A disability advocate says she was barred from joining her young son on a ride at Dreamworld because she is in a wheelchair.
Paralympic swimming champion Karni Liddell said she was "frustrated, sad and angry" by the way she was treated at the theme park on Thursday.
Liddell, 41, said she initially thought a staffer at the Gold Coast park was joking when they asked if she had medical clearance to ride the "Dronkey Flyers" merry-go-round with her three-year-old toddler.
"I was told I wasn't allowed to go on this kids' ride because I'm a risk because I'm in a wheelchair. Even a kids' ride, I'm not allowed to go on," she said on Facebook.
Liddell, who has a rare muscular disorder, was told that she had to get clearance from the park's first aid team to go on the ride.
"I said look, 'I'm not getting off this ride because obviously my three-year-old's going to lose it'. He's going to throw a tantrum."
In the end, Liddell's son rode by himself and the pair left soon after because she "couldn't face another day of fighting".
"I had to bribe my kid to get out of Dreamworld because I just couldn't face it. I couldn't face another day of fighting."
"I'm out of ideas. I've spent 20 [to] 30 years fighting for people with disabilities to do the basics. My mum fought for me when I was 12 to go on a ride at Dreamworld. She didn't win back then."
The former paralympian said she doesn't want her son to miss out on things because society is full of unnecessary rules and regulations.
"I don't want him to have to live with a disability just because his mum has one just because we live in a society full of policies, rules and regulations that deem me the riskiest person in the queue to go on a f***ing kids' ride because I'm missing a couple of muscles!"
A spokesperson for Dreamworld told 7 News people with mobility devices are asked to visit the park's health facility to determine if "rider restrictions apply to the guest's unique circumstances".
"Dreamworld has a specific procedure in place for any guests presenting to attractions within the park with any injury or using a mobility device."
The spokesperson told 7 News the rule is in place to ensure the park follows the manufacturer requirements and guests are kept safe.
The spokesperson said Liddell was cleared for the ride and offered an express ride for the inconvenience, which she declined.
"Dreamworld is an inclusive and accessible park, focused on providing safe and fun experiences for guests whilst adhering to ride manufacturer guidelines," the spokesperson told 7 News.
