The Dorrigo Rainforest is a part of the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area, and it is undoubtedly one of the most naturally beautiful areas within Australia. Fortunately, the Coffs Coast has many wheelchair accessible sites which ensures that a great, outdoorsy adventure can be had by all. There truly is nothing quite as profound as the Dorrigo Hinterland and National Park as the entire area is so well preserved and nurtured by locals and visitors alike. Whilst wheelchair accessible accommodation options are common within the Dorrigo region, the prime location of Lookout Mountain Retreat on the edge of the escarpment on the Dorrigo Plateau definitely makes it the more compelling option!

Lookout Mountain Retreat has been refurbished to offer its clientele absolute comfort and style at an inexpensive price. The Retreat has 26 well-equipped suites in a variety of layouts, however there are also several rooms available that are wheelchair friendly and accessible and/or suitable for anyone with mobility issues. The Retreat ensures that any body can experience the stunning views of pastoral land and the expansive Dorrigo highland!

Since June 2015, Dorrigo National Park, alongside Kamay Botany Bay and Kosciuszko National Parks, has provided a TrailRider service enabling all-terrain wheelchair access for visitors. This great innovation offers new opportunities for those with mobility restrictions to properly experience the magic of these National Parks for themselves alongside their family and friends! TrailRider’s are free to hire in NSW National Parks, however bookings are preferred and you will need to provide at least 2 able guides for the day and a helmet. A TrailRider is very easy to manoeuvre as it has handles at both the front and back allowing for guides to safely direct the chair on walking tracks that aren’t specifically designed for wheelchair’s.  These TrailRiders can also be taken up and down stairs (albeit very carefully as the tracks can be slippery after a downfall).

Preferred hire time is either from 9am to 12:30pm, or in the afternoon block at 12:30-4pm. TrailRiders can be hired from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am-4pm. However, all day hire is also possible. For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Dorrigo.rainforestcentre@environment.nsw.gov.au, visit the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre or contact them on (02) 6657 2309.

If you’d like to hear firsthand of a family’s TrailRider experience at Dorrigo National Park, click here! For further information and guidance regarding how the TrailRider works, be sure to contact NPWS at parks.accessibility@environment.nsw.gov.au.