All-terrain wheelchairs

TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs are now available in a number of Victoria's parks enabling visitors with mobility limitations to explore the great outdoors. The TrailRider allows visitors to access more rugged walking trails not otherwise accessible with conventional wheelchairs.

Local staff can provide expert advice on the best routes for chairs, so with the help of chair operators you can experience Victoria’s parks like never before. A minimum of two chair operators (known as Sherpas) are required to operate the chair.

TrailRiders have adjustable seating and supports, making them suitable for adults and children with varying abilities. Motorised chairs are available at some locations allowing visitors to explore steeper and longer trails.

The TrailRiders are free to use, but please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Users are required to bring a helmet and undertake a chair induction. The chairs easily disassemble and fit in the back of most medium sized SUVs.

TrailRiders are available at selected parks and also at community locations near parks. Motorised TrailRider chairs are available to book at the following park locations:

  • Buchan Caves Reserve on (03) 8627 4700 (Buchan Caves Reserve is currently closed due to fires)
  • Grampians National Park, Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, on (03) 8427 2058
  • Dandenong Ranges National Park, Grants on Sherbrooke Restaurant at Grants Picnic Area, on (03) 9755 2888
  • Wilsons Promontory National Park Information Centre on (03) 8427 2122

Other TrailRider chair locations

TrailRiders can also be booked and borrowed for free at the following selected local Shires and Visitor Information Centres which are located near parks:


We can offer assistance

Parks Victoria has developed a TrailRider Volunteer program to assist you to explore parks in the All terrain TrailRider wheelchairs, if you require extra support.  A TrailRider Volunteer is a trained operator to push and pull the TrailRider chair provided for any visitors using the chair. TrailRider Volunteers are available at both the Dandenong Ranges and Grampians National Parks.

TrailRider visitor Karen Fankhauser explained her experience: "Freedom ... It means I can actually experience bushwalking and that's something you can't do in a normal chair. For someone with limited mobility or no mobility it's an amazing experience ... instead of just watching from a viewing platform you get to be within the park itself." quoted in The Sunday Mail, February 2018.

The service is free of charge however please book a week in advance.

To book a volunteer please contact:
Phone: (03) 8427 3541
Email: volunteer@parks.vic.gov.au

 

 

Find out more about the TrailRider Volunteer program.

Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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