Loka launches down under

Loka launches down under
By admin


From November 29, Australian travel experiences will change for the better, with Loka, the world’s first flexible travel collective, debuting in Sydney and taking travellers on a journey into ‘real’ Australia.

Loka, which means world in Sanskrit, aims to go beyond traditional backpacking and mainstream commercial tourism, and instead give travellers the most authentic experiences of the destination.

Brainchild of travel pioneer Neil Geddes set up Loka as a social enterprise that looks for unique local experiences away from the traditional travel routes, and works with local communities to set them up for receiving visitors.

“It’s a win win for all,” Geddes said.

“We bring benefits to the people and places we visit, often in remote areas that need help, by bringing in travellers and opening up new opportunities for the locals and it also ensures that we have the best authentic experiences for our travellers.”

Loka offers eight guided, flexible pass options, spanning over diverse travel routes and incorporating attractions both on and off the beaten track.

Travellers on Loka can still visit the big drawcard places and activities like Great Barrier Reef trips, Fraser Island, skydiving, and bungy jumping but they will have the added advantage of having access to more authentic experiences including catching fish in a country dam, preparing a traditional meal with local indigenous people and spotting wildlife in dense rainforests.

“Talking with travellers has been instrumental in how we have designed the routes and activities and maintaining a two way dialogue will be key to the success of Loka and how the company evolves,” Geddes added.

“We have hunted out unique alternative stops and people that show off the real Australia. We want to provide experiences that you won’t have read about on Trip Advisor or in the guidebooks.”

Loka also offers a mobile app, which gives travellers the flexibility and convenience to book ‘on and off’ departures, check out other traveller’s reviews, and book the accommodation and activities of their choice.

The mobile app also lets Aussies share ideas and reviews on a forum, giving other travellers the tools to create their ideal itinerary.

Trips will initially depart two times a week, with three weekly departures scheduled as of January 4 2015.

Loka’s route travels Sydney to Cairns and return, with passes available from Sydney to Cairns, Sydney to Brisbane, Byron Bay to Cairns, Brisbane to Cairns and in reverse.

The cost of a pass ranges from $150 for two days travel, to $990 for 13 days travel. The passes are valid for three months, giving travelers the freedom to hop on and off and stay longer at any destination they choose. 

To read more about the Loka travel experience, and what it all entails, check out their website here.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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