ABOUT THE TOUR

What is Dialogue in the Dark^™
Dialogue in the Dark^™ is an experience in total darkness through which, led by blind guides, one learns to interact and communicate by relying on other senses. At Dialogue in the Dark^™ you will experience a world without pictures. You will explore the unseen, and learn to see in darkness.
How long is the tour? The tour is approximately 60 minutes long, however there are some things you’ll need to do before you go in - so please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled session.
Is there anything that I should know before I go? Please leave behind anything that lights up or glows in the dark, or be prepared to remove it and place it in the lockers available, along with any of your valuables. We advise that you wear flat, comfortable shoes. No stilettos please.
What preparations should I make just before the tour? There’s no need for you to bring anything in particular. Please turn off your mobile phones, and put any wearable devices or accessories which light up into the provided lockers along with your other valuables. Put any loose items away too. Then get ready to challenge the darkness!
Will I be alone in the dark? No, every group is accompanied by a guide who remains with the group for the duration of the experience.
What if I have a group larger than 7 people? For safety reasons, a group cannot be larger than 7 people. Your group will be divided into smaller groups. The tours begin every 20 minutes.
I want to know what it really looks like inside the experience, can I see the rooms in light? No, unfortunately not. Let your imagination run free! Seeing the exhibition in light would spoil your experience.
Who should attend? Dialogue in the Dark^™ is for people 5 years and above. If you have any health conditions special needs or any other concerns, we advise that you speak to one of our Ticketmaster team members prior to booking.
Can children attend? Dialogue in the Dark^™ is for people 5 years and above. For school groups, we recommend that they be in the third grade or higher.
Is there care facilities on site for my children 4 years and under? No, there is not. Please note that it is not possible to leave children unattended in the foyer if they decide not to take part in the tour.
Do the guides get paid? Yes. Dialogue in the Dark^™ is a social enterprise designed to improve employment opportunities for the blind and partially blind.
What do I do if I am uncomfortable in total darkness? Our experienced guides will help you to feel safe and confident in the dark, and are happy to be of assistance to anyone feeling anxious. However, if you feel you must leave the tour, your guide can take you back safely into the light at any point.

TICKETING

How can I book a ticket? We recommend that you book online or via phone at Ticketmaster, or on-site at the Dialogue in the Dark^™ premises in The District, Docklands. Please note: Walk up tickets are subject to availability. If you have special needs, or are part of a large group please phone Ticketmaster prior to arrival at the Dialogue premises.
When do I receive my booking confirmation? You will receive a confirmation directly after the reservation. If someone has made the booking on your behalf, they will be able to share information with you. For all phone bookings, you will receive the confirmation within 72 hours of making the booking.
What if I’m late for my tour? We offer tours every 20 minutes. We ask that all guests arrive 20 minutes before their tour. Unfortunately it is not possible to admit latecomers once the tour has started. However we will do what we can to accommodate you in a nearby session, based on availability only. Please note that this will not be possible to do in peak periods.
Do you give refunds, exchanges or last minute cancellations? No we do not, except in accordance with the ACL. Please call Ticketmaster for further information.
Do you offer gift certificates? Yes, you can purchase a Gift certificate through the Ticketmaster contact centre.
What if I lose my ticket? We suggest that you contact Ticketmaster so that they can reissue your tickets for pickup at the venue on the day.
Can I buy extra tickets to my session on the day? These tickets can be booked online at Ticketmaster, or subject to availability, we may be able to add additional friends and family to your session on the day.
Do you offer group discounts? Yes, you can receive a 10% discount on group bookings of 10 people. Please contact the Ticketmaster Groups team to book - phone 1300 889 278.
Do you offer discounted tickets? You can receive 10% discount with the presentation of a valid Melbourne Star ticket on the same day. These discounts are valid only for booking at the Box Office (on site) and are subject to availability.
We also offer a 10% discount through RACV - please refer back to your rewards programs for booking information.
Tickets are limited, so we always recommend booking online where possible. Occasionally, we do promotional offers and special events, as well as pre-releases. Please subscribe to the Dialogue in the Dark and Ticketmaster newsletters for further information.
How do I bring a school group? This is an excellent program for school students from grade three onwards, and university students. Student groups can be booked by calling Ticketmaster Groups. For more information about our education programs, visit dialogueinthedark.com.au/education
How do I bring a corporate group? Groups can be booked through Ticketmaster Groups.
Dialogue in the Dark^™ is launching exciting corporate workshop programs in 2017. To register your interest, visit dialogueinthedark.com.au/corporate-workshops

ACCESSIBILITY and SPECIAL NEEDS

We try to make it possible for everyone to visit our exhibition. If you have special needs, please contact Ticketmaster when you make your booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Wheelchairs Persons in wheelchairs will be accompanied by an extra guide who will assist them through the exhibition. For all wheelchair users, it will be necessary for them to use one of the specially designed wheelchairs we have available. You will need a trained carer to move you into this chair prior to your session. Please note: We have capacity for one wheelchair visitor and assisted guide per hour.
Limited mobility For people that require assistance to walk, it could be necessary to use one of the wheelchairs we have available for visitors. In this case, an additional guide will be there to assist you in the exhibition. We have capacity for one wheelchair visitor and assisted guide per hour.
Languages The tour is offered in English only at this stage.
Hearing impaired In the darkness, hearing is especially important. If you are hearing-impaired, please let the guide know before the tour begins.
Deafness For our deaf visitors, we make a special effort to make our exhibit accessible. Please decide yourself if you want to bring an interpreter. If you decide to come alone, the guide will arrange palpable gestures with you so that a communication is possible in the darkness.
Pregnancy The chance of bumping into things or other visitors in the darkness is very high. We therefore recommend not visiting the exhibition from the 6th month of pregnancy.
Infants We do not allow infants, toddlers or children under 5 to attend the exhibition.
Guide Dogs Guide Dogs are not permitted within the exhibition, due to animal protection. Please advise our staff and we will be able to accommodate your registered Guide Dog during the experience.
How do you ensure the safety of your guests? Our exhibition and its staff comply with all current building and safety codes. Our guides also supply any additional safety information.

FACILITIES

Are there parking facilities nearby? The District, Docklands has ample parking facilities a short walking distance from the Dialogue in the Dark^™ premises. You can find information on parking here: thedistrictdocklands.com.au/centre-info/parking/
Where are the wheelchair accessible lifts? Dialogue in the Dark^™ is located on Star Cres, Level 1 of The District, Melbourne, opposite Artvo. There are escalators at the Melbourne Star end of Star Cres. There are wheelchair accessible lifts at the intersection of Star Cres and Studio Lane.
What restroom facilities are available? The nearest restrooms are on the ground floor of Studio Lane in The District, just opposite Centre Management. This is a short 50 metre walk from the Dialogue in the Dark premises.
Are there any on-site food and beverage facilities? No, however there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby throughout The District. Ask our staff on the day for any special offers. Please note: no food or drink is to be brought into the tour.

SUPPORTING DIALOGUE

How can I make a donation to Guide Dogs and Dialogue in the Dark? We are grateful for all donations of support to Guide Dogs and the work that we do with blind guides through the Dialogue in the Dark^™ programs. You can make a donation to the Guide Dogs at the time of your ticket purchase with Ticketmaster, or you can make a donation online at www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au
What does the money that I donate go towards?
Your donation supports the work of Guide Dogs Victoria in providing a full range of expert services to support the independence of Victorians with vision loss.