Australia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and iconic nature trails, many of which are accessible for people with disability. So, if you want adventure, awe-inspiring views, and to spend time in nature, we have got you covered. Listed below, and divided by state, are some of the best accessible nature trails Australia has to offer.
Queensland
Buderim Boardwalk
On the northern side of Buderim, you will find a 45-hectare oasis of wild rain forest, beautiful boardwalks, and the serenity of nature. The Buderim Boardwalk is a 500m long elevated wheelchair friendly track allowing access to the rainforest. There is a rotunda and picnic area as well.
Barron Falls Lookout Track
The Barron Falls Lookout Track is in the Barron Gorge National Park. Suspended above the forest floor, the 1.2 km track is wheelchair accessible. It winds its way through the rainforest all the way to the epic views of the Din Din Barron Falls lookout. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over the gorge also offers accessible facilities, and the Speewah Conservation Park campgrounds are wheelchair-friendly as well.
Daintree National Park
The Daintree National Park in Cape Tribulation is one of the most biologically diverse and stunning areas in the world. There are several accessible boardwalks waiting to be explored – the Marja Boardwalk, Dubuji Boardwalk and Kulki Boardwalk are all completely accessible and the Jindalba Boardwalk is partially accessible.
Toohey Ridge Track
The Toohey Forest Reserve is located just 10km from Brisbane’s CBD, and its 5km Toohey Ridge Track offers 5km of accessible nature trail exploring through beautiful eucalyptus trees.
New South Wales
Bungoona Path and Lookout
Did someone say a pathway designed for wheelchair and mobility aid accessibility? The Bungoona trail in the Royal National Park did! The cement pathway was designed specifically designed with accessibility in mind, which we love. The path leads to a scenic lookout over the river and national park, and there is also the Reids Flat picnic area nearby. If you want a taste for the adventure the park has to offer before going, you can take a virtual tour here. Please note that the park entry fee is $12 per vehicle per day to enter.
The Rainforest Walking Track
About two hours outside of Sydney is the Rainforest Walking Track found in the Roberston Nature Reserve. The track was designed to be accessible, however the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service notes that some assistance may be needed navigating the track. The track runs on a 0.6km loop.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
The Kamay Botany Bay National Park is located at La Perouse and Kurnell in Sydney. The Cape Solander is well known for whale watching (June and July are the best months). TrailRiders are needed to access Cape Solander are and need to be booked in advance. You can visit the Burrawang Walk which starts at the Visitor Centre and runs for 1.1 km.
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is iconic. Just two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountain hosts some of the most incredible views in Australia. Both the Fairfax Heritage Walking Track and the Three Sisters walk offer an accessible experience and sensational views.
Victoria
Lake Trail
The Lake Trail around Lake Karkarook offers more than just an accessible pathway. There is a beautiful picnic area with open sided tables, a wheelchair friendly boat and canoe latching area and an accessible fishing jetty.
Grampians National Park
Northwest Victoria’s Grampians are well known for its endless views, secret gorges, and epic waterfalls. For the best views of the Mackenzie Falls (and perhaps a rainbow or two), there is a 1km accessible pathway that leads to the viewing platform at the Bluff. TrailRiders are available and need to be booked in advance.
Dandenong Ranges
From the Grampians in the north-west of Victoria to east Victoria – the Dandenong Ranges are famous for their bird feeding areas… and the birds of course! Rosellas, Galahs, Cockatoos and sometimes even a Lyre bird can be spotted in the accessible Grants Picnic Ground and the nearby Margaret Lester Walk which has been designed for people with limited mobility. TrailRiders are available and need to be booked in advance.
Australian Capital Territory
Sanctuary Loop Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The Sanctuary Loop in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers an accessible 2.1 km pathway through the wetlands where you can spot platypus, turtles, and waterbirds in their natural environment. The pathway does alternate between bitumen, boardwalk and dirt, and there are TrailRiders available with advance booking.
Tasmania
Russel Falls
Russell Falls in the Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. The 600m circuit path is accessible and takes about 20 minutes to complete. There are accessible facilities and a café nearby.
Thermal Springs Sensory Trail
Hastings Cave State Reserve is home to the Thermal Springs Sensory Trail. This trail was specially designed for people with disabilities. The trail lasts about 10 minutes and takes you through a wet forest area to experience the springs. The boardwalk is accessible, and the trail has been designed to accommodate the experience of people who are visually impaired. The café and visitor centre are fully accessible. The pool which is filled with water from the thermal springs is also fully accessible, although assistance may be needed to reach the swimming pool area.
South Australia
Adelaide Park Lands Trail
The Adelaide Park Lands Trail offers three circuit options – the 18.1km full circuit, 16km Southern Adelaide circuit, and 9km North Adelaide circuit – offering accessible pathways through the city’s parklands and across the River Torrens.
Laratinga Wetlands
The beauty of Adelaide Hills is well knowns, and within this gorgeous area is the Laratinga Wetlands, which have three defined trails. The wetlands also interact with the Mount Baker Linear Trail. The trail pathways were designed for accessibility.
Western Australia
Turquoise Way Trail
Jurien Bay’s 14.2km Turquoise Way Trail runs along the Coral Coast region from Jurien Bay Marina to Hill River Mouth. The accessible track offers stunning coastal views, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, cafes and more.
Forest Path
Found in the Crooked Brook Conservation Park is the 600m accessible Forest Path nature trail look which showcases the local flora and fauna through the jarrah forest region.
Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Ever wanted to be up amongst the canopy of one of the most beautiful regions in Australia? The accessible Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is 600 metres long and sits 40 metres above the ground winding its way through the famous Karri and Red Tingle Trees.
Northern Territory
Kathleen Springs
Spanning 2.4km along a paved pathway, the Kathleen Springs trail in the Watarrka National Park takes you on a journey through history. You can learn about Aboriginal culture, the history of the area in the cattle industry, visit the spring fed waterhole in Kathleen Gorge and more. It’s always important to stay hydrated, and because there is no drinking water available once you leave the carpark area, it’s recommended that you take water with you.
Uluru Base Walk
What is more iconic than Uluru? The Uluru Base Walk is a 10.6km loop around the Uluru and is completely accessible. You can also take the Lungkata walk, which is a little less crowded than some of the other tracks around Uluru. This track is 4km and runs from the Kuniya to Mala carparks. It’s important to note that it is only accessible in dry weather.
*The nature trails listed may have varying levels of accessibility (e.g., slope, terrain). It’s important to check that the nature trails are suitable for your individual circumstances before going.
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