Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 21 May 2026

These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings, retreats, events, experiences and services, held by Grounded Hikes. 

By booking a retreat or experience with Grounded Hikes, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking & Deposits

A retreat booking is confirmed once:

  • The required deposit or full payment has been received.

All prices are listed in AUD unless otherwise stated.

Deposits are non-transferable to another person unless approved in writing by Grounded Hikes.

Deposits & Final Payments

Deposits must be paid by their due dates.

Full payment must be received no later than 30 days prior to retreat commencement unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Failure to complete payment by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of money already paid.

Cancellation Policy

Due to pre-paid accommodation, staffing, transport, activities, and supplier commitments, the final payments made within 30 days of retreat commencement are strictly non-refundable. 

  • No refunds will be provided.

We strongly recommend all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage.

Failure to Attend or Early Departure

No refunds, credits, or transfers will be provided for:

  • Failure to attend the retreat;

  • Late arrival;

  • Voluntary departure before retreat completion;

  • Missed activities, meals, accommodation, or inclusions.

If a participant is unable to continue due to medical reasons, a medical certificate may be required for insurance or documentation purposes. Medicals only applied for the participant only – not their extended family. Any reimbursement remains subject to the participant’s own travel insurance provider.

We reserve the right to modify retreat itineraries, accommodation, facilitators, activities, schedules, or inclusions where reasonably necessary due to weather, safety, supplier availability, travel conditions, or circumstances beyond our control.

If Grounded Hikes cancels a retreat, participants will be offered either:

  • A full refund of money paid to Grounded Hikes or

  • A full credit toward a future Grounded Hikes retreat.

Grounded Hikes is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by participants, including:

  • Flights (do not book flights for scheduled fully guided tours until trip has been confirmed and final payment is due)

  • Travel costs

  • Visa expenses

  • Insurance

  • Currency exchange losses

  • Personal equipment purchases

Retreat Changes & Cancellations by Grounded Hikes

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be mandatory for international guests. 

Your insurance should ideally cover:

  • Trip cancellation

  • Medical expenses

  • Personal injury

  • Emergency evacuation

  • Lost baggage

  • COVID-19 related disruptions

  • Adventure and hiking activities where applicable

Participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance coverage.

Health & Participant Responsibility

By participating in a Grounded Hikes trip, you acknowledge that:

  • Activities involve physical exertion, adventure activities, water activities, hiking, yoga, wellness practices, or other inherent risks.

  • You participate voluntarily and at your own risk.

  • You are responsible for ensuring you are physically and medically fit to participate.

Participants must disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, dietary requirements, or health concerns prior to retreat commencement.

We reserve the right to refuse participation in activities where safety may be compromised.

Liability Waiver

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Grounded Hikes, its directors, employees, contractors, facilitators, and partners are not liable for: 

  • Injury

  • Illness

  • Loss

  • Damage

  • Theft

  • Delays

  • Travel disruptions

  • Personal expenses

  • Accidents

  • Acts of third parties

  • Events outside our reasonable control

Participation in retreats and activities is undertaken at your own risk.

Nothing in these Terms excludes rights available under Australian Consumer Law where such rights cannot legally be excluded.

Participant Conduct

We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all guests.

We reserve the right to remove any participant from a retreat, without refund, if their behaviour is:

  • Unsafe

  • Aggressive

  • Discriminatory

  • Illegal

  • Disruptive to the group experience

Participants are responsible for any damage caused to accommodation, property, vehicles, or retreat venues.

Photography & Media

During retreats, we may capture photographs and video content for marketing, social media, and promotional purposes.

By participating in a retreat, you consent to the use of your image and likeness unless you notify us in writing prior to the retreat.

Privacy

Any personal information collected will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy - please email for a copy if required.

Governing Law

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

Any disputes arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of NSW, Australia.

Contact Us

For any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:
hello@groundedhikes.com.au