Air Adventure Australia

Terms and Conditions

Company

The Company is Rod Dyer's Air Adventure Australia, Pty Ltd, Licence No. 30941 / ABN - 57 005 474 859 - referred to as the Company.

Other Companies

The Company may employ external services to complete the creation of all itinerary requirements - referred to as Other Companies.

Whilst the Company will not accept responsibility for any loss as a result of any act or omission of Other Companies, the Company will provide assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute that may occur with Other Companies.

Liability

Except as outlined in the provisions of the Australian Trade Practices Act 1974, you will release the Company, its servants, agents or representatives as a result of participating in any services of any liability for injury, death, damage, monetary loss or loss of property.

Prices

General:

• Prices are in Australian Dollars
• Prices are per person, twin share, per itinerary, prices are based on minimum numbers.
• If single occupancy is required and provided on a tour, single travellers may have to pay a single supplement. The amount will be made clear to guests at the time of reservation and posted onto the Company's website.
• All itineraries and pricing are subject to a minimum number of guests. If the minimum number is not achieved then the itinerary can still proceed with an agreed surcharge.
• When necessary, all prices are subject to change. The Company will provide reasonable notice of any changes to price or itinerary locations and services.

Included:

• Aircraft transport
• All accommodation, meals, most beverages
• All national park and wilderness park entry fees, all activities and tours as indicated within each itinerary
• Pre-departure information, in-flight compendiums, AAA Welcome Home Gift and AAA Club Membership
• Ground transportation during all sectors of the selected itinerary
• Services of specialised tour guides, pilots and drivers
• Australian Goods and Services Tax

Excluded:

• Air transportation and related fees, taxes and transfers to and from Essendon Airport
• Passport and visa expenses
• Travel accident, loss of baggage, cancellation fees relating to travel insurance
• Single room supplements
• Optional accommodation at Hilton Melbourne Airport - pre or post each itinerary
• Personal medical or accident evacuation costs
• Guest's personal expenses

Tailored Experiences:

• All tailored experiences within Australia or to International destinations are subject to a $1000 non-refundable deposit prior to reservation of aircraft, land and sea content

Sharing

Guests travelling alone may be requested to share accommodation with another participant in the event of Other Company's room allocation errors, or when single accommodation is not available. The Company will ensure the best available private and share facilities will be provided throughout each itinerary.

Reservations Procedure / Checklist

Process:

• Utilise the Company's on-line reservations form, e-mail, facsimile or telephone the Company to request availability of the desired itinerary
• Follow the Price Schedule and Reservation procedures contained in this website
• Company will confirm all reservations in writing, via e-mail, facsimile or by post. Pre-departure information will be provided on receipt of the reservation advice after payment of a deposit
• The deposit for each guest, for each itinerary is 10% of the total itinerary price
• Reservations will be held for 14 days only until a 10% deposit has been received, unless the reservation is made less than fifty (50) days prior to departure, full payment is required.
• Final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to the itinerary departure to enable confirmation of reservations with Other Companies external from the Company
• Final documents are provided to guests thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the itinerary
• Deposit payments are accepted by credit card (subject to a 3% surcharge) or direct deposit to Company's bank details, payable to the full Australian dollar value. Full and final payments will be accepted by either direct deposit to Company's bank, cash or by pre-approved cheque. Commencement of the itinerary is subject to approval of funds held within the Company's selected bank account.
• Guest payments will be held in the Company trust account until required for payment of itinerary services provided by Other Companies.
• The Company reserves the right to cancel a reservation if final payment has not been received within the prescribed time required. Cancellation fees will also apply.

Cancellation Fees

Period of Cancellation and Fee:

• 51 days or more prior to departure: 10% of the total itinerary price, being held as a deposit
• 50 - 31 days prior to departure: 50% of total itinerary price
• 30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of itinerary price
• All cancellations are required in writing to the Company
• Payment of fees is required within 14 days of cancellation
• Guests deposits will be deducted from the total cancellation fee, outstanding balance is required within 14 days of cancellation
• The Company will not refund or transfer the itinerary costs if a guests is required to leave a tour prior to its completion
• All payments made via the internet are your responsibility, hence, the guests will release and indemnify the Company against any losses suffered

Cancellation by Company

• The Company will reserve the right to cancel itineraries without assigning any reason for that cancellation
• The Company will provide guests with reasonable notice of cancellation providing a full refund of monies paid by the guest
• Guests will not make a claim against the Company for any other loss suffered by the guests due to a cancellation

Insurance

The Company requires all guests take out suitable comprehensive Travel Insurance prior to departure

Variations to Company itineraries

The Company reserves the right to modify and change an itinerary due to, but not limited to, changes in accommodation or Other Company arrangements, inclement weather or other operational conditions - road conditions, mechanical break downs, strikes, government regulations, illness or accidents of guests or tour guides, National Park management directives. No refunds will be made by the Company to the guests in respect of these changes and conditions

The Company will accept short-lead time reservations, the Company cannot guarantee it is able to provide all services to the standard normally expected

Guests will not make a claim against the Company for any loss suffered by any Company modifications made to itineraries

Guests may leave the itinerary at any time by giving notice to the tour leader. Guests will not be entitled to a refund and the Company will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any guests who are required or choose to leave the itinerary prior to its completion

Health

Company requires all guests wishing to participate in an itinerary should be in good health. At the time of reserving an itinerary guests must inform the Company of any special medical requirements.

