Terms & Conditions
Mallacoota Birding Retreat
Booking Terms & Conditions
Booking and Payment
A booking is confirmed once **full payment has been received**. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-paid, first-confirmed basis.
By making payment, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Cancellation and Refunds
If you need to cancel your booking, the following cancellation policy applies:
More than 60 days before the retreat: A full refund of payments made will be provided.
30 to 60 days before the retreat: A 50% refund of the booking fee will be provided.
Within 30 days of the retreat: No refund will be provided unless your place can be filled by another participant.
If your place is successfully filled by another participant, a refund may be provided less any reasonable costs incurred in transferring or rebooking the place.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against circumstances that may prevent you from attending, including illness, injury, travel disruption or other unforeseen circumstances.
Travel to and from Mallacoota
Travel to and from Mallacoota is **not included** in the retreat and is the responsibility of each guest. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from Mallacoota and ensuring they arrive at the designated meeting point at the required time.
Accommodation
Guests on the full retreat will have their **own private bedroom** in the accommodation provided.
Bathrooms and some other shared areas are shared with other retreat guests and hosts.
**Bed linen and towels are provided.**
Meals and Beverages
The full retreat includes **all meals, snacks, and hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages** during the retreat.
Guests will be responsible for preparing their own breakfast. Breakfast provisions will be provided.
Alcoholic beverages are not included and guests are welcome to make their own arrangements where appropriate. It is a short walk to the shopping centre from your accommodation.
The Tag-Along option includes the meals and refreshments specifically outlined in the booking information. Meals outside those included activities are the responsibility of the guest.
Birding and Outdoor Activities
Birding and wildlife photography take place in natural outdoor environments and may involve uneven ground, bush tracks, stairs, slippery or muddy surfaces, uneven terrain, exposure to weather conditions and other hazards associated with outdoor activities.
Wildlife is unpredictable and sightings of particular species cannot be guaranteed.
Guests participate in all birding excursions, walks, boat trips and other activities at their own risk and are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own safety and following any safety instructions provided by the guide or activity operator.
Guests must advise the organiser of any relevant medical, mobility or other considerations that may affect their ability to safely participate in activities.
Fitness and Mobility
A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required to participate in the retreat.
Guests should be comfortable walking for up to approximately 5 kilometres per day, potentially over uneven ground, bush tracks, inclines and stairs.
The itinerary may involve periods of standing, walking and navigating natural terrain. If you are unsure whether the activities are suitable for you, please contact us before booking.
Weather and Changes to the Itinerary
Birding activities are weather dependent. For the safety and comfort of guests, the itinerary may need to be changed, postponed or substituted due to weather, environmental conditions, wildlife activity, access restrictions or other circumstances beyond our control.
Every effort will be made to provide a comparable experience where an activity cannot proceed as originally planned.
Wildlife sightings, including specific target species, cannot be guaranteed.
Boat Excursions and Third-Party Activities
Some activities may be provided by independent local operators. These activities are subject to the operator's own terms, conditions and safety requirements.
Guests must comply with any reasonable instructions provided by the relevant operator or guide.
Photography and Personal Belongings
Guests are responsible for their own photography equipment, personal belongings and valuables throughout the retreat.
The organiser accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings except where required by law.
Guest Conduct
Guests are expected to behave respectfully towards other participants, hosts, landowners, guides, wildlife and the natural environment.
The organiser reserves the right to ask a guest to leave an activity or the retreat where their behaviour presents a safety risk, is disruptive to other guests, or is otherwise inappropriate. No refund will ordinarily be provided in these circumstances, subject to applicable law.
Wildlife and the Environment
The retreat takes place in sensitive natural environments. Guests are expected to follow 'Leave No Trace' principles, respect wildlife and observe all relevant park, reserve and landowner requirements.
Guests must not approach, chase, feed, handle or otherwise disturb wildlife.
Acceptance of Terms
By booking the Mallacoota Birding Retreat or Tag-Along experience, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and that you are satisfied that the activities are suitable for your level of fitness and mobility.
These Terms & Conditions are subject to Australian Consumer Law and other applicable legislation. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded, restricted or modified.