A wheelchair-accessible holiday in Tasmania

Julie Jones shares her family’s travel tips for wheelchair-accessible and inclusive experiences around Tasmania.

As a family of four adults, it can be tricky to find a destination that satisfies our family’s individual interests. Add to that the need to find wheelchair-accessible places to stay, play and dine for our son Braeden, who lives with cerebral palsy,  and it can be extra challenging. Luckily for us, Tasmania offers all of these in abundance, with nature trails, wildlife encounters, wheelchair-accessible accommodation and a culinary scene that has our tastebuds tingling.

Launceston, Hobart and areas in between certainly proved a rewarding and winning holiday choice for us.

Tasmania’s wheelchair-accessible wildlife

Tasmania is a haven for wildlife, with possums, wallabies, pademelons and platypus spotted in the cities.

On a crisp evening in Hobart, we rugged up for the Glow Tour with world-renowned scientist Dr Lisa Gershwin. She promised a little magic – and magic she delivered with possums, flowers and even the common garden snail glowing under her torchlight. This fascinating tour is suitable for all abilities with a gentle pace on an accessible pathway with just a few inclines.

Seeing animals in the wild is a game of chance but your odds can be improved by visiting one of Tasmania’s many wildlife attractions.

A visit to the Platypus House guaranteed us good viewing of both Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas. Located an easy 45min drive from Launceston, we combined a visit to the Platypus House with the neighbouring attraction, Seahorse World. Both venues provided ease of access, plenty of interesting facts from guides and cute photo opportunities.

The Ultimate Natureworld Experience at East Coast Natureworld saw us feeding eager wallabies and echidnas, nursing Tasmanian devil joeys and holding a cheeky black cockatoo. In this natural Australian bush setting, the pathways are mostly level and accessible. Some of the tour’s animal encounters do require guests to be ambulant, as many of the enclosures have a step to enter.

Accessible outdoor adventures 

As a family travelling with access needs we discovered there are plenty of options for exploring nature. Wheelchair-accessible trails, scenic boardwalks and the availability of free-to-loan TrailRiders (an all-terrain mobility aid) ensured Braeden was included at every stop.

In Freycinet National Park, we delighted in wheeling along the easy 600m Cape Tourville Walk which skirts the coast showcasing panoramic views of the Hazards Mountains and the Tasman Sea. Later, we used the TrailRider available at the national park’s visitor centre which provided a comfortable ride for our son as we explored some of Freycinet’s accessible tracks.

Stopping in at Mount Field National Park, we wandered the fern-shaded level pathway to Russell Falls. The waterfall’s mist ensured smiles all-round and provided a dramatic backdrop for the perfect family photo. If you are more adventurous, a TrailRider is available for exploring other trails in the park.

Looming large over the city,  Kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers elevated views of Hobart but rug up – it can get chilly up there. Sometimes you might even be lucky enough to experience snow at the summit.

Accessible and inclusive city fun

We find there’s no better way to gain insights into a city than from a tour guide with local knowledge.

In Launceston, we hopped on board an Afternoon Discovery Tour with Tamar River Cruises to explore Kanamaluka / River Tamar and Cataract Gorge. It was easy to relax, with commentary and afternoon tea provided. The boat has step-free access but wheelchair users should check to ensure your chair’s width can be accommodated. 

In Hobart, with the rumble of an engine under us and the wind in our hair, we enjoyed learning about Hobart’s history on the back of a bike with a TrikeMania Tour. The trike can accommodate two people for the ride and a variety of tour options are available.

Wheelchair-accessible accommodation

From luxury city hotels to a cosy farm stay, your Tasmanian itinerary can be filled with a variety of styles of accommodation that don’t compromise on access.

MACq 01 Hotel has an accessible suite with a ‘wow’ factor, from its luxury features to its wheelchair-accessible balcony with water and mountain views. The hotel’s central Hobart location provides level access to Constitution Dock’s many dining options, shopping and the famous Salamanca Market, which is on every Saturday 8.30am to 3pm. 

Nestled into the Tasmanian countryside just a 1hr drive from Hobart, Curringa Farm proved a family favourite. Our two-bedroom self-contained cottage with views to Lake Meadowbank offered the relaxation we all craved.  If you have specific access needs, give the owners Jane and Tim a call to make further enquiries – the cottages are not fully accessible but with step-free access and shower chairs we found they suited our needs.

It's always lovely to have options when you have access needs and, at Little Beach Co. Resort, you have two: glamping in a luxury aurora dome tent (step-free entry) nestled in the bushland with a nearby accessible guest bathroom; or a fully self-contained villa stay. The villa has ramp access, good circulation space inside, an accessible bathroom and perfectly framed ocean views from the comfort of the cosy lounge.

Hotel Verge offers spacious accessible accommodation in a central Launceston location, with well-designed access features including the option of a hi-lo bed (electric) if needed. With City Park opposite and shopping and dining within walking distance, this is a comfortable city pick.

Tasmania’s accessible arts and culture 

It can be hard to head indoors in Tasmania when there is so much to explore but it’s worth it for the vibrant arts and culture.

The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre offers hands-on exhibits, historical displays and interactive elements. For some, it’s a step back to a familiar time, while for others, it’s an insight into the past. The interior of the heritage centre is accessible but some areas of the historic mine site outside may be challenging for guests who use wheelchairs.

At the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) there were lots of giggles as we tried our hand at some of the interactive science experiments before quietly sitting in awe as a volunteer astronomer guided us through a stargazing experience in the planetarium. With a variety of displays and hands-on elements, plus good access, this is a family-friendly attraction worth the visit.

Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) leaves many visitors in awe and others scratching their heads. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just curious, Mona makes its way on to most visitors’ Hobart must-do list. If you are keen to elevate your experience, book the Mona Roma ferry and enjoy Derwent River views on the way. In Mona’s true tongue-in-cheek style, ferry guests can book a posh or pleb ticket. Those choosing the Posh Pit will be treated to beverages and food to further enhance the ride. Access is tight in the Posh Pit for wheelchair users but staff are keen to accommodate.

When visiting Tasmania, we never feel our son’s access needs are a barrier to us enjoying the island. Tasmania offers our family the opportunity to fulfil our desire to connect to wildlife and nature but also indulge in the state’s art, culture and fine dining.

For that reason, we are sure to be lured back again and again.