Wheelchair Friendly Eats in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is not just a tropical paradise, it's a culinary haven with a great selection of wheelchair-friendly restaurants. From beachside bistros to elegant fine dining, these accessible venues ensure everyone can enjoy in the best local cuisine along with the epic views that come served as a bonus. Here is a wheelchair-friendly list to sample your way through while enjoying your relaxing tropical getaway to Port Douglas and Daintree.

SALSA BAR AND GRILL

Overlooking the water on the Wharf St precinct, this beach house-styled eatery and cocktail bar offers a true tropical experience. Salsa has been catering to Port Douglas locals and visitors for more than 29 years, serving up its revered lunches and dinners. With a menu highlighting local produce, you can indulge in everything from seafood delicacies to innovative fusion dishes, all while enjoying breathtaking waterfront views. Whether you are savouring a lazy afternoon lunch or winding down with a sunset cocktail, Salsa promises a dining experience that captures the essence of Port Douglas.

• Where: 26 Wharf Street
• Open: Thursday to Monday 12pm to 8pm
• Accessibility: Easy access for wheelchairs, plenty of room inside and disabled toilet

HEMINGWAY'S BREWERY

Best known for its Hero Burger and 12-hour smoked Brisket plate for two, this atmospheric venue on Port Douglas’ waterfront, welcomes guests in wheelchairs. Located at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Hemingway’s Brewery offers not only a relaxed and vibrant setting but also provides wheelchair access to ensure a comfortable visit for all patrons. The marina itself is designed to be accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the waterfront views and the craft beers Hemingway’s is famous for​.

• Where: 44 Wharf Street, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
• Open: Every day except Thursday from 12pm to 9pm
• Accessibility: Situated on the ground floor, plenty of room inside and disabled toilets at the Marina

THE TIN SHED DOUGLAS COMMUNITY AND SPORT CLUB

Famous for its stunning views of water and mountains, The Tin Shed doesn’t disappoint with meals made from fresh, in-season produce that sees loyal guests returning again and again. This venue offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the sunset over the Daintree Rainforest. The club ensures accessibility for all guests, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Port Douglas.

• Where: 7 Ashford Avenue
• Open: Monday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sundays 8am to 10pm
• Accessibility: Very wheelchair-friendly with accessible carpark, entrance, toilets and seating plus room to wheel around

THE SURFY (PORT DOUGLAS SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB)

Total beach front location, you don’t get any closer than this venue. Salty sea breezes flavour fresh seafood with a unique Port Douglas seaside twist. Hearty food with an Asian foundation, it doesn’t get better than this for casual dining with friends and family. After dining, head to Four Mile Beach, where a gentle ramp with beach matting provides easy access for wheelchairs, allowing you to explore the beautiful sands and enjoy the ocean view.

• Where: Cnr Esplanade and Mowbray Streets
• Open: Every day from 10am to 8pm
• Accessibility: A ramp into the venue leads to the restaurant and bar with plenty of room to manoeuvre. Disable toilets in the venue. The ramp to Four Mile Beach is located near the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club and offers easy access to the beach with a free-to-use Sandcruiser beach wheelchair available from the Lifeguard Hut​.

ZINC

Elegant, romantic and top class but with a laid-back energy that is the signature of north Queensland. Creating tasty, unusual dishes from local fresh seafood and produce, this restaurant is a must visit.

• Where: Cnr Macrossan and Davidson Streets
• Open: Every day from 5pm to 11pm
• Accessibility: Access is level with the street with room to move around between tables once inside. There is a spacious bathroom without grab rails but there is also a disabled toilet just next door.

PALMER SEA REEF GOLF COURSE AND RESTAURANT

Offering breakfast and lunch with late afternoon snacks, Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course and Restaurant offers a dining experience amid one of Australia's most picturesque golf courses. As you savour your meal, admire the pristine tropical landscape that attracts golf enthusiasts dreaming of Opens and Championships. The restaurant’s menu seamlessly blends the refined atmosphere of a country club with relaxed dining.

The restaurant offers honest, tasty fare that satisfies.

• Where: Old Port Road
• Open: 8.30am to 3.30pm daily with snack menu to 5pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
• Accessibility: A ramp leads into the club with wide access doors. Inside there is plenty of room for wheelchair mobility in the restaurant and bar. There are disabled toilets.

BARBADOS

Be transported to the Martinique islands with open-air dining on the deck at Barbados located at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, where you can sample exquisite seafood dishes while admiring the spectacular view over Dickson Inlet. Enjoy the convenience of easy access and mobility for wheelchair guests.

• Where: 44 Wharf Road, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
• Open: Wednesday to Saturday 2pm to 8pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm
• Accessibility: Easy wheelchair access onto the deck area, plus flat levels to the disabled toilets.

KOKO POOLSIDE BAR AND KITCHEN

As the name suggests, this is relaxed, poolside tropical eating and drinking, with easy wheelchair access, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Koko Poolside Bar and Kitchen exudes a chic yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the tropical vibes. Its menu celebrates local and seasonal produce, offering familiar favourites with a twist of Southeast Asian flavours. Whether you are lounging by the pool or dining under the stars, Koko Poolside Bar and Kitchen offers a delightful culinary experience that pairs perfectly with the surroundings of Peppers Beach Club​.

As part of Pepper’s, the team work hard to accommodate all guests and their needs.

• Where: 20-22 Davidson St, Peppers Beach Club
• Open: Daily, breakfast from 7am to 10.30, all-day dining 11.30 to 5pm, dinner from 5pm to 8.30pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility right to the poolside eating area.

HARRISONS BY SPENCER PATRICK

An award-winning restaurant steered by acclaimed chef Patrick Spencer, along with his wife Reina and their dedicated team, Harrisons has been delighting guests since 2007. Located in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, this fine dining venue offers easy accessibility for wheelchair guest. Harrisons’ menu beautifully fuses quality Australian produce with British culinary traditions.

Chef Spencer, with his extensive background in Michelin-starred kitchens, crafts dishes that combine classic techniques with modern British flair. The menu features seasonal ingredients sourced from top suppliers, such as Daintree Saltwater Barramundi, Paroo Kangaroo and Blue Reef Coral Trout. Signature dishes include scallops, lamb shoulder and a variety of share plates that capture the essence of fine dining​. The restaurant is situated on the ground level of the resort, ensuring easy access for all guests, including those using wheelchairs. The pathways and entrance are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, and there is ample space within the dining area to accommodate mobility devices comfortably.

Booking well in advance is essential to secure your spot at this renowned establishment​

• Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas Road
• Open: Tuesday to Saturday 4pm to late
• Accessibility: Elevator to the ground level and ample space in dining area to accommodate mobility devices.