BOOKING
Reserving your adventure experience with Walking Rivers can be both exciting and maybe a bit stressful. We understand this; please be assured we have done everything possible to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible. You can book three different ways:
- Telephone and speak with one of our friendly and helpful office crew.
- Via e-mail to [email protected]
- Use our online booking page, the most uncomplicated way of all.
If you have difficulties with deciding which trip is right for you and require more information, then please call us or email, and we will call you and talk about your uncertainties. Additionally, we can put you in touch with past clients who have already completed the trip.
We require a deposit of 25% on all tours at the time of reservation.
Making payment can be a direct deposit, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Any processing charges or fees are your responsibility.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Because you will have paid a 25% deposit at time of booking your experience your balance due of 75% is all that is due at 15 days before departure. For your convenience, with your authorization, we will contact you just before the 15 days as a reminder.
PRICING
Australian dollars are our standard trading currency; Any foreign currency pricing is only approximate charges in Australian dollars It is your credit card company or bank which determines your exchange rate on the day your transaction takes place. It can mean pricing is subject to change.
For all Australian tours, there is a 10% tax called the GST (Goods and Services Tax). We reflect this tax on our prices which is Australian Law. Non-residents of Australia, purchasing their trip from outside of Australia are eligible for a 50% tax refund. We will send you the necessary paperwork upon registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you find it necessary to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. No refunds policy is in place after tours have departed. Walking Rivers is not responsible for any additional costs that may arise in the event of a trip alteration or delay caused by circumstances beyond our control. To avoid confusion, we require a written notice of cancellation, by email, or mail. The following fees will apply to cancellations and calculated as of the date we receive your written cancellation notice, Both email or standard mail is an acceptable way to advise of your cancellation.
If you must cancel your booking, your refund is as follows:
Earlier than 30 days before trip – If we have not had to turn customers away, the full amount is refunded less a $100 administration fee. If we have had to turn customers away, we will retain 100% of the deposit.
20-15 days before the trip has departed – We refund a total of fifty percent only of the total tour price
Later than five days before trip – No refund will be given, unless we can find someone to fill your space. In this case, we only retain the deposit.
We highly recommend that all guests purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Walking Rivers Pty. is not responsible for ensuring the appropriate level or amount of coverage is in place. Please contact your travel insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for your entire trip.
Walking Rivers reserves the right to cancel any trip before departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient bookings, safety threats including natural disasters, political instability, terrorism or logistical problems that may impede trip operations.
If we have to cancel a tour due to insufficient bookings- you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. We will inform participants of cancellations due to insufficient reservations no later than 30 days before the tour. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than the originally booked, then you are entitled to a refund of the difference. If the selected alternative tour is of a higher value, then you will pay the difference in price.
In the unlikely event of a tour cancellation due to circumstances beyond Walking Rivers Pty Ltd control, i.e., labor strikes, etc. political instability, natural disasters, there will be no refund from Walking Rivers Pty Ltd. Please contact your travel insurance provider for details on how to start a claim. Walking Rivers Pty Ltd is not responsible for expenses incurred by trip participants in preparing for a canceled trip (for example non-refundable advance purchase plane tickets, visa fees, inoculations, equipment, etc. or for any additional arrangements for other travel plans associated with this tour.) Walking Rivers Pty Ltd will make every reasonable effort to contact you as soon as your trip cancellation seems inevitable.
TRIP PREPARATION
Once you’ve made your choice and sent in your deposit, we’ll send you a detailed document that includes everything that you will need to prepare for your tour including an itinerary, packing list, transportation options, directions, meeting times and frequently asked questions. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure, a willingness to have fun your clothing and personal items.
If you have special dietary considerations, please let us know in advance, and we’ll make all the accommodations necessary if you’re vegetarian, vegan or have food allergies. Please note we are not a peanut or nut free facility.
MEDICAL AND RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/ LIABILITY RELEASE FORMS
Each participant is asked to fill out a medical form and a liability waiver document. Walking Rivers Pty Ltd needs to receive the forms at least 15 days before tour departure to ensure everything runs smoothly.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Having no previous kayak or abseiling experience does not impede anyone participating on our tours, however, as with any adventure, there is always an element of risk. The majority of our trips are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, meaning you do not need to be super fit but a good general physical condition is necessary. If you have any physical limitations or concerns, please let us know. As we are not qualified to evaluate your level of fitness we ask that you (possibly along with your doctor) determine whether or not you can join one of our adventures. If you have any special medical conditions, we encourage you to check with your doctor before you reserve your trip. Please also note that all of our tours take place in remote areas and evacuations can take a great deal of time and can be expensive. Persons with various disabilities are welcome on Walking Rivers tours, pending a discussion of any individual needs and requirements.
You must also acknowledge that adventures with Walking Rivers require a degree of flexibility and understanding that the trip’s route, itinerary, accommodation and modes of transport are subject to change without prior notice due to local circumstances. An example of this can be :
Not enough water in a particular river at the time the tour is due to start, we may change rivers. While participating in one our adventures, you must agree to accept the authority of the leader at all times. You need to be aware that group travel may involve compromise to accommodate the diverse desires and abilities of group members. We just ask that you welcome your adventure with an open mind and be able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected. Walking Rivers Pty Ltd is dedicated to providing safe, environmentally sensitive, well-organized, fun-filled adventures.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
International guests must carry a valid passport and necessary documentation and have obtained the appropriate visas when traveling with Walking Rivers Pty Ltd. Please ensure your passport is valid for six months beyond the duration of your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your travels. Walking Rivers Pty Ltd Ltd. does not accept responsibility if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the proper documentation or the authorities deem you unsuitable for entry.
ACCOMMODATIONS ON TOUR
Walking Rivers will do our best to make you comfortable and feel at home on your adventure.
Keep in mind that the majority of our kayak tours are an authentic wilderness experience that can involve camping in established and non-established sites with minimal facilities and rustic surroundings. Outdoor experiences often have various sorts of solutions to accommodation problems. Sometimes tents or tarps may be based on multiple occupancies.
TIPPING
Gratuities are always appreciated, but please remember it is not a practice that Australians rely on for income. If you feel the guides and crew have done an exceptional job, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation, but additionally, we also welcome other expressions of thanks including cards, letters, referrals to friends, etc.
STORAGE OF INFORMATION
Due to the nature of our services, it is necessary to collect and store a certain amount of personal and financial information. By providing us with address, personal and financial information, you consent to the storage of this information for a period deemed appropriate by Walking Rivers Pty Ltd. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, your first name, last name, phone number, email address and billing address. Financial information includes, but is not limited to, your card account number, card expiration date, and cardholder name.
PRIVACY POLICY
Walking Rivers from time to time sends out an e-newsletter which may have area-specific information or activity-specific news that we think you’ll want to be interested in. We will NEVER sell or share your email address with any third party company without your express written permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by emailing or clicking on the links in newsletters. For more information, please call +61 438563307 or email us at [email protected].
PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE
Walking Rivers Pty Ltd reserves the right to take photographic or film records during any of its tours. Trip members should be aware that Walking Rivers Pty Ltd. may use these photos or film for promotional and or commercial purposes without remuneration to the trip participants.
Any questions? Please e-mail or call +61438563307 and we will happily help you solve any issues.