PRESS RELEASE: Accessible tour operator Cocky Guides launch supported Mount Kosciuszko Walk for blind and low vision hikers

Cocky Guides is a licensed Parks Eco Pass operator with NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. On Monday, 28 February 2022, Cocky Guides will take their first group of blind and low vision travellers to the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.

Cocky Guides has created a purpose-built accessible tourism business for blind and low vision Australians, offering fully immersive and engaging sensory experiences to more than 50 destinations across the country. Now they are expanding into more active adventures within NSW National Parks.

Owner and founder of Cocky Guides, James (Buck) McFarlane, reckons, “We have led blind and low vision Australians to destinations as diverse as Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Fraser Island in Queensland and Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. These are iconic destinations that many of our travellers never thought they’d get to experience independently. Let alone on a multisensory group tour. With experience leading trips in Sydney’s Royal National Park, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver an exceptional experience in the Kosciuszko National Park.

Paul Johns, a blind traveller, says, “My first activity with Cocky Guides was a three-day road trip to Surfing Australia’s High-Performance Centre at Casuarina for surf lessons with my son Noah. Noah has a similar eye condition as myself, so I am excited that I now have opportunities to enjoy father and son time doing outdoor adventures like surfing and hiking to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, with the support of Cocky Guides. ”

Cocky Guides run tactile and sensory group adventures all around Australia. You can find out about upcoming experiences and register for their newsletter online at cockyguides.com.au or call 1300 657 640.

Media Contacts:

Name: James (Buck) McFarlaneCompany: Cocky GuidesEmail: Phone: 0403827666

About Cocky Guides

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Since launching in August 2018, Cocky Guides have specialised in providing unique, multisensory adventures for the blind and low-vision community. More than 500 travellers have visited over 50 destinations with Cocky Guides. Cocky Guides is the recipient of the Bronze Award for Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the prestigious 2021 NSW Tourism Awards and the Micro Business category winner at the 2021 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence. There are over 575,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision. Cocky Guides aims to be the leading support provider for adventure and travel, designed to increase independence, plus social and community participation for blind and low vision Australians. For more information, visit www.cockyguides.com.au