Welcome to Aussie Explorations tours ABN: 88476995855. These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of our services. By booking a tour with us, you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms and conditions.
Booking and Payment
- Reservation: A booking is confirmed when we receive a completed booking form and payment.
- Payment Terms: Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise stated. For customized tours, a deposit may be required, with the balance due 3 days before the tour. (Deposits are non-refundable)
- Methods of Payment: We accept payments via cash, credit- debit card, bank transfer, PayPal & eftpos.
Validity
- Tour Validity: All prices and itineraries are valid for the dates specified on our website or promotional materials. Prices are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances such as currency fluctuations, government regulations, or other external factors.
Prices and Surcharges
Tour prices are subject to changes based on fluctuating factors and seasonal norms commonly observed in the travel industry. Prices may vary depending on the specific tour, so booking at the current rate ensures you secure the best available price. Once payment is made, any subsequent discounts or reduced rates will not apply retroactively.
If you decide to cancel your booking to take advantage of a lower price, please review the cancellation policy outlined in the "Cancellation by the Traveler" section below. Visit the website for the most up-to-date pricing information. Additionally, note that purchases made by credit card may be subject to a surcharge.
Cancellations and Refund Policy
- Customer Cancellations: If you cancel your booking, the following cancellation fees apply:
- More than 48 hours before departure: 90% refund or option to reschedule
(10% will be taken for administration fees)
- Less than 48 hours before departure: No refund.
If we need to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, the refund will be reduced by any non-recoverable expenses. Aussie Explorations will not be liable for any incidental costs you may have incurred from your booking, such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights, or travel insurance excess.
Aussie Explorations Inclement Weather Policy
At Aussie Explorations, we are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience on all our tours. While we aim to operate in a variety of conditions, there are times when inclement weather may impact our activities. Our weather policy ensures both the safety and satisfaction of our guests.
1. Tour Cancellations Due to Weather
• In the event of severe weather (e.g., storms, heavy rain, high winds) that could impact safety, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the tour.
• We will make every effort to notify guests of cancellations at least 24 hours in advance. However, unexpected weather changes may require last-minute adjustments.
• If a tour is cancelled by Aussie Explorations due to weather or unforeseen circumstances guests will have the option to:
• Reschedule to a different date in a 6 month period.
- Request a refund of 90% of the ticket(s) cost (note: Aussie Explorations will take 10% of the refund due to administration fees)
2. Partial Weather Adjustments
• In cases of mild weather conditions that may limit some activities (e.g., cloudy skies impacting stargazing), the tour may proceed with modifications.
3. Guest Cancellation Due to Weather Concerns
• If a guest decides to cancel due to personal weather concerns and the tour is still operating as scheduled, our standard cancellation policy applies.
• Please refer to our Guest Cancellation Policy for details on eligible refunds or rescheduling options.
4. Safety First
• Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides and staff will assess weather conditions on an ongoing basis and may make decisions to alter or halt activities to ensure the safety of all guests.
• Please come prepared with suitable clothing for various weather conditions, as weather can be unpredictable.
Acceptance of Risk
Australia is known for its diverse array of dangerous wildlife, extreme weather conditions, and varied landscapes. Engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or simply spending time outside can elevate your personal risk. While safety is our top priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure your well-being, Aussie Explorations cannot be held liable for any loss, injury, or accident that may occur during our tours.
Company Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel tours due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political instability, or insufficient bookings. In such cases, we will offer a full refund or an alternative tour of equal value.
Refund Process: Refunds will be processed within 3-7 business days of the cancellation request. All refunds will be issued using the original payment method.
Changes and Modifications
- Customer-Initiated Changes: Requests for changes to your booking must be made in writing by email to aussieexplorations@yahoo.com . Changes are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
If a traveller needs to leave a tour partway through after it has begun, or tries to join the tour after it has started, the operator is not obligated to refund any portion of the tour that was missed. Additionally, any costs incurred for transportation from the point of departure to the traveller's chosen destination are the traveller's responsibility and will not be reimbursed.
- Company-Initiated Changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the tour itinerary due to factors beyond our control (e.g., weather conditions, political instability). We will inform you of any significant changes as soon as possible.
