Whitsunday Shore Excursions – Terms & Conditions

1. General

By booking a tour or service with Whitsunday Shore Excursions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all shore excursions, cruise ship tours, private charters, transfers, sightseeing experiences, wildlife tours, and related services operated by Whitsunday Shore Excursions.

2. Bookings & Payments

2.1 Booking Confirmation

All bookings are subject to availability and are not confirmed until payment has been received and a booking confirmation issued.

2.2 Pricing

All prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

Prices may change without notice until a booking has been confirmed.

2.3 Fuel Surcharge Policy

Whitsunday Shore Excursions reserves the right to apply a temporary fuel surcharge when operational costs increase significantly.

Any surcharge:

• May apply prior to departure

• Applies to passengers unless otherwise stated

• May be introduced or removed without notice

We will always endeavour to minimise additional costs where possible.

3. Cancellations & Refunds

3.1 Customer Cancellations

Cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to departure are eligible for a full refund.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure, including no-shows, are non-refundable.

3.2 Cruise Ship Guests

Cruise ship passengers are responsible for ensuring their cruise ship schedule aligns with their booked tour.

Whitsunday Shore Excursions strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance due to:

• Cruise ship schedule changes

• Tender cancellations

• Weather disruptions

• Medical emergencies

• Delayed arrivals

• Missed departures

Refunds are not provided for missed tours due to cruise ship schedule changes, missed tenders, delayed arrivals, or passenger no-shows unless otherwise required under Australian Consumer Law.

3.3 Operator Cancellations

Whitsunday Shore Excursions reserves the right to cancel, modify, delay, or substitute tours due to:

• Weather conditions

• Safety concerns

• Road closures

• Mechanical issues

• Minimum passenger numbers

• Operational requirements

Where a tour is cancelled by the operator, guests may be offered:

• An alternative departure

• Tour credit

• Refund

at the operator’s discretion and subject to Australian Consumer Law.

4. Cruise Ship Scheduling & Return Guarantee

Whitsunday Shore Excursions specialises in shore excursions designed around cruise ship schedules visiting Airlie Beach.

Where tours are marketed as cruise ship friendly, every reasonable effort will be made to ensure guests return to the Port of Airlie prior to the final scheduled tender departure.

Operational contingency procedures may include:

• Backup vehicles

• Additional operational staff

• Emergency contact procedures

• Alternative transport arrangements are reasonably required

However, guests acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances beyond the operator’s control may occasionally occur.

5. Minimum Passenger Numbers

Some tours require a minimum number of passengers to operate.

Where minimum numbers are not met, guests may be offered:

• Alternative departure times

• Alternative tours

• Credits or refunds

Whitsunday Shore Excursions will endeavour to provide reasonable notice where possible.

6. Weather & Environmental Conditions

Tours operate within tropical North Queensland, where weather conditions can change rapidly.

Guests acknowledge:

• Weather conditions may vary significantly

• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed

• Waterfalls and natural attractions are seasonal

• Road and national park access may change without notice

Guest safety remains the highest operational priority.

7. Wildlife & Nature Experiences

Whitsunday Shore Excursions operates eco-certified nature-based experiences.

Guests agree to:

• Respect wildlife and natural environments

• Follow all the guide instructions

• Avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife

Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.

Guests whose behaviour places wildlife, staff, or other passengers at risk may be removed from the tour without refund.

8. Guest Responsibilities

Guests are responsible for:

• Arriving at the designated departure point on time

• Wearing suitable clothing and footwear

• Following the guide instructions

• Advising staff of any medical conditions or accessibility requirements prior to departure

Whitsunday Shore Excursions reserves the right to refuse participation to any guest:

• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Acting aggressively or unsafely

• Disrupting the enjoyment or safety of others

No refund will apply in these circumstances.

9. Health & Fitness

Certain tours may involve:

• Uneven terrain

• Natural environments

• Swimming

• Early morning departures

• Heat and humidity

• Limited facilities

Guests must assess their own suitability prior to booking and participate at their own risk.

10. Personal Property

Whitsunday Shore Excursions accepts no responsibility for:

• Lost property

• Damaged belongings

• Theft

• Personal items left on vehicles or during tours

Guests are responsible for their belongings at all times.

11. Photography & Marketing

Photographs and videos may be taken during tours for:

• Website content

• Social media

• Marketing campaigns

• Promotional material

By participating in a tour, guests consent to the use of their image unless they advise staff otherwise prior to departure.

12. Liability Waiver & Indemnity

Guests acknowledge that participation in tours and outdoor activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Road travel

• Slips, trips, and falls

• Wildlife encounters

• Swimming-related incidents

• Weather events

• Natural terrain hazards

To the fullest extent permitted by law, guests release and indemnify Whitsunday Shore Excursions, its directors, employees, contractors, agents, and affiliates from any liability, loss, damage, injury, expense, claim, or demand arising from participation in tours or related activities except where caused by proven negligence under applicable Australian law.

Guests participate entirely at their own risk.

Nothing within these Terms & Conditions excludes rights or guarantees provided under Australian Consumer Law where such rights cannot legally be excluded.

13. Vehicle Safety & Operational Procedures

Whitsunday Shore Excursions maintains operational safety procedures, including:

• Vehicle maintenance programs

• Driver accreditation

• Cruise ship operational contingency procedures

• Emergency response planning

• Backup staffing and vehicles, where applicable

While every reasonable effort is made to avoid delays or disruptions, unforeseen circumstances may occasionally occur.

14. Smoking, Alcohol & Drug Policy

Smoking and vaping are prohibited on vehicles.

Alcohol consumption is only permitted where specifically authorised.

Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited.

Guests may be removed from tours without a refund if these policies are breached.

15. Privacy Policy

Whitsunday Shore Excursions respects guest privacy and handles personal information in accordance with applicable Australian privacy legislation.

Personal information collected during bookings may be used for:

• Reservations

• Operational communication

• Customer support

• Marketing communication

Guests may opt out of marketing communication at any time.

16. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

Any disputes arising in relation to services provided by Whitsunday Shore Excursions shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Queensland courts.