The Company may request medical evidence from guests and in its absolute discretion may decline guest's participation in the itinerary due to poor health

Authority

• Guests agree to obey and comply with all rules and/or directions made or given by the Company, its agents, representatives and Other Company services, in connection with the itinerary
• Guests will not act in a way that could endanger the welfare, enjoyment or safety of other guests participating on the itinerary, or the guest in question
• Guests who fail to comply with the Company's rules and / or directions, may not be permitted to continue on with the itinerary, and no refunds will be honoured
• The Company is not liable for any loss or damage incurred as a consequence of not being permitted to continue the itinerary

Use of Photographic Images and Testimonials for Promotion

Guests agree to allow the following to be used by the Company for public relations, marketing and sales purposes:

• Images of guests taken during an itinerary
• Testimonial feedback provided by guests to the Company

Acknowledgement

Guests participating in an itinerary agree to be compliant with, bound by and supportive of the promoted travel ethic of the Company, in the best interests of the environment, historic and cultural significance

Complaints

Guests who wish to submit a complaint are requested to inform the Company's tour leader in the first instance

• If a guest complaint is not able to be resolved through the tour leader, your complaint must be in writing and forwarded to the Company within thirty (30) days of the end of the itinerary
• The Company will reply to the guest within thirty (30) days of receiving all guest complaints

Variation and Severability

The Company reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without prior written notice, at the Company's discretion

• Any attempt by guests to modify, supplement or change these terms and conditions will be null and void unless agreed to in writing by the Company

Severability:

• If a Court finds part(s) of these terms and conditions agreement invalid those parts shall be severed
• The remaining parts will remain binding between the guest and the Company

Acceptance of Risk

Guests acknowledge they have read and understand fully the nature of the itineraries available, guests understand and accept the inherent risks associated with adventure travel, physical exertion, sudden changes in weather extremes, exposure to varying types of hazards, remoteness from normal medical services and evacuation difficulties.

• Guests accept any responsibility for injury, loss, death or damage incurred during the itinerary
• Guests may be advised during the itinerary of dangerous wildlife and activities not acceptable to the Company. Guests will be solely responsible for injury, death or damage, suffered as a result of a dangerous act made by a guest
• In the event of injury or illness, guests agree the Company can, at your cost, arrange medical treatment or emergency evacuation considered necessary and essential to guest's safety and well being.

Tour Leaders, Pilots and Drivers

• While the Company seeks to engage experienced guides, pilots and drivers for the itineraries they may also be engaged as independent contractors
• The Company is not responsible for their actions, skills or capacity to deal with issues or events relating to safety or participants during the itinerary and they have no legal authority to incur liabilities on the Company's behalf without the Company's express permission.
• Guests will be mindful of other guest's welfare, but other guests cannot ensure guests personal safety and guests must therefore exercise due care for their own well being

Application

• All guests of the Company acknowledge reading these Company Terms and Conditions
• Guests making a reservation with the Company have agreed to be bound by these Company Terms and Conditions, even if the pages outlining the Terms and Conditions are not signed by the guest
• Where additional conditions apply to the purchase of an itinerary, including advised variations to the itinerary's inclusions and exclusions, additional pre or post tour ground and air services, including special conditions applying to the purchase and issue of airline ticketing, then guests acknowledge and agree to be bound by these special conditions as if they form part of the general Terms and Conditions applying to all the Company's available services
• Guests will be required to sign these Company Terms and Conditions prior to departure

ROD DYER'S AIR ADVENTURE AUSTRALIA - ETHICS STATEMENT

AAA itineraries will escort its guests to various destinations located within eco-sensitive landscapes. Most environments visited offer pristine habitats conserved to preservation of local flora, fauna, heritage and culture.

In essence all AAA guests will be touring to destinations acknowledged as unique in the global and national list of assets, protected by informed authorities, individual and collective, in the face of increasing pressure and impact from the effects of human settlement and developments.

AAA believes we are all humble students in the natural world, AAA acknowledge the balance and needs of all life forms which depend on human's commitment to a greater understanding and care. AAA continues to support those individuals and organisations around the globe who are leading by example applying sensitive and sustainable best environmental practices. AAA seeks your co-operation in ensuring each of our itineraries meet the requirements and conditions of permitted access and the ethical travel standards AAA uphold.

