Wheelchair Hire at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Visual Story

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How to book the wheelchair

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve has an Observer Aussie Bush 4x4 All Terrain Electric Wheelchair available for use at no charge. Hire requests for the wheelchair must be made in advance. Hire is available between 10:00am to 2:00pm.  One hire per day. Use is subject to availability, public holidays, track closures and weather conditions.

For further information or bookings please contact the Environmental Visitor Centres team via email evc@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or phone 07 5494 3023. 

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Wheelchair hum
  2. Footsteps on concrete
  3. Staff providing instruction
  4. Birds chirping
  5. Trees rustling
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Leather
  3. Rubber
  4. Wooden scent
  5. Floral hints
Touch

Feel

  1. Soft leather seat
  2. Firm handle
  3. Smooth concrete
  4. Comfortable chairs
  5. Body movement
Sight

Sight

  1. Intricate design
  2. Wooden door
  3. Blue All Terrain Wheelchair
  4. Trees & greenery
  5. Paved pathways

Arrival at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on Mountain View Road in Maleny offers accessible car parking spaces and facilities near the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Two accessible car parking spaces are located approximately 90 metres from the Discovery Centre. A two-minute passenger drop-off and pick-up zone, 40 metres from the centre, includes a curb cut for smooth access.

Mini buses can park in the large vehicle bay at the roundabout’s centre. Upon arrival, visitors can call or visit the office to have a wheelchair brought to the drop-off zone for convenience. The layout supports easy access to the Discovery Centre and nearby attractions.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping
  2. Leaves rustling
  3. Distant vehicles
  4. Footsteps on path
  5. Wind in trees
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Earthy soil
  3. Wood scent
  4. Floral hints
  5. Trees
Touch

Feel

  1. Warm sun
  2. Smooth path
  3. Gentle slope
  4. Cool breeze
  5. Comfortable chair
Sight

Sight

  1. Stone walls
  2. Green trees
  3. Wooden building
  4. Accessible signs
  5. Vehicles arriving/dropping off

Where to collect the wheelchair

From the car park, a step-free concrete pathway leads to a ramp with handrails.  Please check in at the onsite Council office at the beginning of your chosen hire period or call 07 5494 3023. The staff office is located beside the Discovery Centre wooden entrance doors. There is a marked short term parking bay located at the end of the turnaround area near the café and Discovery Centre.

The wheelchair can be brought by staff to you at your vehicle here or collected from the office. Allow 10 minutes for an operational briefing before entering the rainforest trails. You will be required to sign a Conditions of Use agreement.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Wheelchair hum
  2. Birds chirping
  3. Footsteps on concrete
  4. Wheels moving
  5. Distant chatter
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Leather
  3. Mosquito repellant
  4. Floral hints
  5. Wooden scent
Touch

Feel

  1. Soft leather seat
  2. Excitement
  3. Smooth concrete
  4. Body movement
  5. Anxiety (mosquito bites)
Sight

Sight

  1. Intricate design
  2. Wooden door
  3. Blue All Terrain Wheelchair
  4. Timber wall
  5. Wood accent

Where to use the wheelchair

The Pademelon Circuit (1.3km) is the only trail suitable for wheelchair use at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. A map highlighting the accessible Pademelon Loop and walking tracks is available online.

The track has a relatively flat gradient with boardwalk and compacted dirt sections. Exposed rocks, small potholes, and uneven surfaces are present. Internal circuits are Grade 2 tracks with hardened surfaces and gentle hill sections. Large strangler fig roots cross the paths in some areas.  

Accessible areas for all-terrain wheelchairs also include the Glider Gallery mid-canopy boardwalk, the 200m Butterfly Walk behind the playground, and the viewing deck overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping
  2. Leaves rustling
  3. Sound of nature
  4. Chatter
  5. Footsteps on concrete
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Mosquito repellant (occasional)
  3. Wood scent
  4. Earthy soil
  5. Trees
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth & rough surfaces
  2. Close to nature
  3. Gentle breeze
  4. Warm sun
  5. Body movement
Sight

Sight

  1. Paved pathways
  2. Blue wheelchair
  3. Grass
  4. Bike racks
  5. Greenery

How to return the wheelchair

After completing the walk, visitors are required to return the wheelchair to the collection point in front of the office near the Discovery Centre’s wooden entrance doors. A staff member will meet visitors there.

Visitors are requested to inform the staff of any issues encountered with the wheelchair during the walk to ensure proper maintenance. The Observer Aussie Bush 4x4 All Terrain Electric Wheelchair must not be taken into the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Visitors are encouraged to explore the centre either before or after the hire period.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping
  2. Leaves rustling
  3. Wheelchair hum
  4. Footsteps on path
  5. Distant chatter
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh leaves
  2. Earthy soil
  3. Wood scent
  4. Clean air
  5. Floral hints
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth path
  2. Cool shade
  3. Gentle breeze
  4. Warm sun
  5. Comfortable chair
Sight

Sight

  1. Green foliage
  2. Wooden building
  3. Clear path
  4. Ramps
  5. Signage
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