Terms & Conditions
Effective December 6th 2025
Basis of Contact
These Terms & Conditions set out the basis upon which aōra escapes accepts bookings. By confirming a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by these Terms.
We reserve the right to revise or update these Terms periodically. The Terms applicable to your booking will be those in effect on the date your Contract is formed. If your booking is made via a third party, travel advisor, or agent, you are responsible for obtaining and reviewing the current version of these Terms.
These Terms regulate the contractual relationship between the Client and aōra escapes in relation to any Tour Package or Journey. The Contract applies to the Client and to every individual included in the booking, whether expressly named or travelling under that booking.
The Client warrants that they have full authority to accept these Terms on behalf of all travellers included in the booking and accepts responsibility for all amounts payable under the Contract, as well as for ensuring that each traveller complies with these Terms. From time to time, specific Tour Packages or Journeys may be subject to supplementary terms and conditions imposed by third-party suppliers, including (but not limited to) Destination Management Companies, accommodation providers, airlines, or ground transport operators. Where applicable, such terms will be provided prior to the Contract taking effect and will form part of, and be incorporated into, these Terms. If any discrepancy arises between these Terms and any promotional material, website content, brochure, advertisement, or other communication (whether written or verbal), these Terms will prevail to the extent permitted by applicable law. Capitalised terms used in these Terms have the meanings assigned to them in the Definitions section.
Definitions
“aõra escapes” means Aora & Co Pty Ltd trading as aõra escapes.
“ACL” means the Australian Consumer Law, as set out in Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
“Amendment Fee” means any fee payable by the Guest to aōra escapes to cover the additional costs, time, communication, and administration incurred when a Guest requests a change to an existing Booking.
“Booking” means the Guest’s confirmation of a Quotation and acceptance of the proposed Travel Arrangements.
“Conditions” means these Terms & Conditions.
“Contract” means any agreement between aōra escapes and the Guest for the provision of Services and Travel Arrangements.
“Guest” means any individual, including minors, who acquires or engages the Services or Travel Arrangements from aōra escapes. If more than one person is included in a booking, “Guest” refers to all such persons jointly and severally.
“Departure Date” means the scheduled date on which the Guest is due to commence their Travel Arrangements or Tour.
“Deposit” means the amount payable by the Guest at the time of Booking, as specified in the Quotation.
“Force Majeure” means any event, circumstance, or occurrence beyond the reasonable control of aōra escapes or its Suppliers, which could not have been prevented even with all due care, and which affects the ability of aōra escapes or its Suppliers to provide the Services or Products. Examples include, but are not limited to: natural disasters (flood, drought, earthquake, extreme weather), pandemics or epidemics (including Covid-19 and variants), acts of terrorism, war, civil unrest, government or public authority actions (including laws, guidance, or restrictions), fire, explosion, building collapse, interruption or failure of utility services, or any other extraordinary or unforeseeable event.
“GST” means the goods and services tax as defined in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth), and includes any similar value-added or consumption tax.
“Material Alteration” means any significant change to the Travel Arrangements, as reasonably determined by aōra escapes. Examples may include a flight time change of more than 12 hours, change of airport (other than between airports serving the same city), change of destination, downgrade in accommodation standard, or price alteration.
“Products” means individual components of Travel Arrangements, including (without limitation) accommodation, airfares, meals, transport, cruises, and tours.
“Quotation” means a written or electronic quotation issued by aōra escapes to the Guest for the proposed Travel Arrangements.
“Refundable Amounts” means amounts paid by the Guest for a service subject to amendment or cancellation, less any unrecoverable costs incurred by aōra escapes and any Retainable Amounts.
“Retainable Amounts” means any fees or charges that are non-refundable, including Amendment Fees, Cancellation Charges, and any other amounts specified as non-refundable in the Quotation.
“Services” means the booking, administration, and payment facilitation provided by aōra escapes in connection with Travel Arrangements, as well as the delivery of Travel Arrangements that are under aōra escapes’ direct control. Services do not include Products provided by third-party Suppliers.
“Suppliers” means the entities responsible for delivering individual Products.
