One of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular rainforest walks is now easier for people of all abilities to explore, with a new 4WD electric wheelchair available for the community to use.
Sunshine Coast Council purchased the $22,000 Observer Aussie Bush 4×4 electric wheelchair through its Accessibility Fund.
This helps make the Sunshine Coast and its lifestyle more accessible to people with restrictions and increases inclusivity.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said locals and visitors cared deeply for the rainforest and now Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve was even more accessible for all to enjoy.
“Many people enjoy the natural wonders of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, overlooking the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains,“ she said.
“Our new 4WD electric wheelchair can be used on the Pademelon track and will enable people who would not have been able to access the trails to be able to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
“It is now available to be booked ahead of your visit to the reserve, and I’m looking forward to seeing people of all abilities discovering the forest at their own pace.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said Council had committed to improving access and inclusion for all and the Sunshine Coast All Abilities Action Plan 2024-2028 outlines detailed actions Council will undertake over the next five years to improve inclusion for people with disability.
“The measures are practical and include enhancing physical accessibility in public spaces, and this 4WD wheelchair, funded by the Sunshine Coast Council Accessibility Fund, is a great example of how we are achieving this.”
Sporting Wheelies (powered by Spinal Life Australia) Chief Operating Officer Dane Cross said the 4WD wheelchair at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve represented an innovative and transformative step in breaking down barriers to access for people with disabilities.
“It enables individuals with mobility challenges to experience the rainforest’s beauty in a way that was previously inaccessible, promoting inclusion in nature-based experiences, and without necessitating paved or concrete pathways through precious habitats,” Mr Cross said.
“Initiatives like these set a benchmark for other reserves and parks to follow, encouraging widespread adoption of inclusive practices in environmental tourism.”
Joan McVilly is a volunteer at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve who uses the 4WD wheelchair to access the rainforest for her shifts on the trail.
“I really appreciate being able to get out into the forest again,” Ms McVilly said.
“I commend all involved in making this possible, especially the dedicated and diligent staff at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.”
Through its Accessibility Fund, Council improved accessibility throughout the region on a range of initiatives with $300,000 invested this year, following $150,000 funding last year.
Other projects funded this year include Mooloolaba Surf Club accessibility equipment, and a new DDA picnic table installed at Glenbrook Downs Park in Nambour.
Bookings are now available through Council’s Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve website.
Residents and visitors are asked to please book the 4WD wheelchair ahead of time and before your visit.
The 4WD is available for hire from 10am to 2pm daily.
Rainforest walks are open from 7am to 6pm daily.
The circuits are between 1.3km and 1.7km long, including the rainforest loop, pademelon loop and piccabeen loop.
These internal circuits are classified as Grade 2 tracks: the track is a hardened and compacted surface and may have gentle hill sections and occasional steps.
Wheelchair accessibility is catered for on both the Glider Gallery boardwalk (accessed through the Rainforest Discovery Centre) and Butterfly Walk (following the open-lawn perimeter).
The 4WD Electric Wheelchair can be used on the Pademelon track.
To access the mobility maps please visit Council’s Mobility Mapping website.
For more information about accessible recreation, tourism, transport and services, visit council’s website.
