Dialogue in the Dark is more than a just a tour of Melbourne. It is a sensory journey set in total darkness – an incredible experience where you step out of your comfort zone and take on the challenges of a bustling, simulated Melbourne in the dark.
The aim of Dialogue in the Dark is to give full sighted people the experience of getting about the world as a person with low vision or blindness. It’s one of the most unique tours I’ve ever done, and it was profoundly life-changing whilst being incredibly fun at the same time.
All the guides have low vision or are blind and my guide Jenny made me feel comfortable in her world as I stepped into the dark corridor equipped only with a white cane. As the light faded away my other senses heightened – the noises, the smells, and my sense of touch. Jenny led the way using her voice or tapping an object, guiding me through the streets of Melbourne and inviting me to explore my surrounds. We visited iconic places, explored every day objects that are taken for granted and covered the city in a way I’d never thought possible given it was just a simulation in a room.
Jenny had a wealth of knowledge about Melbourne’s culture and history and a great sense of humour. She also made me feel confident in my skills to navigate around as a person with blindness, in addition to being open about her story and situation.
As a Melburnian I thought it was a terrific way to explore my native city and experience some of the highlights. For visitors I think it would be perfect to start a Melbourne itinerary with a morning at Dialogue in the Dark, follow it with a trip on the nearby Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for an orientation over the city and then visit the sights in real life later in the day.
Dialogue in the Dark™ is presented in partnership with Guide Dogs Australia and is located not far from the city centre in the Docklands area. For more information about it click here.