Terms and Conditions for Australia in the Wild 2023

1. Booking Process

1.1 A booking is confirmed when a deposit has been received.
1.2 The deposit amount will be specified at the time of booking.
1.3 Full payment is required 30 days prior to the tour commencing.
1.4 Bookings made within 30 days of the tour commencing require full payment at the time of booking.

2. Cancellation Policy

2.1 Cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable).
2.2 If a cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to the tour commencing, a full refund minus the deposit will be given.
2.3 If a cancellation is made less than 30 days but more than 14 days prior to the tour commencing, a 50% refund will be given.
2.4 If a cancellation is made less than 14 days prior to the tour commencing, no refund will be given.
2.5 If the tour operator cancels the tour due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be given.
2.6 Australia in the Wild reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather or other unsuitable conditions. In such a case a refund (minus any fees and non-refundable deposits we have made to ground agents or accommodation) of the tour price paid to date will be made to the participant.
2.7 Australia in the Wild reserves the right to postpone or re-schedule any trip due to weather or other unsuitable conditions. If, as a result of this, you are unable to participate in the tour on the new dates, a credit voucher (minus any fees and non-refundable deposits we have made to ground agents or accommodation) to the value of the tour price paid to date will be issued to the participant.
2.8. Force Majeure: Neither party will be liable for failing to perform its obligations under this agreement as long as the failure is triggered by something beyond its reasonable control. Causes include, but are not limited to, pandemics, epidemics, work stoppages, natural disasters, acts of God, war, terrorism and others. In the event of a prolonged force majeure event, re-negotiation rights may be triggered and we will assist clients with obtaining alternatives.

3. Health and Safety

3.1 All passengers are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the tour.
3.2 All passengers must adhere to the instructions of the tour guide and any safety warnings issued by the tour guide.
3.3 All passengers must inform the tour operator of any medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate in the tour.
3.4 The tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation to any passenger who is deemed unfit to participate in the tour.

4. COVID-19 Measures

4.1 All passengers must follow local government guidelines and restrictions regarding COVID-19 during the tour.
4.2 All passengers must disclose if they are feeling unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days prior to the tour commencing.
4.3 The tour operator may refuse participation to any passenger who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days prior to the tour commencing.
4.4 The tour operator will provide hand sanitizer, and all passengers must use it before boarding the tour vehicle.
4.5 All passengers are required to wear masks while inside the tour vehicle (if instructed).
4.6 The tour operator will ensure that the tour vehicle is cleaned and disinfected between each tour.

5. Liability

5.1 The tour operator is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or death that occurs during the tour.
5.2 The tour operator is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or death that occurs as a result of the passenger’s failure to follow instructions issued by the tour guide.
5.3 The tour operator is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or death that occurs as a result of circumstances beyond their control.
5.4 Insurance
The purchase of travel insurance, including cancellation insurance, is strongly recommended, and for some tours, compulsory. Australia in the Wild cannot accept liability for insurance costs, loss of deposits, airline cancellations or delays or penalties incurred by the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for this tour.
Australia in the Wild cannot accept liability for any insurance costs if a tour is cancelled.

6. Bird species

6.1 Birds are wild animals and no sightings of any species can be guaranteed. Australia in the Wild will not be held responsible for clients not seeing any particular species.

7. Tour Prices

7.1 The price of the tour is based on local prices in effect when the tour is designed and is subject to adjustment in the event of a large change therein.
7.2 What is included in the tour price
Specifics about what is included in each tour are described in the tour itinerary and normally consists of all travel as noted in the itinerary arranged between us beforehand, lodging in hotels/motels or their equivalent unless otherwise indicated, all meals unless otherwise noted, tour materials and the tour guide services of the leader(s).
7.3 What is not included in the tour price
The tour price excludes all expenses incurred before the first official group assembly at the start of any tour and after the official end of the tour, travel insurance, passport charges, vaccination charges, visa charges, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, and meals and drinks en route to the tour. The tour price also excludes drinks (other than those provided), à la carte dishes on those occasions where the included meal is fixed-menu, breakfast upgrades from continental, snacks, laundry, telephone calls, private excursions, tips and anything else of a purely personal nature, including taxes, porterage, service charges and tips relating to such items.
In addition, should you decide not to accompany the group on a planned activity for any reason, you are responsible for the extra cost of any activity, acommodation or meals while the rest of the group is involved in the planned activity.
Should you arrive or depart at other than the official times of the tour, any additional expenses you incur are not included.
7.4 Surcharges
Unfortunately, the travel industry is suffering with highly fluctuating costs relating to fuel, flights, and an erratic world economy. We would like to offer complete price stability and will make every effort to do this, but because of the possibility of substantial transportation/fuel price increases, we cannot guarantee prices until full payment has been received. While we will make every effort to avoid or absorb surcharges, Australia in the Wild reserves the right to increase the price of a tour in the event of cost increases incurred by us that stem directly from increases in transportation costs (by air, land or water, and including increases in fuel costs), increases in government taxes, fees, dues or levies, or exchange rates.

8. Modification

8.1 Australia in the Wild reserves the right to modify the itinerary, number of participants (on scheduled tours), tour leader, tour vehicle or any other aspect of the tour prior to and during any tour. While on tour if weather or other conditions require a change to the itinerary such a change will be discussed, as much as reasonably possible, with the clients but the final decision is made by the tour leader. If as a result of a change in the itinerary clients forgo an opportunity to see any particular bird species this does not entitle these clients to a refund. If due to unforeseen local road, weather or other conditions the duration of the tour needs to be shortened by more than one (1) day this will entitle clients to a reasonable refund to be calculated by Australia in the Wild. If due to unforeseen local road, weather or other conditions the duration of the tour needs to be extended clients will not be charged commercial tour rates for the extension by Australia in the Wild but clients will be required to pay for their own accommodation, food and all other expenses for the duration of the extension. Australia in the Wild will not be liable for any costs incurred by clients due to a tour returning to its final destination earlier or later than scheduled.

9. Jurisdiction

9.1 These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.
9.2 Any disputes arising from these terms and conditions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.

By booking with Australia in the Wild, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms and conditions.