1. Introduction and Acceptance
Welcome to NatureStep Hiking. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website, services, and hiking experiences. By accessing our website, booking a tour, or participating in any of our hiking activities, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our services.
NatureStep Hiking reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of any significant changes via email or website notification. Your continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically to stay informed of any changes.
These Terms apply to all visitors, users, customers, and others who access or use our services. By using NatureStep Hiking services, you represent that you are at least 18 years old or have obtained parental or guardian consent if you are a minor.
2. Booking and Payment Terms
2.1 Booking Process
All bookings must be made through our official website, email, or phone contact. A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of full payment and written confirmation from NatureStep Hiking. We reserve the right to refuse any booking at our discretion.
When making a booking, you must provide accurate, current, and complete information about yourself and all participants. Any false or misleading information may result in cancellation of your booking without refund.
2.2 Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing. We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and other payment methods as specified on our website. All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.
Group bookings and corporate packages may be eligible for customized payment plans. Contact our office for specific arrangements. Payment plans must be agreed upon in writing before the scheduled tour date.
2.3 Pricing
All prices listed on our website are subject to change without notice. However, prices are guaranteed once a booking is confirmed and payment is received. NatureStep Hiking reserves the right to correct pricing errors on our website or in any promotional materials.
3. Cancellation and Refund Policy
3.1 Customer Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing via email to [email protected]. The following refund schedule applies based on notice period:
- More than 30 days before tour: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee
- 15-30 days before tour: 50% refund
- 7-14 days before tour: 25% refund
- Less than 7 days before tour: No refund
Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of receiving the cancellation request. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for booking.
3.2 NatureStep Hiking Cancellations
NatureStep Hiking reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any tour due to weather conditions, insufficient bookings, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, customers will receive a full refund or the option to transfer their booking to another date at no additional cost.
We are not responsible for any incidental expenses incurred by customers as a result of tour cancellations, including but not limited to travel arrangements, accommodation, or time off work.
3.3 No-Shows
Customers who fail to arrive at the designated meeting point at the scheduled time without prior notice will be considered a no-show and will not be eligible for any refund or rescheduling.
4. Participant Responsibilities and Requirements
4.1 Health and Fitness
Participants must honestly assess their physical fitness and health condition before booking. Each tour description includes a difficulty rating and fitness requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet these requirements. If you have any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns, you must disclose them to NatureStep Hiking before participating.
We reserve the right to exclude participants from tours if our guides determine they are not physically capable or if their participation would endanger themselves or others. No refunds will be provided in such circumstances.
4.2 Age Restrictions
Minimum age requirements vary by tour type. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Specific age restrictions are listed in individual tour descriptions. Parental consent forms are required for all participants under 18 years of age.
4.3 Equipment and Clothing
Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, and personal items as specified in the pre-tour information. NatureStep Hiking provides specialized equipment where indicated, but personal comfort items and basic gear are the participant's responsibility.
Inadequate preparation or equipment may result in exclusion from the tour for safety reasons, without refund.
4.4 Behavioral Standards
All participants must respect other hikers, guides, wildlife, and the natural environment. Intoxication, harassment, dangerous behavior, or failure to follow guide instructions will result in immediate removal from the tour without refund. Participants may be liable for any damages or injuries caused by their misconduct.
5. Safety, Risk, and Liability
5.1 Assumption of Risk
Hiking and outdoor activities involve inherent risks including but not limited to: physical injury, illness, equipment failure, weather changes, wildlife encounters, and terrain hazards. By participating in NatureStep Hiking tours, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
While we take extensive safety precautions and employ experienced guides, we cannot guarantee your safety or eliminate all risks associated with outdoor activities. Participants engage in hiking activities at their own risk.
5.2 Liability Waiver
All participants must sign a liability waiver before joining any tour. This waiver releases NatureStep Hiking, its employees, contractors, and affiliates from liability for injuries, losses, or damages that may occur during participation in our activities, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct on our part.
5.3 Insurance
NatureStep Hiking maintains appropriate business and public liability insurance. However, participants are strongly encouraged to obtain personal travel and medical insurance covering hiking activities, medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
NatureStep Hiking is not responsible for medical expenses, evacuation costs, or personal property loss or damage. Participants are responsible for ensuring their insurance coverage is adequate for the activities they undertake.
5.4 Guide Authority
Our guides have absolute authority regarding safety decisions during tours. Participants must follow all guide instructions. Guides may modify routes, shorten tours, or make other changes based on weather, participant ability, or safety concerns. Such decisions are final and do not entitle participants to refunds.
6. Intellectual Property Rights
All content on the NatureStep Hiking website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of NatureStep Hiking or its content suppliers and is protected by Australian and international copyright laws.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, or exploit any of our content without express written permission from NatureStep Hiking. This includes using our materials for commercial purposes.
6.1 Photography and Media
During tours, NatureStep Hiking guides and staff may take photographs or videos for promotional purposes. By participating in our tours, you consent to being photographed or recorded and grant NatureStep Hiking the right to use such images in marketing materials, website, social media, and publications without compensation.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform your guide at the beginning of the tour. Participants may take personal photographs but must respect the privacy of other participants and obtain consent before sharing images that include identifiable individuals.
7. Privacy and Data Protection
NatureStep Hiking collects, stores, and processes personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Australian Privacy Principles. By using our services, you consent to such processing and warrant that all data provided is accurate.
We collect personal information including names, contact details, emergency contacts, health information, and payment data. This information is used solely for providing services, ensuring safety, and improving customer experience.
We do not sell or share personal information with third parties except as necessary to provide services (e.g., payment processing) or as required by law. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we handle your data.
8. Environmental Responsibility
All participants must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and respect environmental regulations. This includes:
- Carrying out all trash and waste (including organic materials)
- Staying on designated trails to prevent erosion
- Not disturbing wildlife or removing natural objects
- Following fire regulations and restrictions
- Respecting protected areas and cultural sites
- Minimizing noise and environmental impact
Violations of environmental regulations may result in removal from the tour and potential legal consequences. Participants may be held financially responsible for environmental damage they cause.
9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms or use of NatureStep Hiking services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.
In the event of any dispute, customers agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation with NatureStep Hiking management. If negotiation fails, parties may pursue mediation before resorting to litigation.
9.1 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
10. Force Majeure
NatureStep Hiking shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations where such failure results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters (floods, fires, earthquakes, severe weather)
- Pandemics or public health emergencies
- Acts of terrorism or civil unrest
- Government actions or restrictions
- Utility failures or infrastructure damage
In force majeure situations, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule affected tours or provide refunds as appropriate under the circumstances.
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
NatureStep Hiking
61 Queen St, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: +61 7 3278 9154
By using NatureStep Hiking services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.