Meet Ringo, the assistance dog who made exploring the Great Barrier Reef paw-sible for guests with vision and audio challenges.
The Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit destination for all travellers and those with accessibility needs are certainly no exception. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises recently welcomed a group of travellers from Cocky Guides, who specialise in adventures for blind, visually impaired and hearing impaired travellers.
The crew enjoyed looking after the group throughout the day and some of them joined skipper Brett in the wheelhouse en-route to Normanby Island. Once they were on the island the group explored the iconic Great Barrier Reef on guided snorkel tours with instructor Chantel. Ringo joined them on a paddle board and was the epitome of a good boy – he even gave Chantal a thank you kiss!
After exploring the reef the group were treated to a sensory eco-walk with supervisor Mark to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef. Corals and shells were passed around, allowing the guests to feel their textures and shapes.
Ringo gives snorkel guide Chantal a thank you kiss
Photo by Cocky Guides Facebook
Frankland Island Reef Cruises welcome assistance dogs on board to the Frankland Islands National Park group. Travellers with a certified guide, hearing or assistance dog, or trainee support dog under the GHADA are permitted to access all public areas of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service managed areas and do not require any prior approval or permit from QPWS.
However, they must be able to identify themselves as a person who is accompanied by a properly trained and certified guide, hearing or assistance dog or trainee support dog with approved identification under the GHADA.
