To coincide with International Day of People with Disability, Cocky Guides has launched its Summer hiking schedule supporting blind and low-vision travellers to reach 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 some of Australia’s most iconic destinations, like Kosciuszko National Park.
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. After a successful trip to Mount Kosciuszko earlier this year, we have launched three new departures to the top of Australia in January, February and March 2023.”
Low-vision traveller on the previous trip, Allan explains, “You know it has been a great experience when you’re still smiling about it several weeks later! Trip Leaders Buck and Kellie supported our group in preparing us and then leading our walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko! We made a three-day round trip from Sydney, which enabled us to have a relaxed and pleasant journey through Canberra the day before our 13-kilometre return hike to the top of Australia!”
Another traveller, white cane user Andrew says, “Cocky Guides took me to the top of Australia! I had a tough climb to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko due to circumstances beyond my eye condition. Cocky Guides managed my safety with a higher support ratio on this trip. Whilst resting, the Trip Leader provided local information about the area along the way. I loved that they planned this expedition with one trip leader for every two travellers, enabling me to achieve my dream to reach the summit without feeling I’d been a burden on anyone.”
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 www.cockyguides.com.au or call 1300 657 640.