“Supplier Fees” means any fees or charges payable by the Guest directly to a Supplier, including fees applicable in the event of amendments or cancellations.
“Tax Invoice” means a tax invoice issued in accordance with section 29–70 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth), or any relevant amending legislation.
“Travel Arrangements” means the full set of travel services, Products, and experiences arranged by aōra escapes for the Guest.
Booking a Tour and/or Travel Arrangements
These Terms & Conditions apply exclusively to every Contract for Services provided by aōra escapes to the Guest. They cannot be modified, replaced, or overridden by any other terms unless expressly agreed in writing by aōra escapes.
A Guest demonstrates acceptance of these Terms by paying a Deposit. A binding Contract between the Guest and aōra escapes is formed once the Deposit has been received.
Individual Products may be subject to their own specific terms, including Deposit requirements and cancellation policies. These will be communicated to the Guest in the Quotation or prior to confirming a Booking.
Guests who book with aōra escapes are also subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable Suppliers. The Guest acknowledges and agrees that it is their responsibility to review and understand any Supplier terms provided or made accessible. In the event of any inconsistency between these Terms and Supplier terms, these Terms will prevail to the extent that they govern the Contract between the Guest and aōra escapes.
All Quotations provided by aōra escapes are valid for a limited period, as specified in the Quotation, typically seven days from the date of issue.
To secure a Booking, a Deposit is required. The standard Deposit is $500 per person, together with the full names of all Guests as they appear on passports. Guests are responsible for ensuring that all information provided is accurate. Depending on the specific Travel Arrangements or the policies of the Supplier of Products, additional Deposits or alternative payment requirements may apply. Any such additional Deposits or payment requirements will be communicated to the Guest at or before the time of Booking.
For Bookings made within 45 days of the scheduled Departure Date, full payment is required at the time of Booking, in addition to any applicable Supplier Fees.
Health, Communicable & Infectious Diseases
For the purposes of these Terms, “Communicable Disease” means any illness caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that can be transmitted from one person to another, either directly or indirectly. “Infectious Disease” means any illness caused by microorganisms that enter the body, multiply, and may result in infection.
The Guest acknowledges and understands that participation in any Travel Arrangements involves inherent risks of exposure to Communicable and Infectious Diseases, including COVID-19 (as defined by the World Health Organization, including any variants or mutations) and SARS-CoV-2, collectively referred to as COVID-19. Such diseases are highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death. Exposure may occur in any public setting, including cruise ships, and no precautions can completely eliminate this risk. The Guest also acknowledges the possibility of exposing others to such diseases, even if asymptomatic.
By participating in Travel Arrangements, the Guest voluntarily assumes all risks related to exposure to Communicable or Infectious Diseases, including illness, injury, or death, and confirms that participation is entirely voluntary. The Guest acknowledges that they are aware of their individual risk of developing severe illness from such exposure and are responsible for making an informed decision about travel, including consulting a medical professional as appropriate.
The Guest agrees to comply with all public health rules, regulations, mandates, and safety protocols issued by aōra escapes, its Suppliers, or relevant Public Health Authorities. This includes, but is not limited to: mandatory testing before, during, and after Travel Arrangements; health screening for symptoms or known exposure; denial of participation if symptoms or exposure are identified; contact tracing and data collection; mandatory isolation or quarantine; daily temperature checks; use of face coverings or masks as required; and adherence to physical distancing measures.
The Guest acknowledges that these rules and protocols are subject to change, and aōra escapes reserves the right to amend health and safety requirements, including vaccination, masking, and distancing policies, at its sole discretion without notice. It is the Guest’s responsibility to confirm and comply with any applicable protocols at all destinations.
It is the Guest’s responsibility to obtain all required vaccinations or health precautions for their destination, to identify any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate in Travel Arrangements, and to notify aōra escapes of any such conditions. Guests must comply with all entry and local health requirements, which may change at short notice. Noncompliance may result in inability to participate, and any costs arising from noncompliance are the responsibility of the Guest. aōra escapes has no authority to alter or override local government health policies.
aōra escapes is not liable for any direct or indirect loss, financial or otherwise, including loss of enjoyment, injury, or illness arising from: local quarantine or travel restrictions; failure to comply with government regulations; refusal by a Supplier to provide Products due to non-compliance with health requirements or directives; the Guest presenting symptoms or exposure to COVID-19; or the Guest providing false or misleading information at any time.
