Wheelchair Friendly Trails to Explore This Autumn

The best accessible trails Australia has to offer

The summer heat is now behind us, and stunning autumn days are ahead. So, what better way to make the most of this gorgeous season than get outdoors, breathe in clean, fresh air and admire some breathtaking scenery.

Our version of Australia’s top eight wheelchair-accessible trails is inspired by a recent article featuring West Australian hiking enthusiast, Robbi Flynn.

Here are our top picks for some of the best wheelchair-accessible trails our beautiful country has to offer.

Wilson’s Prom (VIC)

This picture-perfect Victorian jewel offers the trifecta – beautiful bushland, mountain ranges and gorgeous sea views. What’s not to love!?

There are many suitable trails for all-terrain wheelchairs, which are also available to hire if required. To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the accessible experiences on offer, Parks Victoria released this video – produced and narrated by park visitor and wheelchair user, Ryan Smith.

For more info, click here 

Three Sisters Walk (NSW)

We know it’s an overused term, but this trail really is breathtaking. This trail is a sensory treat with the ever-changing views of the grand Three Sisters rising nearly a kilometre above sea level.

The trail is wheelchair friendly to the Oreades Lookout – although some sections have a 10 per cent slope and may require some assistance. Access beyond Oreades lookout is not recommended for wheelchairs as it involves several steps.

For more info, click here

Burleigh Heads National Park (QLD)

In the heart of the Gold Coast, this National Park offers the most idyllic trail flanked by the foreshore and rainforest.

The gorgeous Oceanview trail offers wheelchair assisted access and, if you’re lucky, you may get the chance to spot some whales and sea eagles, or even the most mesmerising birdwing butterflies.

It’s a 2.4km round trip and picnicking in the stunning scene post-hike is strongly suggested! Unfortunately, the other tracks within the park are not wheelchair accessible.

For more info, click here

Lorikeet Loop Walk (SA)

This 3km, flat loop trail is located within the Belair National Park in the gorgeous Adelaide Hills and offers an ideal opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature. You can also meet the park’s resident lorikeets and rosellas, who are equal parts noisy and attractive. The trail takes around 90 minutes and provides easy wheelchair access, and also allows dog walking.

For more info, click here

Kuljak Island (WA)

As voted by Robbi Flynn, Kuljak Island is Western Australia’s best nature-viewing trail. Centrally located and easy to access, this beauty has an abundance of pelicans and swans.

The area is also surrounded by various paved paths with easy access from the carpark for wheelchairs and/or prams.

It’s worth noting that there are no toilet or BBQ facilities on the island and being a wildlife sanctuary, fishing is not permitted. While it is dog-friendly, your furry friend must be on a leash.

For more info, click here

Russell Falls Track (TAS)

This picturesque short trail is through a lush rainforest in Mount Field, Tasmania, and is best suited to wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.

The 1.4km tranquil hike to the beautiful Russell Falls may even present a special opportunity to spot a platypus in the creek. It’s a relaxed walk with no bushwalking experience required. It has a flat, even surface with no steps or steep angles.

For more info, click here

Territory Trails (ACT)

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the Australian Capital Territory is a must see, with a stunning tapestry of trails and wetlands which are populated by cute and friendly wildlife. Tidbinbilla offers mobility access to many popular locations including The Sanctuary, the Eucalypt Forest, Sheedy’s Picnic Area and the Visitor Centre. These locations have accessible toilets, designated parking areas and paved footpaths allowing independent wheelchair access.

There is an awesome playground that has a bird’s nest swing suitable for very young children and people with limited mobility. TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs are available for free day hire from the Visitor Centre. A TrailRiders are a cool way for mobility-impaired visitors to explore and enjoy all that the bush capital has to offer.

For more info, click here

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (NT)

As for the Northern Territory, nothing compares to exploring the base of Uluru, with its natural beauty and rich culture. Most of the tracks are wheelchair accessible and range from easy to moderate. Uluru and Kata Tjuta hold great spiritual significance as they are places where many creation stories converge.

At Uluru, there are two trails that are accessible for wheelchairs. The Mala Trail is 2 km return and the Kuniya Trail is a leisurely 1 km return.

For more info, click here

If you know of any great Wheelchair Accessible Trails, please let us know at care@carersolutions.com.au we’ll add them to the list!