Cocky Guides has just announced the dates of its sensory tours to Mt Kosciuszko this summer for hikers who are blind or have low vision.

 

Cocky Guides is a purpose-built accessible tourism company that leads tours for people who are blind or have low vision. The tours offer supported, fully immersive, and engaging sensory experiences of some of Australia’s most iconic outdoor destinations, including Mt Kosciuszko, Fraser Island, and Tasmania’s West Coast.

‘These are iconic destinations that many of our travellers never thought they’d get to experience independently,’ says Cocky Guides owner and founder, James McFarlane. 

Not only is Cocky Guides a licensed Parks Eco Pass operator with NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, it also won the Silver Award for Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2022.

Sensory Tours to the Snowy Mountains

The tour company has recently announced three new tours to Australia’s rooftop in January, February, and March 2023.

The three day, two night adventure includes a 13km hike, and travellers must do a 10km walk with Cocky Guides before qualifying for the trip. Unfortunately, guide dogs aren’t able to accompany hikers due to a chairlift and mesh walkway along the hike.

Previous hikers on the tours have given glowing reviews of their experiences.

‘Cocky Guides took me to the top of Australia!,’ said Andrew, who uses a white cane.

 

‘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,’ he said.

While Allan, a low-vision traveller on a previous trip, said ‘You know it has been a great experience when you’re still smiling about it several weeks later!’.

 

What’s included in the tour?

The tour costs $1450 per person, but includes one support person for every two hikers, return transport from Melbourne or Sydney, return chairlifts up and down the mountain, two nights’ private accommodation at Charlotte Pass, plus national park fees. 

Cocky Guides also has trips to Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast happening over the summer as well. 

 

Feature photo supplied by Cocky Guides