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Accessibility
Accessibility
We understand finding accessible tour options can be very difficult. At Southern Cross Tours we aim to ensure everyone’s experience is as enjoyable as possible. We are committed to providing suitable access for all our guests, meeting their individual needs.
In this statement, we aim to accurately describe our facilities and services to give you the confidence to book the right tour experience to suit your specific requirements.
Parking/Pick up
Southern Cross picks up from Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach & Southport. Pickup is also available from selected train stations and other public areas. Please contact us via phone or email to confirm your nearest meeting point.
Vehicles
Our vehicles are 16 seater Mercedes Sprinters. These vehicles are higher than a normal vehicle but a fold down access step and grab bars are installed to assist entry into the vehicle. Our vehicles do not have large storage areas, so mobility scooters, wheelchairs and full size prams cannot be stored. Canes, walking sticks, crutches and small umbrella strollers can be carried in the vehicle. Some small walking frames and collapsible wheelchairs may be possible so please contact us to discuss.
Eyesight
Guide dogs are welcome! Please let us know at the time of booking if you will be bringing your guide dog.
Our tours are fully guided and our experienced tour guides can offer additional assistance if requested, from an arm to hold during a walk to additional commentary explaining the scenery.
We have had many visitors take our tours who are vision-impaired over the years and with a little extra help from our guides have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Hearing
Southern Cross Tours commentary is provided throughout the day in our vehicles via a PA system with speakers located at various locations.
At this stage we can provide a written commentary for the tour should this be required.
Carers Card
Southern Cross Tours offers a 50% discount to holders of the Carer/ Companion Cards when joining their companion on a tour.
Tour Specific Accessibility Summary
Depending on the tour there are different standards of rainforest walks with our 4 experiences. Please see below each tour and walk broken down to explain tracks better.
Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s & Vineyard Tour
Restrooms are located at all stops on the tour.. The longest period between restrooms is approx. 60mins in the morning depending on your pick location.
Walks: Lamington National Park Canopy Treetop Walk
Duration: approx. 30 minutes
Distance: 900 meters
Grading*: Grade 2
Notes: The entire walk is either timber boardwalk or 9 sections of timber suspended bridge. The walk is suitable for prams and walkers. The walk takes the same path out and back along the boardwalk. If at any point guests find the walk too difficult or do not wish to walk the entire distance they can stop and wait for the group to return or make their way back to the starting point.
Mount Tamborine Morning Tour
Restrooms are located at all stops on the tour.. The longest period between restrooms is approx. 60mins in the morning depending on your pick location.
Walks: Joalah Section – Curtis Falls Walk
Duration: 45 min to 1 hour. Walk normally takes 30 minutes but slowed down to a leisurely stroll while the guide explains flora and fauna.
Distance: 1.1 kilometers return
Grading*: Grade 3
Notes: Rough surface. 150 stairs over the course of the walk. Not suitable for a wheelchair or pram. The walk to the waterfall and back takes the same path. If at any point guests find the walk too difficult or do not wish to walk the entire distance they can stop and wait for the group to return. There are a few spots to take a seat.
Natural Bridge & Springbrook Tour
Restrooms are located at all stops on the tour.. The longest period between restrooms is approx. 60mins in the morning depending on your pick location.
Walk: Natural Bridge Circuit
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Distance: 1 kilometer
Grading*: Grade 2
Notes: Paved surface. 150 stairs over the course of the walk. An easier alternative route can be taken to the waterfall but is susceptible to weather and access can be blocked. If you have concerns please contact us via email or phone 24 hours prior to the tour to discuss.
Walk: Purling Brook Falls Lookouts
Duration: 25 minutes
Distance: 500 meters
Grading*: Grade 3
Notes: We will not be doing the full circuit but walking to two lookout points. There are several steps but the path is paved. Grading of 3 is specific to the whole 2 hour circuit.
Walk: Best Of All Lookout
Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 600 meters
Grading*: Grade 2
Notes: Sealed track with a few short and steep inclines. Fine for Pram and walkers. 2 steps onto viewing platform.
Walk: Canyon Lookout
Duration: 10 minutes
Distance: 100 meters
Grading*: Grade 1
Notes: Viewing 3 waterfalls at this location only involves a short walk from carpark to view point.
Evening Rainforest & Glow Worms Experience
Restrooms are available at the national park. The longest period is approx. 1:25 hours after pickup depending on your pick up location.
Walks: Joalah Section – Curtis Falls Walk
Duration: 45 min to 1 hour. Walk normally takes 30 minutes but slowed down to a leisurely stroll while the guide explains flora and fauna.
Distance: 1.1 kilometers return
Grading*: Grade 3
Notes: Rough surface. 150 stairs over the course of the walk. Not suitable for a wheelchair or pram. The walk to the waterfall and back takes the same path. If at any point guests find the walk too difficult or do not wish to walk the entire distance they can stop and wait for the group to return. There are a few spots to take a seat.
*Key to track standards:
Class 1/Grade 1 Track (Australian Standards):
- Wheelchair-accessible track with handrails at lookout.
Class 2/Grade 2 Track (Australian Standards):
- Easy level track, suitable for all fitness levels—no previous bushwalking experience necessary.
- All junctions sign-posted and may include interpretive signs.
Class 3/Grade 3 Track (Australian Standards):
- Distinct tracks with junctions sign-posted, rough track surfaces with some exposed roots and rocks.
- Variable in width; muddy sections, steep grades and steps may be encountered.
- May be partially overgrown; hazards such as fallen trees and rockfalls may be present.
- Caution needed at creek crossings, cliff edges and naturally occurring lookouts.
- Reasonable level of fitness required and ankle-supporting footwear recommended.
Class 4/Grade 4 Track (Australian Standards):
- Distinct tracks with junctions sign-posted, rough track surfaces with some exposed roots and rocks.
- Variable in width; muddy sections, steep grades and steps may be encountered.
- May be extensively overgrown; hazards such as fallen trees and rockfalls likely to be present.
- Caution needed at creek crossings, cliff edges and naturally occurring lookouts.
- Moderate fitness level with previous experience and ankle-supporting footwear strongly recommended.
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