Kuranda Day Tours for Disabled Guests and Passengers with Limited Mobility
Most people are pleasantly surprised to find out that it is possible to visit the Kuranda Village and enjoy the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway AND the Kuranda Train whilst in a wheelchair.
There are obviously some guidelines to read so please read on for more information.
Wheelchair Access on Coach Transfers
Passengers requiring wheelchair access transfers on their Kuranda day trip have several options to choose from.
They can either be picked up from their Cairns, Port Douglas or Northern Beaches accommodation either by the tour operator (must be pre-booked) or may choose to book a taxi with wheelchair access.
With advance notice we can plan your whole day to ensure things runs smoothly for you.
You can choose a Kuranda Train & Skyrail Combo Tour or explore futher and include a Kuranda Day Trip with the Atherton Tablelands.
We will just need to be notified at time of booking that a wheelchair access vehicle is required along with the type of wheelchair and its size.
Please note a minimum of 24 hours or more notice is required.
Coach transfer with wheelchair access
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
There are obviously some guidelines to look at due to the size of the gondolas on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the size of the wheelchair ramp which has a hydraulic lift for easy access.
There are regular departures throughout the day from the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal to go to the Kuranda Village.
The first departure is at 9:00am with the last departure from Kuranda back to Smithfield at 3:45pm to meet your operator for your return trip to your accommodation.
Please note times may vary and will be confirmed at time of booking.
Wheelchair Guidelines
• Width of wheelchair cannot exceed 610mm
• Length of wheelchair cannot exceed 950mm
• Weight of wheelchair occupant and wheelchair must be of manageable weight
• Wheelchairs must have handles to assist loading
• Wheelchairs must be capable of being tilted back during loading into the cabin
The passenger can choose to travel on the Skyrail gondola and remain in their wheelchair or to be transferred out of their wheelchair and the chair will travel in the next gondola.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Wheelchair Accessible
Facilities
• Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities at all 4 stations
• Ramp access to boardwalks at the 2 scenic viewing stations
• Access to CSIRO Interpretation Centre at Barron Falls Station
Accessible walk ways on Skyrail tour
There are two stations where passengers have the opportunity to get out and explore the rainforest.
- Red Peak Station
Red Peak Station has a wonderfully accessible boardwalk which has a friendly onsite ranger who will provide a guided rainforest boardwalk tour to learn about the rainforest and its Flora, Fauna and the Eco System as well as its history.
You need to allow 20-30 minutes for this stop. Total travel time to Kuranda Village takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including the stops.
Red Peak Station is nestled amongst pristine rainforest with a 175 metre long boardwalk to explore the forest from ground level.
The Station is surrounded by towering trees, lush palms, giant ferns and a diverse array of plants and wildlife.
- Barron Falls Station
Barron Falls Station is wheelchair accessible and offers three different look outs to view Barron Falls.
Barron Falls - Wheelchair Accessible
Rainforest Interpretation Centre
The Barron Falls station is also home to the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre, developed in conjunction with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is located at the Barron Falls Station houses a visual and interactive presentation of the rainforest environment.
Along with accessible walkways there are also wheelchair accessible restroom facilities at all 4 stations
Kuranda Scenic Railway
This famous Kuranda Train Scenic Railway winds its way on a journey from Cairns to Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest, passing spectacular waterfalls and the stunning Barron Gorge.
Imagine all that natural wonder so close that you can almost touch it, your senses alive with the heady organic fragrance and untamed sounds of the dense rainforest.
That’s what it’s like aboard Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway as you unwind your way through a tropical paradise framed by rugged mountains with waterfalls tumbling forever into deep ravines.
Wheelchair Guidelines
Passengers requiring wheelchairs access on the Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway service can be transported in a designated carriage that can cater for their access.
When booking, be sure to mention the need for wheelchair carriage as there is only one; staff needs to know ahead of time.
The Railway Stations in Freshwater and in Kuranda have an enclosed lift (.9m wide and 1.7m long) to put wheelchairs on and off the railway carriage.
A limited number of wheelchairs/mobility scooters can be transported on each Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway service.
It is important to note that due to Health and Safety Regulations staff are not able to assist passengers on and off.
However travelling companions are able to do so.
Facilities
- Wheelchair access at Cairns, Freshwater and Kuranda station
- Wheelchair compliant ramps at Cairns station
- Wheelchair lifts onto train carriage at Freshwater and Kuranda stations
- No wheelchair access at Barron Falls station to disembark
- There are specific places on the train for wheelchair access on and off the train at all stations except Barron Falls.
- There is a lift (elevator) from the station platform in Kuranda Village
Wheelchair Guidelines
- Width of wheelchair cannot exceed 275mm or 0.9 meters to fit into the safety ramp
- Length of wheelchair cannot exceed 206mm or 1.7 meters to fit into the safety ramp
- Weight of wheelchair occupant and wheelchair must be of manageable weight
- Wheelchairs must have handles to assist loading
- Wheelchairs must be capable of being tilted back during loading into the safety ramp
Loading area 6 has a safety ramp to the train to assist the wheelchair on the train.
Kuranda Freshwater Station Wheelchair Access
Additional Information
There is one wheelchair accessible toilet on board all train services at Cairns, Freshwater and Kuranda Stations and a disabled toilet situated in the main public convenience complex in Kuranda Village.
Kuranda Scenic Train Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
Kuranda Scenic Train Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
There is a lift (elevator) from the station platform at the Kuranda Train Station.
So to make sure you trully enjoy a Kuranda day trip including the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Train make sure you are aware of all the guidelines above and book early.
If you are unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 761 612.
View more information here on travelling in a wheelchair to Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Author: Trish Fryer – Tour Specialist
Photos credited to Down Under Tours, Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
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