Pricing
All prices are quoted per person, in the currency of the country in which the Travel Arrangements are offered, unless otherwise specified. Prices described as “From” are indicative of the lowest available rates based on information known at the time, including Supplier costs. Prices may vary depending on travel dates, availability, and other factors beyond aōra escapes’ control, including but not limited to currency fluctuations, fuel levies, taxes, or other costs associated with the Travel Arrangements. Guests are encouraged to contact aōra escapes to confirm the best available price for their preferred dates. The price applicable to the Booking is the one confirmed in the Quotation provided.
Prices quoted in a Quotation reflect the full package of Products included in the Travel Arrangements. Individual component costs of the package are not provided.
Per-person pricing may assume that all Guests in the Booking will travel together for the full duration of the Travel Arrangements. Any variation to this arrangement must be explicitly agreed in writing by aōra escapes.
The price of Travel Arrangements may be subject to surcharges, which can occur due to circumstances beyond aōra escapes’ control. These may include changes in currency exchange rates, increases in Supplier prices, fuel levies, new or amended government charges, airfare or accommodation adjustments, cruise or ground transportation charges, park fees, or other costs connected to the Travel Arrangements. Once full payment has been received, aōra escapes will not apply surcharges for currency fluctuations.
In the event of any unforeseen increase in costs incurred by aōra escapes in providing the Services, aōra escapes may adjust the price by notifying the Guest, whether or not full payment has been made.
No refunds are provided for Products that are booked but not used, including flights, accommodation, meals, or sightseeing excursions.
Prices in the Quotation include GST. Any other taxes, duties, or imposts imposed in Australia or overseas in relation to the Travel Arrangements or Services are not included and remain the responsibility of the Guest. Guests are responsible for paying any GST applicable to any Product.
Payment
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the final payment for a Booking must be received by aōra escapes no later than 45 days prior to the scheduled Departure Date.
For Bookings made within 45 days of the Departure Date, full payment is required at the time of Booking.
If payment is made via a credit card or other electronic payment method, any applicable fees or surcharges charged by the payment gateway or card provider will be applied and are the responsibility of the Guest.
Amendment by the Guest
aōra escapes will use reasonable efforts to accommodate requests from the Guest to amend their Travel Arrangements up to 45 days prior to the scheduled Departure Date, subject to the following:
Any amendment requested by the Guest may incur Amendment Fees, in addition to any fees charged by Suppliers. The Guest is responsible for all such fees, whether or not the requested amendment can be successfully implemented.
Amendments requested within 45 days of the Departure Date are treated as a cancellation of the original Booking followed by a new Booking. In such cases, the applicable Cancellation Fees set out in these Terms will apply.
Cancelations by the Guest
The Guest must notify aōra escapes if they intend to cancel any part of their Travel Arrangements.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, cancellation charges, excluding international airfares, apply based on the number of days prior to the scheduled Departure Date that notice of cancellation is received by aōra escapes.
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Non refundable deposit of $500 per person or the tour deposit at time of booking (whichever is greater)
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45–0 days: 100% of the remaining price excluding the non-refundable deposit
The Guest acknowledges and agrees that these amounts are not a penalty but represent a genuine pre-estimate of the loss and damage aōra escapes is likely to incur in the event of cancellation, including, but not limited to, costs charged by hotels and other Suppliers for cancelled bookings.
The Guest may also be liable for any Supplier Fees associated with cancellation, such as fees charged by airlines, over which aōra escapes has no control. These fees may vary and can be up to the total amount paid to the Supplier.
If the Guest fails to pay the final balance of the Travel Arrangements price 45 days prior to the Departure Date, aōra escapes may treat the Booking as cancelled and apply the relevant cancellation charges.
