PRESS RELEASE: Cocky Guides launch a new Sensory Tourism Conference on NSW’s Central Coast designed to showcase group travel and the region’s accessible tourist attractions for blind and low-vision Aussies
Australia’s leader in blind and low vision group travel, Cocky Guides, will be hosting the Sensory Tourism & Gold Crest Explorer Expo at Ibis Styles, The Entrance, from Sunday, 11 September 2022, to Tuesday, 13 September 2022.
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.
Owner and founder of Cocky Guides, James (Buck) McFarlane, reckons, “Many blind and low vision Australians still ask me how we do what we do. This conference will enable our team to demonstrate what we do over three days with a hybrid of activities, social events and guest speakers, including Blind Author and World Traveller Tony Giles.”
The event begins with a coach transfer from Sydney on Sunday, 11 September 2022, followed by a day of social interaction, guest speakers, panel discussions and a 3-course dinner. On day two, travellers can select from one of three different day tours and experience NSW’s accessible Central Coast based on the traveller’s preferred activity level. Day three is an expo format with guest speakers to share more about services in sensory tourism and independent travel.
The cost of the event with accommodation is $900 per person and includes conference registration, two nights’ twin share accommodation at Ibis Styles The Entrance, 2 x breakfasts, 2 x dinners and 2 x lunches, 1 x day trip and return transfers from Sydney’s Central Station. This package is limited to 50 people and will require a $150 deposit to register. For participants on NDIS who are plan managed or self-managed, there are options to claim the majority of the cost of this event on their plan.
Limited spots are available, and bookings can be made online from 9 am Monday 11 July 2022 at www.cockyguides.com.au/tours or call 1300 657 640.
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 group 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
