Blind and low-vision tour operator launches first Western Australia adventure

Monday, December 4, 2023

Cocky Guides specializes in orchestrating distinctive, immersive group journeys designed for blind and low-vision explorers. This past weekend marked the commencement of their eight-day escapade in Perth.

James (Buck) McFarlane, the Founder of Cocky Guides, expressed, “We are thrilled to embark on our inaugural tour in Western Australia. Our group of twelve blind and low-vision travelers, accompanied by two guide dogs, eagerly anticipates the exploration of Perth and the South West through our meticulously crafted itineraries, emphasizing the senses beyond sight and collaborating with the finest tour operators in the West.”

Throughout their stay in Perth and Busselton, the initial cohort of blind and low-vision travelers will be in the capable hands of local operators collaborating with Cocky Guides to ensure an inclusive and captivating experience. These operators include Autopia Tours, Sealink Rottnest Island, Perth Wildlife Encounters, Koomal Dreaming, The Lobster Shack, Chocolate Drops at Yanchep Lakeview Tea Rooms, Nambung National Park, Yanchep National Park, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Wills Domain, The Berry Farm, Domaine Naturaliste, and Shelter Brewing Co.

As a social enterprise, Cocky Guides bridges communities and industries by offering group support to empower blind and low-vision Australians to travel independently, without relying on family, friends, or paid caregivers. Since its establishment in 2018, Cocky Guides has contributed over one million dollars to the Australian visitor economy.

If you have a friend or relative with blindness or low vision, consider sharing Cocky Guides on social media to explore the impactful work they do.

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