 40-meter long structure jutting out into the green expanse. It’s a perfect spot to rest, featuring benches and space to maneuver. Take in the sounds of rushing water from the nearby river and the calls of the Ulysses butterfly.

Wrap up your visit by enjoying a snack at the café, offering lovely views and a fitting end to your accessible adventure at the Mamu Tropical Skywalk.

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