Australia offers an array of beautiful landscapes, from coastal views to rainforests, which can be enjoyed by everyone, including those who use wheelchairs. These trails provide opportunities to experience the country’s natural beauty through well-maintained, accessible pathways. Below are the top 20 wheelchair-accessible hiking trails in Australia, complete with overviews, distances, pathway makeups, amenities, and potential barriers.
1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (Sydney, New South Wales)
This iconic coastal walk is one of Sydney’s most popular attractions. The accessible section offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and a chance to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
- Distance: 1.2 km (accessible section)
- Pathway Makeup: Smooth, paved pathways.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, benches, ocean views, and cafes along the route.
- Barriers: Some steep sections may require assistance for manual wheelchair users.
2. Kings Park Federation Walk (Perth, Western Australia)
Located in the heart of Perth, Kings Park offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the Swan River. The Federation Walk provides a serene escape into nature within the city.
- Distance: 1.5 km (accessible section)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved pathways and some wooden boardwalks.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, picnic areas, benches, and stunning views of the Perth skyline.
- Barriers: Some slight inclines that may require assistance.
3. Bay Run (Sydney, New South Wales)
The Bay Run is a popular 7 km loop around Iron Cove, offering scenic water views and a relaxed atmosphere. The flat, even pathways make it an easy and enjoyable experience for wheelchair users.
- Distance: 7 km loop
- Pathway Makeup: Flat, paved pathway.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, water fountains, and cafes along the way.
- Barriers: None; the path is well-maintained and even.
4. Dorrigo National Park Skywalk (Dorrigo, New South Wales)
This elevated walkway provides breathtaking views over the rainforest canopy, offering a unique perspective on the lush natural surroundings.
- Distance: 0.75 km
- Pathway Makeup: Wooden boardwalk.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, viewing platform, and picnic areas.
- Barriers: Some sections are slightly elevated, but ramps are provided.
5. Rainforest Circuit, Lamington National Park (Queensland)
This short circuit takes you through subtropical rainforest, offering a peaceful retreat into nature with easy access for wheelchair users.
- Distance: 1.8 km loop
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and boardwalk sections.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, viewing platforms, and interpretive signs.
- Barriers: Some gradients, but generally manageable.
6. Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk (Cairns, Queensland)
A beautiful waterfront promenade that offers views of the Coral Sea, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful day out by the water.
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Pathway Makeup: Smooth, paved pathway.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, water fountains, seating areas, and views of the Coral Sea.
- Barriers: None; fully accessible.
7. Royal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne, Victoria)
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are a horticultural haven, with a range of accessible paths that take you through themed gardens and past tranquil lakes.
- Distance: Varies (multiple accessible paths)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved pathways, some gravel sections.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, cafes, seating, and beautiful gardens.
- Barriers: Some areas have gentle slopes.
8. Great Ocean Walk (Victoria)
Famous for its rugged coastline and the iconic Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Walk offers an accessible section that allows you to experience this natural wonder up close.
- Distance: 1 km (accessible section near the Twelve Apostles)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and gravel pathways.
- Amenities: Accessible parking, toilets, and stunning coastal views.
- Barriers: Some steep sections; assistance may be needed.
9. Cape Byron Walking Track (Byron Bay, New South Wales)
Located at the most easterly point of mainland Australia, this walk offers breathtaking ocean views and the chance to spot dolphins and whales.
- Distance: 0.8 km (accessible section)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved pathway.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, seating, and panoramic ocean views.
- Barriers: The accessible section is limited in length, with some slopes.
10. Uluru Base Walk (Northern Territory)
Circle the base of one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. This accessible walk offers a deep cultural experience and stunning views of Uluru.
- Distance: 10.6 km (can do partial)
- Pathway Makeup: Hard-packed dirt and sand.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, benches, and interpretive signs.
- Barriers: Some uneven terrain; best suited for all-terrain wheelchairs.
11. Morialta Conservation Park (Adelaide, South Australia)
This park offers a beautiful and accessible trail to the First Falls, where you can enjoy the natural scenery, birdlife, and a refreshing waterfall.
- Distance: 1.6 km (First Falls Valley Walk)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and gravel paths.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, picnic areas, and waterfall views.
- Some gradients, but generally accessible.
12. Lake Burley Griffin (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)
The scenic pathways around Lake Burley Griffin offer a peaceful and accessible way to explore Canberra’s iconic lake and nearby landmarks.
- Distance: 5 km (accessible section)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved pathway.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, water fountains, and cafes along the route.
- Barriers: None; fully accessible.
13. Mossman Gorge (Queensland)
A gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, the Mossman Gorge walk allows wheelchair users to experience the rainforest’s natural beauty and tranquility.
- Distance: 0.4 km (Rainforest Circuit)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and boardwalk sections.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, viewing platforms, and interpretive signs.
- Barriers: Some slight gradients.
14. The Strand (Townsville, Queensland)
The Strand is a lively beachfront promenade that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation with stunning views over the Coral Sea.
- Distance: 2.2 km
- Pathway Makeup: Paved pathway.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, cafes, and ocean views.
- Barriers: None; fully accessible.
15. Blue Lake Circuit (Mount Gambier, South Australia)
The Blue Lake Circuit offers a chance to see the incredible blue waters of Mount Gambier’s famous lake while enjoying an easy, accessible walk.
- Distance: 3.6 km
- Pathway Makeup: Paved pathway.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, seating areas, and stunning lake views.
- Barriers: Some gentle inclines.
16. Narawntapu National Park (Tasmania)
Known for its abundant wildlife and coastal views, Narawntapu National Park offers accessible trails that showcase the best of Tasmania’s natural beauty.
- Distance: 1 km (accessible sections)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and compacted dirt.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing.
- Barriers: Some uneven surfaces.
17. Kings Canyon Rim Walk (Northern Territory)
While the full rim walk is challenging, the accessible Garden of Eden section allows wheelchair users to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Kings Canyon.
- Distance: 0.6 km (Garden of Eden section)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and boardwalk sections.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, viewing platforms, and interpretive signs.
- Barriers: Some steep sections; assistance may be needed.
18. Barossa Valley (South Australia)
Explore the famous wine region of Barossa Valley via accessible vineyard trails, where you can enjoy wine tasting and the picturesque countryside.
- Distance: Varies (vineyard trails)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and gravel pathways.
- Amenities: Accessible toilets, wine tasting, and picnic areas.
- Barriers: Some uneven terrain in vineyard areas.
19. Sydney Harbour Foreshore Walk (Sydney, New South Wales)
This walk provides spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The accessible sections offer a scenic and enjoyable experience along the waterfront.
- Distance: 2.5 km (accessible section)
- Pathway Makeup: Smooth, paved pathways.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, benches, and cafes along the route.
- Barriers: None; the path is well-maintained and even.
20. Noosa National Park Coastal Walk (Queensland)
The Noosa National Park Coastal Walk offers stunning coastal views and the chance to see local wildlife. The accessible section provides a beautiful introduction to this diverse park.
- Distance: 1.2 km (accessible section)
- Pathway Makeup: Paved and boardwalk sections.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms, viewing platforms, and interpretive signs.
- Barriers: Some gentle slopes; generally manageable.
