Australia’s expansive long-distance train journeys—The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, and The Overland—offer a unique way to experience the country’s vast landscapes. However, for travelers using wheelchairs, accessibility is limited, and careful planning is essential to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Onboard Accessibility
- Gold Access Cabins: Each train provides a Gold Access Cabin specifically designed for travelers who use wheelchairs. These cabins are equipped with extra space and an ensuite accessible bathroom. However, only one accessible cabin is available per train, meaning only one wheelchair user can book per journey. Availability is extremely limited, and passengers may be required to complete a fitness-to-travel form to confirm their ability to manage the onboard environment.
- Corridor and Facility Access: Navigating other areas of the train can be challenging. The corridors leading to the dining car and lounge areas are narrow, requiring wheelchair users to transfer to a special onboard push wheelchair provided by train staff. Standard wheelchairs are too wide to move through the train’s corridors, further restricting independent movement.
- Restrooms: The Gold Access Cabin includes an ensuite accessible bathroom, making it the only truly accessible restroom onboard. Other public restrooms are not wheelchair-friendly, so it is recommended that travelers use the ensuite facilities in their cabins. This limitation is important for travelers who may require frequent restroom access.
Onboard Mobility and Seating Limitations
- Personal Wheelchairs Cannot Be Used Onboard: All personal mobility devices—including wheelchairs, scooters, and walking frames—must be stored as luggage for the duration of the trip. Travelers cannot remain in their own wheelchairs while onboard. Instead, they must transfer to a seat within the Gold Access Cabin.
- Onboard Wheelchair Limitations: A special onboard push wheelchair is provided for moving through the train. However, this wheelchair is not self-propelled, meaning that travelers who are normally independent may lose their ability to move around without assistance. Passengers who need to get to the dining car or restroom must have a travel companion to push them, as train staff do not assist with personal mobility beyond basic boarding and alighting.
- Challenges for Those Needing Custom Seating Support: If a traveler requires a custom seat cushion for health or medical reasons, such as pressure relief or spinal support, they must bring their own cushion and confirm in advance that it will fit in the train’s fixed seating. Since personal wheelchairs cannot be used, this could create discomfort or health concerns for passengers with specialized seating needs.
Boarding and Alighting
- Ramps and Lifts: Train staff provide boarding assistance using ramps or lifts where necessary. However, beyond the boarding process, assistance is limited, and travelers must be able to transfer independently or with the help of their own companion.
- Checking Personal Mobility Devices: All personal wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices must be checked in as luggage. This means that passengers will not have access to their own wheelchair during the journey and must rely on the train’s onboard wheelchair instead.
Station Accessibility
- Major Terminals: Key train stations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney generally have accessible restrooms, elevators, and ramps. However, it is still recommended to check specific station amenities before traveling, as accessibility standards may differ.
- Regional Stations: Smaller, regional train stations may have limited accessibility. Some locations may have steep ramps with gradients greater than 1 in 14, making them difficult to navigate without assistance. Before booking, wheelchair users should verify the accessibility features of their departure and arrival stations to avoid unexpected barriers.
Additional Considerations for Wheelchair Travelers
- Pre-Travel Notification: Due to the extremely limited availability of accessible cabins and the specific arrangements required for wheelchair users, it is essential to notify the train service provider of any accessibility needs at the time of booking. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
- Fitness-to-Travel Assessment: Passengers with mobility impairments may be required to complete a fitness-to-travel form. This form ensures that the traveler can safely navigate the train environment, particularly given the limited access to personal mobility devices and the onboard wheelchair’s push-only design.
- Challenges for Independent Travelers: For wheelchair users who are fully independent in their own wheelchair, these trains may not be the best option. The inability to use personal wheelchairs, the requirement to transfer to a non-self-propelled onboard wheelchair, and limited movement outside the cabin create significant challenges. Solo travelers who cannot self-propel in the onboard wheelchair may be unable to reach the dining car or restroom without assistance, making a travel companion highly recommended.
