Express interest in escaping the city and slow things down with a supported small-group mid-week getaway to beautiful Orange, NSW. These relaxed 3-night breaks are designed for blind and low-vision travellers wanting a mix of respite, social connection and memorable local experiences — with the added bonus of quieter venues, relaxed pacing and more personal interactions. Stay together in a comfortable 3-bedroom cottage with a spacious backyard — your home base for a few calm days of fresh air, good company and new experiences. Choose Your Style of Getaway! You can tailor the trip to suit your interests: 🍷 The Foodie Escape Local produce, wineries and sensory tasting experiences 🌿 The Explorer Escape Gentle adventures, nature and hands-on activities Small Groups, Real Support! Travel with up to 4 guests and experienced Cocky Guides support guides in a relaxed, social environment. Support ratios available: - 1:1 support - 1:2 shared support - 1:3 shared support (Price varies depending on support level) What’s Included: - 3 nights cottage accommodation - Transport during the trip - Group support guides - Winery tasting experience Social outings and tailored activities quoted on request Guests contribute $50 per person to a shared food kitty for group meals. Pricing - From $1,125 per person (based on 1:2 support with two travellers), plus a $150 non-refundable personal contribution deposit. Maximum group: 4 travellers + 2 support guides Rooming: mix of twin share and limited solo availability Relax, try something new and enjoy a holiday where everything is designed so you can simply participate and connect — without the weekend crowds. Enquire now to check upcoming mid-week dates or request your preferred travel style.

Join a supported small-group weekend getaway to vibrant Orange, NSW — the perfect option if you enjoy a little more atmosphere, activity and social energy. These 3-night breaks combine respite and relaxation with the buzz of a weekend in wine country. Expect lively venues, local events and plenty of opportunities to connect with others while still travelling at a comfortable pace. Stay together in a welcoming 3-bedroom cottage with a spacious backyard — your home base for a fun and social long weekend. Choose Your Style of Getaway! Tailor the trip to match your interests: 🍷 The Foodie Escape Bustling cellar doors, local produce and sensory tasting experiences 🌿 The Explorer Escape Hands-on activities, town experiences and relaxed outdoor adventures Small Groups, Real Support Travel with up to 4 guests and experienced Cocky Guides support guides in a friendly, social environment. Support ratios available: - 1:1 support - 1:2 shared support - 1:3 shared support (Price varies depending on support level) What’s Included - 3 nights cottage accommodation - Transport during the trip - Group support guides - Winery tasting experience Social outings and tailored activities quoted on request Guests contribute $50 per person to a shared food kitty for group meals. Pricing - From $1,467 per person (based on 1:3 support with three travellers), plus a $150 non-refundable personal contribution deposit. Maximum group: 4 travellers + 2 support guides Rooming: mix of twin share and limited solo availability Enjoy the atmosphere of a lively regional town, meet new people and experience Orange at its most vibrant — with support there whenever you need it. Enquire now to check upcoming weekend dates.

White Cane Mingle is a relaxed and inclusive social gathering hosted by Cocky Guides in partnership with Moorebank Sports Club. Together, we are creating a welcoming space for blind and low-vision people, their families, friends, and supporters to connect, share experiences, and build lasting community. Held at Moorebank Sports Club on selected Wednesdays at 10:30 am throughout the year (at least six times annually), White Cane Mingle offers a friendly environment to meet others, enjoy conversation, and become familiar with the venue at a comfortable pace. Each session includes a light orientation of the space, opportunities to build confidence in social settings, and the chance to develop meaningful connections with people who share similar experiences. Kellie Hayes, Director of Cocky Guides Australia, says the initiative is designed to make social connections more accessible and enjoyable. “White Cane Mingle creates opportunities for connection, independence, and confidence. In partnership with Moorebank Sports Club, we are building a welcoming and supportive community hub for blind and low-vision people across Sydney’s south-west.” Sessions are always held on Wednesdays at the same time, making it easy to plan ahead and attend when it suits you. Complimentary transport may be available from nearby suburbs and local train stations - Liverpool and Holsworthy, when requested in advance through the booking page. Everyone is welcome.

