Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the HikeQuest Trails website (hikequesttrails.com.au) and booking our adventure hiking tours and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, all applicable laws, and regulations. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing our services.

These terms apply to all visitors, users, customers, and others who access or use our services. Your continued use of our website and services constitutes acceptance of any updates or modifications to these terms.

HikeQuest Trails reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. We will notify users of any significant changes via email or prominent notice on our website. Your continued use after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

2. Booking and Reservations

2.1 Booking Process: All bookings must be made through our official website, email, or phone. A booking is considered confirmed only after receipt of the required deposit (typically 30% of the total tour cost) and written confirmation from HikeQuest Trails.

2.2 Payment Terms: Full payment is required at least 30 days before the tour departure date. Bookings made within 30 days of departure require immediate full payment. We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and approved payment plans for certain programs.

2.3 Minimum Participants: Some tours have minimum participant requirements. If minimum numbers are not met, HikeQuest Trails reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the tour with full refund or alternative date options provided to confirmed participants.

2.4 Age Requirements: Participants must meet the minimum age requirements specified for each tour. Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who assumes full responsibility for their participation and safety.

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

3.1 Customer Cancellations:

• More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus 10% administration fee
• 30-60 days before departure: 50% refund of total tour cost
• 15-29 days before departure: 25% refund of total tour cost
• Less than 15 days before departure: No refund

3.2 HikeQuest Trails Cancellations: In the event that we must cancel a tour due to insufficient bookings, weather conditions, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to an alternative tour date.

3.3 Weather-Related Changes: Hiking tours are weather-dependent. We reserve the right to modify itineraries, routes, or postpone tours due to adverse weather conditions without liability for additional costs incurred by participants.

3.4 Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and personal liability. HikeQuest Trails is not responsible for costs arising from trip cancellations due to personal circumstances.

4. Participant Responsibilities and Safety

4.1 Health and Fitness: Participants must accurately disclose their fitness level, medical conditions, allergies, and any special requirements during booking. You are responsible for ensuring you are physically and mentally capable of participating in your chosen tour.

4.2 Medical Disclosure: Participants must complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire before tour commencement. Failure to disclose relevant medical information may result in exclusion from the tour without refund if it compromises safety.

4.3 Guide Instructions: Participants must follow all instructions from HikeQuest Trails guides at all times. Guides have absolute authority to make decisions regarding participant safety, including the right to exclude participants from activities if their behavior endangers themselves or others.

4.4 Equipment: Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate personal gear as specified in pre-tour information. HikeQuest Trails provides group equipment and safety gear but is not liable for participant personal equipment failure or loss.

4.5 Conduct: Participants must respect other group members, guides, local communities, and the environment. Disruptive behavior, intoxication, or failure to follow Leave No Trace principles may result in immediate removal from the tour without refund.

5. Limitation of Liability

5.1 Assumption of Risk: Outdoor adventure activities carry inherent risks including, but not limited to, injury, illness, property damage, or death. By participating in HikeQuest Trails programs, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

5.2 Waiver: All participants must sign a liability waiver before tour commencement, releasing HikeQuest Trails, its staff, guides, contractors, and partners from liability for injuries or damages arising from participation in tours, except where caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5.3 Insurance Coverage: HikeQuest Trails maintains comprehensive public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. However, participants are responsible for their own personal travel, medical, and equipment insurance.

5.4 Limitation of Damages: To the maximum extent permitted by law, HikeQuest Trails' total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total amount paid by the participant for the specific tour in question.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Website Content: All content on the HikeQuest Trails website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of HikeQuest Trails or its content suppliers and protected by Australian and international copyright laws.

6.2 Trademark: The HikeQuest Trails name, logo, and related marks are trademarks of HikeQuest Trails. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.

6.3 Photography and Media: HikeQuest Trails may take photographs and videos during tours for promotional purposes. By participating, you grant permission for your likeness to be used in marketing materials unless you explicitly opt out in writing before the tour.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. HikeQuest Trails collects, uses, and protects your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

We collect personal information necessary to process bookings, communicate with you, and deliver our services. This information may include names, contact details, emergency contact information, medical data, and payment information.

For detailed information about how we handle your personal data, please review our Privacy Policy. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in our Privacy Policy.

8. Force Majeure

HikeQuest Trails shall not be liable for failure to perform any obligations under these terms if such failure is caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters (floods, bushfires, earthquakes, severe storms)
• Pandemics or public health emergencies
• Government restrictions or regulations
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Strikes or labor disputes
• Failure of third-party suppliers or contractors

In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements or refunds where possible, but we are not liable for any additional expenses, losses, or damages incurred by participants.

9. Environmental Responsibility

HikeQuest Trails is committed to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. All participants are required to:

• Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout all tours
• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances from animals
• Stay on designated trails and camping areas
• Pack out all waste and minimize environmental impact
• Respect indigenous cultural sites and local communities

Participants who violate environmental or cultural protection guidelines may be removed from tours without refund and may be reported to relevant authorities.

10. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

10.1 Feedback: We value your feedback and take all complaints seriously. If you have any concerns during your tour, please raise them immediately with your guide so we can address them promptly.

10.2 Formal Complaints: Written complaints should be submitted to [email protected] within 30 days of tour completion. We will investigate and respond within 14 business days.

10.3 Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from these terms or our services will first be addressed through good faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes will be subject to mediation before pursuing legal action, in accordance with Australian Consumer Law.

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

These terms are subject to the Australian Consumer Law contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantees, rights, or remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.

For international participants, Australian law shall prevail to the extent permitted by your local jurisdiction's consumer protection laws.

12. Changes to Itineraries

While we strive to deliver tours as described, HikeQuest Trails reserves the right to modify itineraries, routes, accommodation, or activities due to weather conditions, safety concerns, park closures, or other factors beyond our control.

Guides have final authority on route selection and activity decisions in the field. Significant changes will be communicated to participants as soon as possible, but minor adjustments may be made at the guide's discretion without prior notice.

We will make every reasonable effort to provide equivalent alternatives when changes are necessary, but we are not liable for participant disappointment or additional costs resulting from necessary itinerary modifications.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us: