You can get a taste of what it’s like to jump off Australia’s only bungy tower but keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, thanks to Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s new virtual reality headsets.
Three new Oculus headsets are available for attendees to try out at upcoming industry trade shows such as Get Local, 15-16 February in Sydney and AIME, 21-23 March in Melbourne. The bureau invites anyone attending the events to drop by the destination stands.
Lucky Get Local tradeshow attendees can also “jump in” at the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef pop-up bar on the second day of the event, where local craft beer and gin will be available alongside the headsets. And we can assure you it’s only the experiences that will be virtual, the drinks shall be real and cold.
General Manager, Rosie Douglas explains “The full virtual reality experience allows participants to walk along the Cairns Esplanade as they would if they were attending a business event in the region.” The Esplanade links five-star properties situated along the Cairns waterfront, which now boasts a brand-new dining precinct.
The Dreamtime Walk with Mossman Gorge Centre immerses participants in the rainforest experience; a one-minute sample of the usual 2-hour trek on the ground. “If only the damper and tea at the end of the real tour was transferrable through the headsets, we’d be sorted,” laughs Douglas.
For the opposite perspective, Douglas says “glide above the treetops aboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a bird’s eye view of the world’s oldest rainforest from the comfort of a swivel chair for optimum 360-degree views”. The gondola experience is a favourite amongst delegates and is a year-round activity that is enhanced by the seasonal changes – summer rain, or perfect winter sunshine.
For those hesitant about tackling a bungy jump or jungle swing with Sky Park by AJ Hackett, the virtual reality experience will kick start your desire for the real thing. Douglas assures participants that “you’ll see how it easy it is to tackle any challenge with a world heritage listed rainforest as your backdrop.”
The Great Barrier Reef is at your fingertips with the virtual reality experience taking participants underwater with Sunlover Reef Cruises. Say hello to marine life living on the world’s largest coral reef system and stay completely dry.
All of the experiences included in the virtual reality program are perfect touring options for conference and incentive groups.
“We know that the best way to sell a destination is to experience it firsthand, but with site inspections and educationals being scaled back after two years of COVID-affected travel, the next best thing is getting a little help from technology,” Douglas commented. “And what a quick, fun way to sample a destination!”
The virtual reality headsets were purchased through support from Business Events Australia and their Boost for Business Events funding program.
Contact Kahlia Pepper for Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef media enquires.
Walk along the Cairns Esplanade
Walk along the Cairns Esplanade
Bungy jump at Sky Park by AJ Hackett
Bungy jump at Sky Park by AJ Hackett
Snorkeling on Great Barrier Reef
Snorkeling on Great Barrier Reef
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway