Accessibility Information & Wheelchair Friendly Tours In The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are known for stunning beaches, island cruises, reef adventures and scenic walks. However, not all of these experiences are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility limitations.
While most boats involve steps, ladders or beach landings, there are still a handful of great options available. In this guide, you’ll find the most accessible tours in the region, including a Whitehaven Beach cruise with a beach wheelchair, an accessible sunset tour, and helpful tips for visiting Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island and more.
Wheelchair-accessible boats in the Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
Beach wheelchair
CW’s Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise is the most accessible experience out to the Whitsunday Islands. Your crew will provide you with a beach wheelchair with larger wheels built for sand, and assist with the loading and unloading of the chair. With this beach wheelchair, you gain access to the white sandy shores of Whitehaven Beach, where you can dip your toes in the dazzling turquoise waters in paradise!
Please note that you need to coordinate the use of the beach wheelchair upon booking, so don’t hesitate to chat with our friendly agents if it is required!
CW Whitehaven Beach Half-day Cruise departures
This cruise departs from Airlie Beach, Daydream Island or Hamilton Island, with morning and afternoon departure options!
Learn more about each experience through these links:
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Morning Cruise from Airlie Beach
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Afternoon Cruise from Airlie Beach
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Morning Cruise from Daydream Island
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Afternoon Cruise from Daydream Island
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Morning Cruise from Hamilton Island
- Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Afternoon Cruise from Hamilton Island
Bathroom accessibility
There are accessible bathrooms both onboard the CW Half Day Whitehaven Beach Cruise, as well as on Whitehaven Beach. The Whitehaven Beach bathroom features a ramp.
Accessibility limitations on Whitehaven Beach Half-day Cruise
While boarding the catamaran is made easy with a ramp, disembarking the catamaran to the beach tender is only semi-accessible. Travellers will need to make their way down four steps to access the tender. The tender boat can fit a wheelchair, however, it must be carried over off the tender boat, so travellers will also have to be able to make their own way down the small gangway ramp onto Whitehaven Beach.
In the past, many travellers with disabilities have been able to carry out this short transfer with the assistance of a carer or family member, however, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions regarding the suitability of this tour for you and any recent changes to accessibility!
The walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout is unfortunately not accessible by wheelchair as there are stairs.
Accessible Sunset Tours
Sundowner Sunset Cruise
Sundowner is the most accessible tour of the Iconic fleet, and welcomes wheelchairs, scooters, prams and other mobility aides! Blessed with a level surface and wide walkways all around the vessel, Sundowner also happens to be the most accessible of all of the sunset cruises that depart from Airlie Beach!
Sundowner offers assisted priority boarding for all passengers with mobility issues, which can help with the small step up required to board the vessel. In addition to this, there is space on board for a limited number of prams and wheelchairs to park up.
Although the bathroom onboard Sundowner was not designed as an accessible bathroom, it is manageable for some, and there are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms at the marina, very close to where the tour departs from.
Accessible Whitsunday Helicopter Tours
Some helicopter tours are semi-accessible. That is, if a person with disability can be transferred from a car to a helicopter seat, the experience is accessible. Explore Whitehaven Beach with a beach picnic, soar over the Great Barrier Reef and make memories to last a lifetime in the vibrant Whitsundays.
Browse our individual helicopter tours, just remember to enquire about each tour regarding accessibility policies as they are often updated and vary.
Is Hamilton Island accessible by wheelchair?
Hamilton Island Air has a disabled toilet facility at the airstrip, and the Reef View Hotel also offers accessibility-friendly room options. However, there is just one accessible room in the whole establishment, so booking ahead is required.
Important Accessibility Information in the Whitsundays
Travelling with mobility limitations in the Whitsundays requires a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely possible with the right support and expectations. Below are some important things to know when it comes to boat accessibility, especially for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, or with reduced mobility.
Check out our guide to the Whitsundays for seniors, including the best tours and specific access information.
Boarding Tenders (Small Transfer Boats)
Most Whitsunday sailing tours, including both day trips and overnight tours, use a tender to transport guests between the main vessel and the shore or snorkelling sites. A tender is a small motorboat used when the main boat cannot anchor close to shore.
Things to consider:
- You will need to step from the main vessel down into the tender, and again disembark at the beach, usually into shallow water.
- This process may not be suitable for those who rely fully on a wheelchair or walking aid.
- Crews are trained to assist and will always offer a stable arm and help where needed.
- Each boat's tender setup is slightly different. We recommend speaking directly with our local agents to find the most suitable option for your needs.
Stairs, Ladders and Cabin Layouts
Most catamarans and sailing boats in the Whitsundays have small staircases or ladders onboard. For example:
- Expect 3 to 4 steps between common areas such as the saloon and cabins.
- Ladders may be used to re-enter the boat after swimming or snorkelling.
- If you plan to swim, you will need to be able to climb a ladder similar to one used in a standard swimming pool. If stairs are difficult for you, ask us about boats with more open layouts or fewer internal steps.
Stability of Boats in the Whitsundays
If you are concerned about seasickness or balance, the type of boat matters. Catamarans and pontoons are more stable than monohull sailboats or speedboats, thanks to their dual-hull design.
Conditions in the Whitsundays vary daily, but tours will never run in weather deemed unsafe or uncomfortable for guests. You can also:
- Ask our team about the stability of specific vessels.
- Check the weather and ocean forecast before your trip.
Hill Inlet Walk and Whitehaven Beach Accessibility
Many Whitsunday tours include a visit to Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island. Here is what you need to know:
- The walk begins after you arrive at Tongue Bay via tender.
- It is 700 metres one way, with rocky stairs and a gentle incline.
- This trail is not wheelchair accessible.
If you prefer not to do the walk, you can skip it and enjoy the beautiful white sands of Whitehaven Beach, which most tours also include. Your crew will never pressure you to complete the walk. It is completely up to what feels best for you.