Scales, Spikes and Harleys: A Central Coast and Port Stephens Weekend Join Cocky Guides for two days of experiences you can hear, feel and touch. We'll walk alongside the world's biggest lizard, learn how snake venom becomes life-saving antivenom, spend a relaxed night at a Central Coast resort, then head to Port Stephens. There, the rumble of Harley engines and the smell of a barbecue lunch set the scene for a day of motorbike rides, jet skis and good company. Travel is in a small group by van from Central Station, and guide dogs are welcome. Day 1 We leave Central Station by van at 8 am and head up the coast to the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby, where we'll learn about all things scaly and spiky. We'll join the Komodo Dragon Walk, a chance to walk alongside the biggest lizard in the world, and see a venom milking demonstration, where keepers explain how the park's venom program supplies Australia's antivenom. In the afternoon we check in to Encore by Mingara at Tumbi Umbi, where you'll have your own room. Relax at the pool or enjoy a quiet drink at the bar. Dinner tonight is at your own expense within the resort, and there are plenty of options. Hadley's Dining & Bar has a Mod Oz menu with burgers, schnitzels, steaks and fresh seafood, and Ming Dragon serves Chinese. Day 2 Breakfast is on site at your own expense. The Roasted Berry café does barista coffee, sourdough and baked goods. After breakfast we leave Mingara for Corlette at Port Stephens, about a 100-minute drive. There we'll meet our hosts, the American Motorcycle Club, at Roy Wood Reserve. You'll have the chance to try: - Harley-Davidson motorbike - Trike rides - Jet skis If it's loud, large, fast and covered in leather, chances are you'll find it at Roy Wood Reserve. The day finishes with a social barbecue lunch with complimentary food, drinks and snacks, plus a visit from a certain jolly man in a red suit. We'll be back in Sydney by 6 pm. What to bring: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimmers, long pants and enclosed shoes (required to ride safely on the Harleys), a picnic blanket or camp chair, and anything you need for your guide dog, including poop bags. Water will be provided. Cost: $1,356 in support costs, plus a $100 personal contribution.

Turn up the music and kick off summer with a weekend of classic rock, good company, coastal scenery and beach vibes in Wollongong. Our weekend begins with a huge day at the Sounds of Rock Festival at Bulli Showground, headlined by international soft-rock legends Air Supply. They’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of Australian and international favourites including The Black Sorrows, Mental As Anything, Ross Wilson, Dragon, Toni Childs and 1927. After the festival, there’s no need to rush home. We’ll stay overnight in the heart of Wollongong at the Harp Hotel, with a choice of solo or twin-share rooms. And if you’ve still got some energy left after the final song, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy Wollongong’s Saturday-night atmosphere. Sunday changes the pace. We’ll ease into the day with coffee and a relaxed exploration of Wollongong Botanic Garden, head north for lunch in the sunshine at Wombarra Bowls, then spend the afternoon at beautiful Coalcliff Beach. Relax on the sand, take a dip, enjoy the sounds of the ocean or simply find a shady spot and unwind before our late-afternoon journey back to Sydney. It’s a simple summer escape: live music on Saturday, gardens and the beach on Sunday, and plenty of time to enjoy it all. Day 1 – Saturday 5 December Sydney → Sounds of Rock Festival → Wollongong 10:00 am – Depart Central Station Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before departing Sydney for the Illawarra. 10:50 am – Leumeah pick-up Our second pick-up point before continuing south towards Bulli. Around midday – Arrive Bulli Showground Get ready for an afternoon and evening of live music at the Sounds of Rock Festival. The 2026 line-up features: - Air Supply - The Black Sorrows - Mental As Anything - Ross Wilson - Dragon - Toni Childs - 1927 Settle in and enjoy a summer festival atmosphere with hours of classic hits and live performances. Evening – Check in at the Harp Hotel, Wollongong Following the festival, we'll make the short journey into downtown Wollongong and check into the Harp Hotel. Choose between a solo room or twin-share accommodation. Still wanna dance? For those who aren't ready for the night to end, you're staying right in the heart of Wollongong and can enjoy a little more of the city's nightlife before calling it a night. Day 2 – Sunday 6 December Garden, Bowls & Summer Beach Vibes Morning – Relaxed start Enjoy a sleep-in and an easy Sunday morning before checking out of the hotel. Mid-morning – Wollongong Botanic Garden We'll start with a coffee before exploring the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden. Take your time enjoying the different plants, scents, textures, birdlife and peaceful surrounds. Lunch – Wombarra Bowls We'll follow the coast north for a relaxed lunch at Wombarra Bowls. Grab something to eat and enjoy a classic Sunday lunch overlooking the beautiful northern Illawarra. Afternoon – Coalcliff Beach Then it's time for some genuine summer beach vibes. Spend the afternoon at Coalcliff Beach swimming, relaxing on the sand, dipping your feet in the ocean or simply enjoying the sea breeze and spectacular coastal surroundings. 3:30 pm – Return journey to Sydney We'll leave Coalcliff around 3:30 pm for the journey home, with a drop-off at Leumeah followed by Central Station. Two days. One massive music festival. A night in Wollongong. Gardens, lunch by the coast and an afternoon at the beach. That's summer sorted. This supported weekend event is $1,175 per person, plus a non-refundable personal contribution based on your chosen room type: Solo room: $150 personal contribution Twin-share room: $75 personal contribution per person Your personal contribution is required to secure your place and preferred room type. There are only a limited number of solo and twin-share rooms available, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Secure your spot, choose your room and get ready for a weekend of live music, good company and summer beach vibes!