Medical Conditions and Fitness
- Medical Conditions: You must inform us of any medical conditions, dietary requirements, or other special needs at the time of booking. This information is critical to ensure your safety and comfort during the tour.
- Fitness to Travel: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to travel. Participants should consider their physical fitness level and consult a doctor if necessary. We reserve the right to refuse participation if we believe your health or safety, or that of other participants, may be compromised.
- Medical Assistance: In the event of a medical emergency, we will arrange for necessary medical assistance at your expense. It is strongly recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend all participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, personal accidents, loss of personal belongings, and repatriation.
Ensure your travel insurance provides adequate coverage for personal accidents, death benefits, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a recommended minimum of US$ 200,000 for each category.
Additionally, it is highly advisable to have coverage for trip cancellations, COVID-19-related issues, personal liability, and loss of personal belongings. If your insurance is tied to a credit card or bank account, ensure you have the insurer's contact details, policy number, and emergency contact number at hand, instead of relying solely on your bank's name and credit card information.
Child Policy
Our policy regarding children and infants varies depending on the specific trip, reflecting the diversity of our offerings. For all travellers under 18 years old, it is mandatory to be accompanied by an adult or guardian throughout the duration of the tour.
Loss of Personal Belongings
You are responsible for your personal belongings during the tour. We recommend that you take all necessary precautions to safeguard your possessions.
We are not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to your personal belongings. In the event of a lost item, we will assist in attempting to recover the item, but we cannot guarantee its return or replacement.
Luggage Policy
For day trips, we do not offer luggage storage facilities to ensure maximum comfort during your journey. It is advisable to bring a small day pack weighing no more than 5-7kg.
On short-break or extended tours, each person is allowed a maximum baggage allowance of 15-20kg, preferably in a soft traveling pack. Bringing excessive luggage may result in an additional surcharge.
Please note that certain items such as surfboards, bikes, and excessive amounts of luggage may not be allowed unless arranged in advance. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be safely stored on our vehicles. If you require any of these aids, please inform us before booking your tour.
Pick-up & Drop-offs
Aussie Explorations provides free pick-up and drop-off services within the city centre, available at selected accommodation providers. Please ensure you are ready at your designated pick-up point (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure time. If you are not present at the agreed meeting spot, the tour guide may not be able to locate you, which could result in missing the tour departure. Aussie Explorations cannot be held accountable for passengers who miss their tour due to failure to be at the pick-up point on time.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol consumption is prohibited on board our vehicles. We maintain the right to deny re-entry to passengers who are excessively intoxicated and could endanger other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the authority to announce, either prior to departure or during the tour, that alcohol is no longer allowed. In Australia, the legal drinking age is 18 years, and a photo ID is required for verification.
Delays and No-Shows
- Customer Delays: It is your responsibility to arrive on time for the tour. If you are delayed, please contact us immediately. While we will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, we cannot guarantee that the tour will wait for you. No refunds will be given for missed tours due to late arrival.
- No-Shows: If you do not show up for the tour without prior notice, you will forfeit your payment, and no refunds or rescheduling will be provided.
Food Requirements
When booking your tour or at least 7 days before departure, please notify our tour operator of any food allergies, special dietary requirements, or medical conditions. While we aim to accommodate diverse dietary needs, some regions we visit during extended tours may have limited food options. Planning ahead ensures we can better meet your needs, although availability cannot be guaranteed. For those with specific dietary requirements, bringing along snacks is recommended for added convenience.
Health and Safety
- Medical Conditions: You must inform us of any medical conditions or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
- Fitness to Travel: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to travel. We reserve the right to refuse participation if we believe your health or safety is at risk.
Liability
- Limitation of Liability: Our liability is limited to the amount you have paid for the tour. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
- Force Majeure: We are not responsible for any failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or government restrictions.
Code of Conduct
- Behaviour: Participants are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly during the tour. We reserve the right to remove any participant whose behaviour is deemed disruptive or dangerous.
- Compliance with Laws: Participants must comply with all local laws and regulations.
Privacy Policy
- Personal Information: We collect personal information necessary for booking and providing our services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and will not share your information with third parties without your consent.
Contact Information
For any queries or concerns, please contact us at:
- Email: aussieexplorations@yahoo.com
- Phone: 0408885927