• AAA will comply with the requirements of those entrusted with the management of the National Parks and World Heritage Listed Areas AAA visit.
• AAA guides will ensure to escort guests using only pre-formed or pre-designated walking trails and roads. Where permits allow access across country, not accessed by trails, AAA guides will take the path of least impact on the environment visited.
• AAA tour vehicles utilised will travel only on roads and trails gazette by maps or data sheets.
• All species of marine life, birdlife and all other fauna and flora will remain untouched by AAA guides and guests, ensuring they continue to exist and grow as nature intended.
• AAA guides will ensure guests remain at a responsible distance (of at least 30 metres) from all wild life. Special conditions may also apply for those species gathered for breeding, feeding or rest. AAA guides and guests will retreat whenever necessary always avoiding and chance of causing extraordinary stress, inhibiting any means of access or path to escape, feeding or relentlessly following them, causing separation between parents and young, disturbing nests, protective foliage or camouflage, causing undue noise or invasion.
• In the interests of sustainable environments and nature based tourism, AAA will encourage and support, where appropriate and feasible, local services having a compatible ethic to that of AAA.
• AAA will not disturb or foul waterways or litter the fragile areas visited so ensuring all wastes are contained and carried clear of the area for thoughtful disposal in facilities provided and managed by local authorities.
• AAA will utilise toilet facilities provided and if urgency prevails bury human waste to a safe depth and at least 100 metres from any water course. Personal washing must be conducted at least 50 metres distant from lakes and streams. Only natural bio-degradable cleaning agents will be used.
• AAA will avoid lighting open fires or taking wood from the environment for fuel except where park management has elected to provide constructed facilities and resources.
• AAA guests who smoke within a National Park or World Heritage Listed Area - and all other locations, are required to hold all cigarette butts which must be extinguished and taken out of the area for thoughtful disposal.
• All AAA adventures set out to enrich or enhance the environmental awareness of all guests either as a direct contribution from our responsible guides who become the environmental conscience of the group and / or through personal awareness stimulated by the guest's own experience with nature. AAA guests are encouraged to share their experiences and discoveries spontaneously with their guides and new friends.
• AAA travels with groups of between 4 and 9, all guests are encouraged to walk trails at an easy pace, in some cases forming smaller random sub- groups providing minimal disturbance to the area visited and to maximise the prospect of a close undisturbed and spontaneous encounter with local wildlife frequenting the area. At all times AAA guests and guides will share and not impede the enjoyment and experience of other users of the areas visited.
• AAA will not support or condone the purchase of products or services which serve to diminish or threaten the habitats or species AAA have included in all itineraries. In Australia this specifically relates to all furs and skins, rocks, fossils, woods, coral and sea creatures, plants and birds. Local fishing rules will be adhered to, especially when considering Barramundi size - due to breeding.
• AAA seeks to visit but not disturb communities and cultures, AAA guests are welcomed as friends wherever AAA travels, in turn, the utmost respect shall be paid to all. AAA visits are designed to experience but not to criticise and we encourage and applaud those who are applying their investment and time to the creation of a better environment.
• AAA encourages all guests to be well prepared for their holiday so as to minimise any undue impact on fellow travellers and community emergency resources.
• Within Australia it is rare to encounter dangerous wildlife, although mating seasons in particular are natural periods for alert. AAA guides will ensure all guests do not conflict, engage or interference, often best for all guests to all stop and wait awhile, most creatures are likely to move on.
• There are commonsense aspects which will ensure you provide minimum concern to your AAA guides, local experts, park management and local communities: -Take direction from your guide or park management at all times - observe all warning signs. -Be fit and prepare well for your holiday to ensure maximum enjoyment. -Prevention is better than cure - all AAA guests are encouraged to avoid potential risks. -Be aware of the causes and prevention of heat exhaustion and hypothermia if visiting extreme environments, water is provided at all destinations by AAA guides. -AAA guides will begin each day by familiarising all guests with the daily activity, trails, prevailing weather conditions and precautions -AAA guides require guests leave specific details of any independent activity and check back in on return for safety reasons.

Wilderness areas around the globe are a scarce and diminishing resource. Most areas are significant having a protection role to play that often supports a complex variety of life and allows the natural processes of evolution to continue with minimal interference. Wilderness areas have been proven to provide the answers to future genetic discovery and a comparative base for measuring the value of change and interference in other landscapes and land uses. Australian wilderness, for example, protects and reminds all of an Aboriginal landscape of immense cultural significance. Wilderness experiences often challenges the innate understanding held by most city-based Australians of their knowledge of the outback and the incredible history behind the bush, greatly responsible for the identity of Australia held in high regard by many other nations. The future of "the lucky country" credo remains to be true; however, it is in all our hands to ensure it remains this way.