PRESS RELEASE: Blue Mountains Open to Blind and Low-Vision Athletes After Sydney Marathon

Sydney’s TCS Marathon weekend isn’t ending at the finish line for blind and low-vision athletes — it’s continuing in the Blue Mountains, with a complimentary sighted guide on Autopia Tours

In partnership with Autopia Tours and Cocky Guides, Sensory Tourism Australia is providing sighted guides on select Blue Mountains Day Trips throughout September. With later departures and more time in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park, these tours are designed to help visitors connect with the landscape through touch, sound and scent.

James (Buck) McFarlane, Director and Co-founder of Sensory Tourism Australia, said:
“We curate engaging itineraries for blind and low-vision travellers that highlight Australia’s destinations through multi-sensory experiences. This collaboration gives visiting athletes the opportunity to explore the Blue Mountains in a way that is both accessible and enriching.”

The initiative also supports visiting members of Achilles International and adds to a growing showcase of inclusive tourism experiences in New South Wales.

Beyond the Blue Mountains, Sensory Tourism Australia is working with Tourism Australia to showcase an accessible Sydney itinerary for visitors and content creators alike. The experience includes a sensory tour of Taronga Zoo, an audio-described tactile tour of the Sydney Opera House, and harbour transport with Captain Cook Cruises — an experience previously enjoyed by blind Canadian content creator Molly Burke.

Sensory Tourism Australia delivers supported travel year-round across Australia’s gateway cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, and invites Regional Tourism Organisations and Local Government partners to collaborate on creating inclusive tourism experiences.

For more information about a supported guide on tour, or to express interest in partnering with Sensory Tourism Australia, contact Buck at [email protected]