Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using OpenRoutes' services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service. These Terms of Service apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use our tourism services in Australia.

OpenRoutes reserves the right to update and change the Terms of Service from time to time without notice. Any new features that augment or enhance the current service, including the release of new tools and resources, shall be subject to the Terms of Service.

2. Tour Booking and Payment Terms

All tour bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by OpenRoutes. A booking is considered confirmed only when you receive written confirmation from us via email. Payment terms require a deposit of 25% of the total tour cost at the time of booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to tour departure.

Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are subject to change without notice until booking is confirmed. All prices include Goods and Services Tax (GST) where applicable. Additional costs such as travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional activities are not included unless specifically stated.

• Credit card payments incur a 2% processing fee
• Bank transfers are processed within 2-3 business days
• Group bookings of 8+ people receive a 10% discount
• Early bird bookings (90+ days in advance) receive a 15% discount

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and are subject to the following schedule: More than 60 days before departure - full refund minus 10% administration fee; 31-60 days before departure - 50% refund; 15-30 days before departure - 25% refund; Less than 15 days before departure - no refund.

OpenRoutes reserves the right to cancel any tour due to insufficient bookings, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will provide a full refund or offer alternative tour dates. We are not liable for any consequential expenses incurred by travelers including flights, accommodation, or other arrangements.

4. Travel Insurance and Health Requirements

We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. OpenRoutes is not responsible for any medical costs, accidents, or losses that may occur during tours.

Travelers are responsible for ensuring they meet all health and fitness requirements for their chosen tour. Some tours may require a moderate to high level of physical fitness and involve activities that carry inherent risks. Participants must disclose any medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate safely.

• Medical clearance may be required for certain adventure tours
• Age restrictions apply to specific tours as outlined in tour descriptions
• Pregnancy restrictions apply to adventure and wildlife tours
• Participants with mobility issues should consult with us before booking

5. Liability and Risk Acknowledgment

Participation in OpenRoutes tours involves certain risks and dangers including, but not limited to, wildlife encounters, outdoor activities, transportation, and natural environmental conditions. By booking with us, you acknowledge and accept these risks and agree to hold OpenRoutes harmless from any claims arising from participation in our tours.

OpenRoutes' liability is limited to the cost of the tour booked. We are not liable for any indirect, consequential, or special damages including but not limited to loss of enjoyment, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress. Our total liability shall not exceed the total amount paid by the traveler for the tour.

6. Conduct and Behavior Policy

All travelers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to fellow travelers, guides, local communities, and the environment. Behavior that is deemed inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful may result in removal from the tour without refund.

OpenRoutes reserves the right to refuse service or remove any traveler who fails to comply with safety instructions, engages in illegal activities, or whose behavior negatively impacts the experience of other participants. No refund will be provided in such circumstances.

• Alcohol consumption must be moderate and responsible
• Smoking is prohibited on all tour vehicles and in designated areas
• Photography of Aboriginal cultural sites requires specific permission
• Environmental protection guidelines must be followed at all times

7. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the OpenRoutes website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of OpenRoutes and is protected by Australian and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without written permission.

Travelers may photograph and film during tours for personal use only. Commercial use of any images or footage taken during tours requires prior written consent from OpenRoutes. We reserve the right to use photos and videos taken during tours for marketing purposes unless specifically requested otherwise by the traveler.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

OpenRoutes is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. We collect personal information necessary for booking and conducting tours, and this information may be shared with third-party service providers as required for tour operations.

Your personal information will not be sold or distributed to unrelated parties without your consent. For detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please refer to our comprehensive Privacy Policy.

9. Force Majeure

OpenRoutes shall not be liable for any failure to perform or delay in performance of any obligation under these terms if such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, weather conditions, government actions, terrorism, or pandemic-related restrictions.

In the event of force majeure circumstances affecting tour operations, OpenRoutes will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements or reschedule tours. If alternative arrangements cannot be made, refunds will be provided according to our standard cancellation policy.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia, and any disputes arising from these terms or the use of our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria. If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable.

By using OpenRoutes' services, you consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in Melbourne, Victoria, for the resolution of any disputes. These terms constitute the entire agreement between you and OpenRoutes regarding the use of our services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us using the information below:

Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM AEST, and we will respond to all inquiries within 48 hours during business days.