Audible, the world’s largest producer and provider of audiobooks and original spoken-word entertainment, is teaming up with tourism movement on a mission, Empty Esky, to encourage more travellers to hit the road and support regional businesses in hard-hit areas this summer. Promising hours of free road trip entertainment, Aussies now have even more incentive to holiday locally this summer.

New research commissioned by Audible* reveals that over half of Australians (52 per cent) see the length of the drive as the biggest turn off when it comes to going on a road trip. In fact, a third (30 per cent) say boredom will take its toll on their getaway and almost three in four (71%) are asked “Are we there yet?” on a long road trip.

To ensure a dull drive doesn’t come between would-be road trippers and a good time, Audible is teaming up with Empty Esky to give away free, tailored audiobooks and exclusive podcasts to local travellers this summer as part of the Great Aussie Audiobook Adventure.

“This year has been difficult for all Australians, but with summer around the corner, we’re all looking forward to a getaway. As we look to safely holiday in our own backyards this year, Audible has picked some of our favourite road trips listens to keep Aussies entertained on their journey. We’re excited to join forces with a community-minded organisation like Empty Esky to offer some comic relief and escapism for the whole family this summer,” Leanne Cartwright-Bradford, Country Manager at Audible Australia, says.

“Regional small businesses in Australia have really done it tough this year, but it’s been incredible to see the Aussie spirit shine through to support some of our hardest-hit areas. We’re thrilled that Audible has got our Empty Esky family covered with high-quality and diverse entertainment for their next journey, making great memories while helping to get Australia on the road to recovery along the way,” Eleanor Baillieu and Erin Boutros, Co-Founders of Empty Esky say.

Audible and Empty Esky have devised seven local custom road trip itineraries, starting from major cities across Australia. Each itinerary features up to 10 local businesses and a combination of 10 enthralling audiobooks and Audible exclusive podcasts to track down along the way.

To unlock the free content, road trippers across Australia can keep a look out for the Audible posters at participating small businesses spread from Huskisson in New South Wales to the Huon Valley in Tasmania, and from Bright in Victoria to the Adelaide River in Darwin. Upon visiting a participating business, scan the QR code on the Audible poster, follow the prompts to redeem, and download the Audible app to listen.

Audiobooks and exclusive podcasts available as part of the adventure include classics like Alice in Wonderland, performed by Gemma Arterton; new true crime stories such as Heist, featuring Michael Caine, to laugh out loud comedy from Australia’s Funniest Stand-Up, and thought-provoking listens from First Nations voices, including Nakkiah Lui and Miranda Tapsell in their Audible Original, Debutante: Race, Resistance, and Girl Power.

Meanwhile, there’s something to suit the tastes of every road tripper at participating small businesses; from mouth-watering delights at Sweet Decadence Chocolate in Daylesford, Victoria, to dinner at NSW south coast local, The Quarters Huskisson; from sand dune surfing in Lancelin, Western Australia, to award-winning ice cream at Gelato Mio in Coolum, Queensland and Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in Tassie.

The Great Aussie Audiobook Adventure begins on 24 November 2020 and runs until 4 January 2021. For further information visit EmptyEsky.com.au/Audible learn more.
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