TRAVEL WITH DISABILITIES

At Cairns Unlimited, we understand that travelling with disabilities presents extra challenges. The planning process requires much more careful attention to detail, and we aim to make this as simple and cost effective as possible. We don't believe that your Tropical North Queensland holiday should have to be an expensive luxury, disabilities or not. We know you'll have a wheelie great time! *groan*

AT CAIRNS UNLIMITED, WE GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO VISIT EACH ESTABLISHMENT PERSONALLY, AND ASSESS ITS LEVEL OF ACCESSIBILITY. BUT WITH NEW LISTINGS BEING ADDED ALL THE TIME, THIS ISN'T ALWAYS POSSIBLE. THIS PAGE IS A GUIDE ONLY.

TIP- If you have a disability parking permit issued in Australia, it is valid nationwide. Overseas permits can be used in all states of Australia, except Victoria where a temporary permit may be arranged before arrival through VICROADS.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that Australia is generally quite 'disability friendly', moreso than for example the US or Britain. Although some of the wilderness areas of Far North Queensland may prove challenging for someone with limited mobility, Cairns itself is a modern, cosmopolitan city with all the disabled-friendly facilities one would expect.

You may be pleasantly surprised by the great number of opportunities that await you in Tropical North Queensland. At Cairns Unlimited, you can browse a range of 'accessible' accommodation, and check out tours that cater to people with disabilities. And if you thought the Great Barrier Reef was off limits just because you have disabilities, think again!

Family members within Australia who are fulltime carers of a person with a disability may be able to get financial assistance from their local Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre. Phone 1800 059 059 for your nearest CCR Centre. Commonwealth Carelink Centres will also be able to help you. Phone 1800 052 222.

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION

Australia also has in place some quite strict regulations that businesses must meet in order to be able to advertise as 'disability-friendly'. However, everyone's access requirements are different, and Cairns Unlimited highly recommends contacting all accommodation facilities prior to booking to ensure they meet your specific requirements. Before being listed on this page, each establishment must complete our 'ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST' but Cairns Unlimited does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page.

Roll your mouse over the symbol to view more detailed information about the accessibility of each property.

HERITAGE CAIRNS MOTEL
8 Minnie Street, Cairns (MAP)
Phone (07) 4051 1211 / Fax (07) 4051 1380
Tollfree 1800 212 212

www.heritagecairns.com.au

Just a short stroll from the Esplanade, Heritage Cairns rooms are spacious and ideal for families and business travellers alike (with off street parking). They have dedicated rooms with disabled facilities plus you have full use of the pool and Jacuzzi and BBQ area throughout your stay.

TROPIC TOWERS HOLIDAY APARTMENTS
294-298 Sheridan Street, Cairns (MAP)
Phone (07) 4031 3955 / Fax (07) 4031 3738
Tollfree 1800 622 289

www.tropictowers.com.au

With in-room broadband access.

Tropic Towers has a 2 bedroom apartment with bathroom outfitted for the disabled. The apartment also has lowered door handles and light switches for easy access from wheelchair. This apartment is located on the ground floor.

Just minutes from the Cairns City Centre and Cairns International Airport, Tropic Towers offer affordable and competitive accommodation rates for family holidays and corporate travellers. The spacious, self-contained, 1 and 2 bedroom holiday apartments are designed to enhance the tropical lifestyle with fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, air-conditioning and private balconies. Set in lush tropical landscaped gardens, the accommodation facilities include resort style swimming pool with spa and BBQ area.

MERCURE HOTEL HARBOURSIDE CAIRNS 209-217 The Esplanade, entry via Lake St, Cairns Phone (07) 4051 8999 / Fax (07) 4031 7347 Nestled on the award winning Esplanade, the Mercure Hotel Harbourside is a comfortable four star hotel with arguably the friendliest staff in town. CITYSIDER HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 17A Upward Street, Cairns Phone (07) 4044 9888 / Fax (07) 4051 2503 'Semi-disabled' apartments available (with assistance). Spacious living areas, walk in shower and toilet with rails, kitchen and laundry facilities. NOVOTEL CAIRNS RESORT 122 Lake Street, Cairns Phone (07) 4080 1888 / Fax (07) 4080 1889 Novotel Cairns Resort is set on 2 hectares of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens that feature a spacious central courtyard with a large lagoon swimming pool. The resort has three rooms suitable for people with disabilities. SOUTHSIDE INN 446-452 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Phone (07) 4033 7722 / Fax (07) 4033 5250 Large suites with spas and kitchenettes, some with facilities for people with disabilities. REEF PALMS MOTEL 41 Digger Street, Cairns Phone (07) 4051 2599 / Fax (07) 4051 7676 A one bedroom studio unit, with level access to reception, ramped access to unit, clear door space of min 760, space in bedroom to turn chair, one queen sized bed, one single bed, and two lounges. Accessible bathroom and wheel-in shower. GREEN ISLAND RESORT Green Island Phone (07) 4031 3300, or (07) 4052 1511 Luxury five star resort set on a coral coy on the Great Barrier Reef. Level access to both reception, and the one bedroom unit. The unit is large, clear door space of min 760mm, enough space to turn your wheelchair. Accessible bathroom and wheel-in shower.

CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB RESORT 18-26 Cannon Street, Cairns Phone (07) 4053 5111 / Fax (07) 4053 7072 The resort's facilities include special access rooms, ramps, and a wheelchair accessible transfer bus. CORAL TREE INN 166-172 Grafton Street, Cairns Phone (07) 4031 3744 / Fax (07) 4031 3064 The 3.5 star Coral Tree Inn has rooms suitable for people with disabilities (standard category), with wide doorways, a large bathroom designed with shower and toilet rails, mobile shower seat and moveable taps. SUNLAND LEISURE PARK 49-61 Pease Street, Manoora, Cairns Phone (07) 4053 6888 / Fax (07) 4053 7771 Comfortable living for up to four people. With all the comforts of home the Disabled Cabin conforms to Australian standards, with access via a ramp, and a bathroom desgnied for people with special needs. QUEENS COURT 167-171 Sheridan Street, Cairns Phone (07) 4051 7722 Cairns Queens Court is a new accommodation complex located within the central city area of Cairns, gateway to tropical North Queensland. It comprises 64 units in varying styles to suit every need, including Disability Friendly rooms. TROPICANA LODGE 158c Martyn Street, Cairns (MAP) Phone (07) 4051 1729 / Fax (07) 4031 4109 The lodge is ground floor with 7 disability friendly wheelchair accessible units, and many accessible transport options available. Rooms hold ensuite, direct dial phone, air-conditioner, colour TV, fridge & tea/coffee making facilities, clock radio with vending machines onsite. Adults groups, student groups, student/trainees and family discounts are also available.

ACCESSIBLE TOURS AND TRANSPORT

Queensland Rail's 'Tilt Train' makes the return journey along the Queensland coast, between Brisbane and Cairns, three times a week. The train is fitted with toilets and has facilities for people with disabilities, including wheelchair access.

Thought about bungy jumping? People with disabilities have jumped (with or without wheelchairs!) You must give at least 24 hours advance notice that you are in a wheelchair and will require special assistance. It is preferred that you have someone with you who can assist the crew with carrying you up the bungy tower. To jump, you will be placed in a full body harness and then with or without the wheelchair, you will be propelled off the tower!

PIPELINE HOLIDAYS PO BOX 8654, Gold Coast Mail Centre Phone 1800 243 065 A Queensland based holiday company dedicated to providing fully escorted assisted care group holidays for people with an intellectual disability. Included in their calendar is a seven day tour of the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland.

GREAT BARRIER REEF - ACCESSIBLE TOO!

Only a small number of reef trips and dive boat operators have sufficient space to cater for wheelchairs. Some offer diving for disabled divers, and even have a dive instructor who is specialised in handicapped diving. Contact us at and we will do our best to match you with a dive company with services and facilities that meet your requirements. We may even be able to arrange an extended cruise, from three up to seven days!

COMPASS
100 Abbott Street, Cairns
Phone (07) 4051 5777 / Fax (07) 4041 0655

www.reeftrip.com

Your Great Barrier Reef experience starts here!

Compass Cruises is a large, spacious, express trip to the Great Barrier Reef's outermost reef locations. Enjoy cruising past Upollo Cay and the famous Michaelmas Cay to Hastings Reef, 60km from Cairns. Hastings Reef is 10 sq km of coral gardens, renowned for tame, friendly reef sharks, Wally the Giant Wrasse & thousands of colourful tropical fish. Their second location, Breaking Patches, is renowned for its forest staghorn coral, large sea fans & black coral trees, yielding some 400 species of coral, & a vertical wall teaming with marine life.

REEF ENCOUNTER
100 Abbott Street, Cairns
Phone (07) 4051 5777 / Fax (07) 4041 0655

www.reeftrip.com

Great Barrier Reef at its best .....spend a night on it!

Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury catamaran designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout & features spacious decks as well as roomy dining & recreation areas to dine and relax in. The large easy access water platform allows hassle free scuba diving and snorkelling. The vessel also features staterooms which have double or twin beds, all with private bathrooms.

ACCESSIBLE SHOPPING

CAIRNS CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE
1-21 McLeod St, Cairns
Phone (07) 4047 7401 / Fax (07) 4041 4100
Hours: 9am-5.30pm Mon to Wed and Fri to Sat, 9am-9pm Thur, and 10.30am-4pm Sun.
Large shopping centre with wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and hire of motorised scooters and wheelchairs.

MOBILITY SCOOTER RENTAL

• PLACES TO STAY
• GREAT BARRIER REEF
• TOURS AND TRANSPORT

• UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE
• TRAVEL INSURANCE