Have wheelchair, will travel: Aussie adventures for the disabled

The irrepressible human spirit often sees those who are more challenged than the average person grit their teeth and make their lives extraordinary.

And so it goes -- people who wheel themselves around often want to hit the road.

No doubt it can be a little harder, except perhaps when cruising downhill.

But the tourism industry in Australia has made giant steps to accommodate folk who can’t take steps for themselves, as investigated by news.com.au

Here are four Aussie adventures you can tackle on wheels.

Dolphin-spotting at Port Stephens

Just north of Newcastle, Port Stephens is famed for its calm waters rolling into Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay within the natural harbor, and surf beaches on its other coast –- and its schools of dolphins.

The dolphin-watch boat, the Tamboi Queen, is equipped with a ramp for wheelchair access.

Stay: At O’Carrollyn’s Eco Resort, where one in five guests wheel themselves around. Even the pool has a wheelchair hoist.

Swimming the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

Anyone who has seen the movie “Born on the Fourth of July,” portraying a landmine victim from the Vietnam war who finds a new life swimming, will appreciate the joy water can bring to those in wheelchairs.

As do Quicksilver Cruises who can lower people into the reef’s waters from a chair lift.

More on CNNGo: Will the Great Barrier Reef die by 2050?

Stay: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino has prime, accessible rooms.

For more information, go to www.wheelieeasy.com.au

Follow base tracks around Uluru

The indigenous Anangu people have long campaigned against tourists climbing the sacred monolith Uluru.

More on CNNGo: The debate about climbing Uluru

Wheelchair users are welcome guests, as the base tracks are accessible on four wheels. Coaches are equipped for wheelchairs, as are the hotels.

Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel, Desert Gardens Hotel, Lost Camel Hotel and Outback Pioneer Hotel all have assisted rooms (all at www.ayersrockresort.com.au).

Watch the penguins parade at Phillip Island

While Phillip Island is famed for staging motorcycle grands prix, the penguin parade on the Southern Ocean’s shore is also tourist draw card.

The black and white parade has an access ramp, and spare wheelchairs on hand in case of emergency.

Stay: Wheelies' Rest on Smiths Beach is designed for wheelchair users, while Alvina Holiday Cottage is also equipped.