Written by Julie, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, October 15, 2023
A stunning elevated walkway offers visitors to Mamu Tropical Skywalk a spectacular accessible way to explore Wooroonoon National Park, a World Heritage rainforest. Mamu Tropical Skywalk is a 90 minute drive south of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. It’s an attraction to put on your must-visit list if you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible, or step-free way, to appreciate the unique landscapes of the region.
Mamu Tropical Skywalk – wheelchair accessible walk
The Mamu Tropical Skywalk was built in natural clearings in the rainforest in the aftermath of cyclone Larry. In keeping with its natural surroundings the walkways have been constructed from durable unpainted galvanised steel and recycled plastic. It is a positive outcome from a cyclone which devastated much of the area in 2006. The area has regenerated and it was a pleasure to see the lush surroundings around the walkways.
On arrival at Mamu Tropical Skywalk staff provided us with detailed information about what to expect on the walk and how to avoid any areas that might be a little bit more of a push with a wheelchair.
There are a few inclines along the compacted pathways at the beginning of the walk that eventually leads to the cantilever and elevated walkways at Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Benches are provided along the way and allow for rest stops if needed.
The main event at Mamu Tropical Skywalk is the beautiful views provided from the stunning elevated walkways which are wheelchair accessible.
We were told we might meet the local cassowary on our journey through the rainforest but clearly on the day we visited he was busy with more important business than meeting keen visitors like ourselves.
I’ve recently seen footage on the news of him “playing stick” with a visitor but people should be reminded cassowaries are dangerous birds and should be given space and respect. Do not run from a cassowary should you spot one.
It’s a privilege when you do spot them in the wild and I feel lucky to have done so on several occasions.
Visitors are encouraged to download the Mamu Tropical Skywalk app which provides an audio description of the walk. Due to patchy internet it’s best to download the app prior to arriving at the Skywalk. The audio description is available in nine languages.
The Mamu Tropical Skywalk is 2.5km’s of accessible walkway and it is suggested visitors allow between 1-1.5 hours. We arrived quite late in the day and did the walk in an hour but I think the 1.5 hours is probably closer to the average for anyone with access needs. This would allow time to stop for a rest or to spend longer appreciating the views.
Wheelchair access at Mamu Tropical Skywalk
Wheelchair accessibility is good from the car park to the ticket office and through to the elevated walkways. The only portion of the attraction which is not accessible is the observation tower which has quite a staircase to climb.
A stand-alone unisex accessible bathroom is available near the ticket office. Keep in mind there are no more bathroom facilities once you are on the walk, so pay a visit before you go.
Accessible parking is available in the car park.
We had a lovely time appreciating nature on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk and it was an absolute joy to have a good length accessible walk. Now if you are a nervous nelly about being on the cantilever part of the walkway, there’s no need to be. The cantilever is designed to carry over 6600 kg which is apparently much greater than the combined weight of all the people that could fit on it at any one time.
Here’s hoping we see more wheelchair accessible walks like Mamu Tropical Skywalk being created in Australia in the future.
The Australian Companion card is accepted so anyone supporting someone with a disability receives free entry on presentation of the card.
We purchased a combination ticket which provided us with entry to both Mamu Tropical Skywalk and Paronella Park for a discounted price. I’ll share our experience at Paronella Park soon.
If you’d like to further research your trip to Mamu Tropical Skywalk head to their website.
