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Charting a New Frontier: Our 18-Month Mission to Map Accessible Australia Begins

Join Sam and her loyal travel companion Charlie on a 12–18 month caravan journey across Australia. Together, they’re uncovering the best accessible accommodation, attractions, and tours—so you can travel with confidence.

Follow The Story

Follow Sam’s journey as she explores Australia’s most inclusive destinations. From accessible tours to wheelchair-friendly stays, each blog shares insights, tips, and reviews to help you plan your own accessible adventure.

Accessible Frontiers: Mandurah, WA

Blog Update: Accessible Mandurah: Sam is Cruising, Paddling, and Discovering the Giants (WA Style!)

This stop is all about proving that the best accessible travel doesn’t always have to involve long drives and self-transfers sometimes, it’s about beautifully designed infrastructure right in the heart of a city. Over the last week, I’ve traded in the 4WD for accessible paddle launches, luxury houseboats, and a massive art trail. Here’s what I found in this jewel of the Peel region!

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Sam’s Highlights

Every stop on Sam’s journey reveals something special about accessible travel in Australia. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these highlights showcase destinations, attractions, and experiences that welcome everyone. Each feature has been chosen for its inclusivity, accessibility, and ability to create unforgettable memories—because travel should be about discovery, not barriers.

📍 Queensland

Sam’s journey through Queensland uncovered some of the state’s most stunning accessible experiences. From the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the soaring views of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, to the wildlife encounters at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and the elevated pathways of the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Queensland proved that adventure and accessibility can go hand in hand.

Read Sam's Insights

📍 Northern Territory

Sam’s journey through the Northern Territory has revealed some of the Top End’s most memorable accessible experiences. From casting a line at Hooked on Barra’s level fishing platforms, and exploring Darwin’s rich history with Walk Darwin’s flat, paved tours, to sampling native flavours on the Darwin Gourmet Food Tour’s wheelchair-friendly route, encountering Australia’s apex predators at Crocosaurus Cove’s accessible facility, and relaxing along the inclusive paths and water access at the Darwin Waterfront, the NT proves that adventure and accessibility truly belong together.

Read Sam's Insights
Accessible Frontiers - Next Stop NT

Coming Soon!

Sam’s adventure has officially crossed into Western Australia—land of stunning coastlines, ancient landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. As she kicks off this next leg of the journey, we’d love your help! Do you know an accessible beach, winery, tour, or local gem that deserves a spot on the AOZ Accessibility & Inclusion Index? Send your suggestions and be part of the movement for a truly accessible Australia.

Become a Contributor

Help shape the future of accessible travel in Australia by joining our community of Accessible Frontier Map Makers.

As Sam continues her journey, we’re looking for your insights on the most inclusive destinations, attractions, and experiences across the country. Share your recommendations and play a part in building Australia’s most comprehensive accessibility index.

Every suggestion counts — and if we audit a place you’ve recommended, you’ll be credited as an official Map Maker in our reviews. Fill out our forms down below!

📌 Use our official hashtag #AOZAccessibleFrontiers when you share your ideas online to be part of the conversation.

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Accessible Frontier Contributor

Kuranda Skyrail & Train 

Kuranda Skyrail
Sam aboard the Skyrail.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforest with the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway. Begin your adventure gliding silently above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lush landscape, including the majestic Barron Falls. You can alight at mid-stations like Red Peak and Barron Falls to explore the rainforest floor on accessible boardwalks and learn about this ancient ecosystem. Then, step back in time aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through 15 hand-carved tunnels, over dramatic bridges, and past towering waterfalls, all while enjoying fascinating commentary about the railway’s 130-year history. In between, discover the charming Kuranda Village, known as the “Village in the Rainforest,” with its vibrant markets, unique shops, and wildlife attractions.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access signage
Wheelchair access at Skyrail.

Both the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway are highly committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. The Skyrail offers gondolas that can be slowed or stopped for easy, stress-free boarding and disembarking, with friendly operators on hand to assist. All areas of the Skyrail experience, including boardwalks and lookout points, are accessible via ramps and wide pathways, and accessible restrooms are available throughout. The Kuranda Scenic Railway features dedicated accessible carriages with ramp access, spacious seating, and accessible restrooms. It’s recommended to advise the operators at the time of booking if you require special assistance or are travelling with a wheelchair, as capacity for accessible coaches and specific wheelchair types may have guidelines. Complimentary wheelchairs are also available for on-site use at Skyrail, subject to availability.

Sam’s Insights 

♿️ Manual wheelchairs available for use on skyrail 

🎧 Apps for audio and different languages. Download before you hop on skrail and at each tower the elders from the Tjapakai drive will tell you a dreamtime story 

⚠️ Some wheelchairs will not fit into the diamond carriages which have the glass bottom and there is also a weight limit 

✅ On the train carriage 5 has dedicated spaces for wheelchairs. They will organise a lift into the carriage.

 

Mamu Tropical Skywalk – TNQ

View at Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
View at Mamu Tropical Skywalk.

Soar above the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest at the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, an immersive experience designed for all! This incredible attraction offers a unique perspective, taking you from the forest floor up into the lush canopy via a 350-meter elevated walkway and a stunning cantilever that extends out into the rainforest.

Excellent news for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges

Wheelchair-friendly access at Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Wheelchair-friendly access at Mamu Tropical Skywalk.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk boasts exceptional accessibility. The entire 2.5km return walk, including the elevated skywalk and cantilever, is largely wheelchair and stroller friendly, with compacted pathways and gentle inclines. Alternative routes are clearly signposted, and tap rails are provided for visitors with vision impairment. While the very top of the 37-meter observation tower is accessed by stairs and not wheelchair accessible, the lower viewing deck still offers spectacular, uninterrupted vistas. Accessible toilets, seating along the paths, and even a courtesy vehicle for the mobility impaired are provided to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone. Download the free Mamu Tropical Skywalk app before your visit for an informative audio tour available in multiple languages!

Sam’s Notes

♿️ This attraction is suitable for most wheelchair users, though I would not recommend it for wheelchairs with narrow wheels due to the gravel. 

🦼 There is an ATV designed for people who can self transfer and the staff can drive this throughout the whole walk if someone needs to use it

⚠️ The only thing that is not accessible is the observation tower

✅ Large WA toilets 

📱 There is an app you can download to listen to a guide that explains the flora and fauna

👨‍🦯 There are tap rails for the vision impaired

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Hooked on Barra

Hooked on Barra

A peaceful, purpose-built fishing experience with accessibility front of mind. The site features eco-casting decks, safe walkways, accessible toilet facilities, and seating—all engineered to be inclusive and easy to navigate. It’s a relaxing spot to try your hand at fishing, with thoughtful infrastructure that supports wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility.

Walk Darwin

Walk Darwin

This locally guided walking tour offers a leisurely pace and a clear route across flat footpaths, making it ideal for travellers with mobility concerns. Sam appreciated the welcoming and inclusive vibe, noting that the operators are open to suggestions for improving accessibility. It’s a great way to explore Darwin’s rich stories on foot while enjoying an experience that’s mindful of different needs.

Darwin Gourmet Tours

Darwin Gourmet Tours

Wheelchair-accessible venues, a flat and easy route, and warm, inclusive hosts make this tour a standout. The gourmet stops are thoughtfully selected and provide a delicious introduction to Darwin’s diverse food scene. As Sam noted, this is one of the rare foodie experiences where you can indulge and feel completely at ease navigating the journey.

 

… And more insights by Sam in her blog! Read it now.

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