Booking Conditions
It is a requirement of Tarkine Trails as a responsible and accredited tour operator to have a set of booking conditions that form a contract between you our customer and us as the tour operator. Please read carefully and accept the conditions where indicated. We have tried to keep it short and to the point. Please talk to us with any concerns you may have.
To book your trip.
Simply fill in the booking form and follow the payment details. We require a non refundable deposit to confirm your place on the tour. We require a non refundable deposit to confirm your place on the tour. Your booking deposit is used towards pre-tour operational and administration costs for your trek.
Payment.
Payment to be made as per the booking form guidelines, or as directed by Tarkine Trails staff.
Payment to be made in Australian Dollars.
Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations.
Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations take effect subject to the following:
- If cancellation takes place more than 60 days before your departure date, your full deposit will be forfeited.
- If cancellation takes place less than 60 days before your departure date, 100% of the tour price will be forfeited.
In view of the heavy penalties applied to cancelled reservations, Tarkine Trails strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation.
Transfer of departure date.
Our tours are very popular. We will endeavour to transfer your booking to alternative dates should you request this, but please be aware that this will not always be possible. Transfers may only be made to another tour to commence within 12 months of your original departure date and you must notify Tarkine Trails in writing. Transfers take effect subject to the following:
- If your notice is received more than 60 days prior to your original departure date, a $50 administration fee will apply and be payable prior to your departure. Please be aware that you may be liable for any increase in prices of airfares, accommodation or other operational services.
- If your notice is received less than 60 days before your original departure date, 100% of your tour price will be forfeited.
Medical Clearance.
Due to the physical activity involved with our treks, all guests 69 years of age or over at the time of their trek will require a medical clearance from a health professional. If medical clearance is not obtained by your doctor your deposit is fully refundable. Any cancellation after a successful medical clearance is subject to our standard cancellation policy.
Travel Insurance.
We recommend that you are insured for the duration of your tour. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation and curtailment and loss of luggage/personal effects. Coverage for medical expenses including emergency evacuation is also suggested (international guests).
Fitness.
All tours require a moderate to high level of fitness and a degree of mental stamina. Being physically prepared is paramount to the experience and to yours and the group’s safety. If you are not physically prepared you may need to, or may be asked to miss certain days walking for yours and the group’s wellbeing. Being physically prepared will ensure you gain maximum involvement and enjoyment on your trek. Refer to our notes on physical preparation/requirements in your tour notes or talk to us about being physically prepared.
Health.
It is vital that you inform us of any medical conditions that may affect you during your time with us. We need to know so that we can ensure maximum safety, comfort and enjoyment on your trek. Consult your GP before your tour if you have any pre existing medical conditions which may affect you whilst on tour. Please advise us on the Booking Form of any medications you are taking, medical conditions (ie. allergies etc.) and any previous injuries or operations you may have or had. It may be a requirement to have your GP sign a medical clearance form. If taking any medication please make sure you bring adequate supplies for the duration of the tour.
Travelling with Tarkine Trails.
Your safety and wellbeing is paramount to our operation. We structure, modify and conduct the tours with these two points in mind. We walk together or within sight of each other and adjust the pace as required for the comfort and safety of all participants; please consider this as part of your booking. We treat each trek as unique and endeavour to provide the best possible experience for each group. We hold all the necessary permits and fulfil all other requirements to legally operate our tours.
Changes made during tour.
Changes to the itinerary do occur in response to weather, campsite and road conditions, cultural considerations and other factors outside our control. Changes also take place in response to group needs or just to show you something special at the time. Changes are made at the discretion of trek leaders.
Cancellation of tour.
Cancellations of tours by the company may happen if minimum numbers are not reached. A minimum of 30 days notice will be given to you with the option to book onto another of our tours or to receive a full refund. We reserve the right to cancel a tour itinerary in whole or in part if we deem it necessary to do so due to a force majeure event. A force majeure event is any event beyond our control and to which we did not contribute (including but not limited to a civil commotion, natural disaster or force of nature, act of God or the public enemy, or governmental restraint or restriction), which renders us unable to carry out the original tour itinerary in whole or in part, and which cannot be overcome by the exercise of reasonable care, proper precautions and the consideration of reasonable alternatives. We will not be liable to you in any way in respect of any such cancellation to the extent that it was deemed necessary by us due to a force majeure event/such an event.
Be responsible.
Tarkine Trails feels great responsibility for its groups and the environmental and cultural landscape we operate in. We do our best to nurture the needs of each person for the benefit of the whole experience. But it is your responsibility to be prepared for the physical and mental demands of each tour. We need your active participation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the group, and to consult with us if you have any health/hygiene issues that may affect you or the group. We adhere to and implement minimal environmental impact approaches to every tour, and ask for you to consider the cultural requests and values of certain areas.
Assumption of risk.
You acknowledge and accept that you are participating in hiking, trekking and adventure type activities that have high and inherent risks and dangers. Our tours are undertaken in remote areas where expert medical aid and limited communications may mean delays in assistance in the event of injury, accident or death. Adverse weather conditions may require changes to the trip structure and itinerary and may affect your personal comfort. Accordingly, you understand that there are inherent dangers and risks, including risk of injury or death.
Waiver of liability.
You further acknowledge and agree that due to the nature of the activities, it would be unreasonable for Tarkine Trails to be in any way responsible for any injury to or death of yourself and you hereby, to the full extent permitted by law, waive all of your legal rights of action against us and fully release and hold us harmless from any claim, demand or liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury (including death) howsoever arising out of or in relation to your participation in the activities conducted or organised by us, including without limitation, liability for any negligent or tortious act or omission, breach of duty, breach of contract or breach of statutory duty on the part of us, our office holders, employees, agents or contractors. You further acknowledge and agree that you undertake the activities freely, voluntarily and absolutely at your own risk and with a full appreciation of the nature and extent of all risks involved in the activities. This waiver shall bind you and your heirs, assigns, executors and/or administrators and legal representatives.
In order to preserve your own and other’s safety, if you do not comply with the booking conditions, act in a way that neglects group safety or wilfully damages the environment or cultural sites, you may be asked to leave the tour or refused entry to the tour at your own expense.
You acknowledge that you have read and understood this waiver.