Force Majeure and Alterations by aõra escapes
aōra escapes, and where applicable any Supplier, will be excused from performance of obligations under these Terms to the extent that performance is prevented or impacted by a Force Majeure Event, for as long as such circumstances continue.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, aōra escapes is not liable to the Guest or any third party for any consequences arising from the inability to provide Services, Products, or any part of the Travel Arrangements due to a Force Majeure Event.
If a Force Majeure Event occurs and aōra escapes intends to rely on this provision, it will promptly notify the Guest, including details of the event, its anticipated duration (if known), and its impact on the ability to perform any obligations. aōra escapes will use reasonable efforts to mitigate the effect of the Force Majeure Event on the Travel Arrangements.
Where a Force Majeure Event affects the Travel Arrangements, aōra escapes may, at its discretion: suspend or terminate the Contract by providing written notice; cancel the Travel Arrangements or any part of them; offer alternative Travel Arrangements of comparable standard; or provide the Guest with either travel credit or a refund equivalent to the Refundable Amounts.
If the Guest accepts alternative Travel Arrangements, aōra escapes may charge the applicable Amendment Fee, and the Guest remains responsible for any Supplier Fees.
aōra escapes will use reasonable efforts to ensure Travel Arrangements proceed as booked. However, the Guest acknowledges that delivery of Products and certain elements of the Travel Arrangements are beyond the control of aōra escapes or its Suppliers. aōra escapes or a Supplier may make changes to itineraries, activities, sightseeing, accommodation, or transport where reasonably necessary due to circumstances beyond their control, even when not arising from a Force Majeure Event, without liability.
Where alterations are made under these circumstances, aōra escapes will endeavour to provide alternatives of comparable standard.
If a Material Alteration occurs outside of a Force Majeure Event, and within 45 days of the Departure Date, aōra escapes will notify the Guest within a reasonable timeframe. The Guest may accept the Material Alteration, accept comparable alternative Products, or receive a full refund of monies paid, less any unrecoverable costs. The Guest must notify aōra escapes of their decision within seven days of the offer. If no response is received within seven days, the Guest will be deemed to have accepted the Material Alteration.
Refunds related to Material Alterations or Force Majeure Events will be processed within a reasonable time after cancellation, subject to receipt of any funds from Suppliers.
For circumstances other than Material Alterations or Force Majeure Events, refunds are generally not provided for missed Services, except in verifiable extenuating circumstances. Claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the end of the Travel Arrangements, supported by documentation or verification from local Destination Management Companies. Any adjustment will be based on the actual cost of the affected Services and will not be calculated on a per diem basis. No refunds are provided for unused sightseeing excursions or meals.
Obligations and Liability
aōra escapes, its parent company Aora & Co Pty Ltd, affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective employees, shareholders, officers, directors, representatives, agents, and assigns (collectively the “aōra escapes Parties”) do not own or operate the majority of entities providing goods or services for your Travel Arrangements, except for a limited number of vehicles. aōra escapes arranges transportation, accommodation, meals, ground handling, and other services through independent Suppliers. These Suppliers are independent contractors, and aōra escapes acts as their agent for the purposes of booking and payment services.
The Guest enters into a contract with aōra escapes for the provision of these Services. Upon confirmation of the Booking, the Guest also forms a contract directly with the relevant Suppliers responsible for delivering the Travel Arrangements. To the maximum extent permitted by law, aōra escapes accepts no liability for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or irregularity arising from the Guest’s use of Products, except to the extent recoverable under a statutory guarantee under the Australian Consumer Law. While aōra escapes makes reasonable efforts to select Suppliers providing appropriate Products, it is not responsible for the standard, quality, or performance of Products.
Unless expressly stated in these Terms, the Agreement does not include any implied term, condition, or warranty regarding the quality, merchantability, fitness for purpose, description, specification, or performance of Travel Arrangements or Services.
