accessible travel in tropical north queensland

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Daintree & Cape Tribulation Accessible Itinerary

Cape Tribulation is renowned as the place where the rainforest meets the reef. It is 2.5 hours north of Cairns. Within the rainforest, there are several accessible boardwalks and beach access points. There are picnic facilities and a variety of small cafes along the route. Discover the best of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation with this two day accessible itinerary.

This article was produced in partnership with Spinal Life Australia’s Accessible Australia

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Day

Day 1

Cairns – Cape Tribulation

Great Barrier Reef Drive

Great Barrier Reef Drive

Travel from Cairns along the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive towards the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Full day coach tours are available with 2-3 steps to be negotiated, limited space for wheelchair storage and constant loading and unloading to experience activities involved. Self-drive, accessible parking options are available throughout the Daintree National Park.

Please note that during peak periods (school holidays) there can be long queues at the Daintree Ferry which may add more than an hour to your journey. We recommend during these times that you aim to head north early and reach the ferry before 10:00am.

Mossman Gorge


Mossman Gorge

On the way to and from the Daintree, guests can stop off to check out the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. The visitor centre and the shuttle bus are both wheelchair accessible, as is the Mossman Gorge day-use area, parking, toilets and the elevated boardwalk (Baral Marrjanga Track) through the rainforest to the Mossman River lookout. There is no wheelchair access to the lower river track, the beach area or Rex Creek bridge track.

Exotic fruits at Cape Trib Farm

Cape Trib Farm

Set in a landscape of ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and tropical orchards, Cape Trib Farm offers a delicious escape from the world and an adventure for your taste buds. Cape Trib Farm boasts an idyllic location at Cape Tribulation, wedged between two World Heritage listed sites – the Daintree Rainforest on one side and the palm-fringed tropical beaches of the Great Barrier Reef on the other. Cape Trib Farm is bursting with over 70 rare and exotic fruits and celebrated for its iconic farmgate tasting experiences.

accessible travel in tropical north queensland

Rainforest Boardwalks

The Daintree Rainforest is home to several rainforest boardwalks that are wheelchair accessible or partially accessible.

Dubuji Boardwalk – 1.2km track (lowland rainforest – allow 45 minutes walking time). From the Daintree ferry, drive 34km north along the Cape Tribulation Road and pull into the Dubuji car park, 5km past Noah Beach camping area. Wheelchair users may require assistance.

Kulki Boardwalk to the lookout – 600m track (coastal landscape – Allow 10 minutes walking time).  From the Daintree ferry, drive 35km along the Cape Tribulation Road and pull into the signposted car park, 7km past Noah Beach camping area. Wheelchair users may require assistance

Fan Palms in the Daintree

Madja Boardwalk –1.2km track (lowland rainforest and mangroves – Allow 45 minutes). From the Daintree ferry, drive 27km north along the Cape Tribulation road and pull into the Madja car park, 6km past Thornton Beach. Wheelchair users may require assistance.

Jindalba Boardwalk – Wheelchair access to the creek is available from the exit end only, near the disabled access parking bays. From the Daintree ferry, drive 10km north along Cape Tribulation Road then turn right into Tulip Oak Road (2km past the Mount Alexandra lookout), and drive a further 1km to the Jindalba car park.

Day 2

Cape Tribulation – Cairns



Myall Beach

See the place where two World Heritage Sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest – at Myall Beach. It can be accessed via Avalon Close (behind the Pharmacy) and has a wheelchair friendly path and boardwalk to the beach.

daintree discovery centre


Daintree Discovery Centre

The Daintree Discovery Centre is an award-winning world class interpretive facility that allows visitors easy access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest; from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy. Established in 1989, the centre is widely recognised as a leader in the field of ecotourism, and in particular, environmental conservation.  View the centre’s interactive map for a closer look at the attractions available. They also provide an audio Daintree Rainforest tour included as part of the entry fee for you to enjoy.

While the aerial walkway was designed to accommodate most wheelchairs and prams, some sections do have slight gradients. Visitors using a mobility device may need assistance. Due to natural variations in the terrain, the lower-level boardwalks and walkways may not be accessible to all visitors using mobility devices. An accessible car park is located close to the main public entry ramp. There is a graded ramp that leads visitors from the car park to the entrance / cafe / souvenir shop. The accessible toilet is located adjacent to the reception area. Note there is no accessible toilet located at the interpretive centre.

solar whisper wildlife cruise

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Search for crocodiles, birds and wildlife on the Daintree River with Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises on a zero emission boat. There is a ramp to boat and one step to negotiate (crew assistance to lift chair).

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