Adventure travel and certain Activities inherently involve risks, including serious illness, injury, or death. These risks are increased in remote locations where medical facilities may be limited. By participating in any Activities, including but not limited to excursions involving animals, riding, scuba diving, snorkelling, boating, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, zipllining, high-altitude treks, climbing, quad biking, parasailing, parachuting, kayaking, white-water rafting, jet boating, snowmobiling, primate tracking, beauty consultations or therapies, cosmetic procedures or surgery, and any other activity deemed by aōra escapes to carry inherent risk, the Guest acknowledges and accepts all associated risks. The Guest assumes full responsibility for their own health and safety and releases the aōra escapes Parties from any liability relating to participation in these Activities.
As further consideration for being permitted to participate in Activities, the Guest releases aōra escapes and its Parties, whether known or unknown, from liability for property damage, cancellation of Activities, illness, negligent rescue operations, personal injury, or death, including during transportation to and from Activities. This release applies even if the loss or injury arises from the negligence of aōra escapes or its Parties, or from defects in equipment. The Guest also agrees to indemnify aōra escapes and its Parties against any claim made by a third party arising from the Guest’s participation in the Activities. aōra escapes reserves the right to approve or withdraw approval of legal counsel in connection with any such claim.
Nothing in these Terms limits the Guest’s rights under any statutory guarantee under the Australian Consumer Law or any non-excludable State or Federal legislation.
aōra escapes strongly recommends that Guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering deposits, cancellation charges, medical expenses, personal injury, accident, death, and loss of possessions or baggage. To assist, aōra escapes offers travel insurance and global rescue insurance as an additional service. Guests are responsible for ensuring they have suitable coverage. aōra escapes expressly excludes liability for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising from failure to obtain appropriate insurance.
Guests are also responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, permits, or any other governmental requirements for travel or transit. aōra escapes is not liable for any loss or inconvenience resulting from failure to obtain such documents.
The Guest acknowledges that different countries, facilities, and operators may have varying safety standards, labelling, warnings, and precautions. Guests remain responsible for exercising personal diligence and care. aōra escapes is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or death that could have been avoided if Australian standards were applied.
Notice
Any notice given by the Guest must be in writing and may be delivered by hand, sent by prepaid post, or transmitted by electronic means (including email) to the contact details specified by aõra escapes.
A notice is deemed to be received by aõra escapes:
a) if delivered by hand, at the time of delivery;
b) if sent by email, upon confirmation of receipt by way of a return email from aõra escapes.
Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Conditions are governed by and are to be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia.
Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals of Queensland, and to any courts entitled to hear appeals from those courts and tribunals.
Miscellaneous
Any failure by aõra escapes to enforce any of these Conditions shall not operate as a waiver of its rights under these Conditions.
If any provision of these Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, it shall be read down to the extent necessary to make it enforceable. If it cannot be read down, the provision shall be severed, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
aõra escapes reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in its published materials and to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time, including as a result of changes to legislation, regulations, or aõra escapes policies. Any amended Terms and Conditions will take effect upon publication on the aõra escapes website or upon notice being provided to the Guest.
Photography and Recording During Travel
aõra escapes reserves the right to take photographs, video footage, and audio recordings during any Travel Arrangements, or any part thereof, and to use such material for promotional, marketing, and related purposes both during the Travel Arrangements and thereafter.
By making a Booking with aõra escapes, the Guest consents to the use of their image and/or voice in such photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings for these purposes.
Guests who do not wish for their image and/or voice to be used must notify an aõra escapes representative at the commencement of their Travel Arrangements.
Travel Documents
Travel documentation will only be released once the full balance of the Travel Arrangements has been received and cleared. Such documentation may contain specific conditions imposed by Suppliers, including but not limited to baggage allowances, weight restrictions, and other operational requirements. Travel documents are issued solely for the named Guest and cannot be reassigned or transferred to another person. Airline tickets must exactly match the name shown on the relevant passport, and discrepancies may result in refusal of carriage or cancellation by the carrier. The Guest is responsible for ensuring all required travel documentation is obtained and in their possession prior to departure.
aõra escapes makes itinerary details and related travel information available through an online platform to facilitate convenient access and download. This digital platform is provided as a supplementary service and does not form part of the Travel Arrangements themselves. By accessing or downloading materials from the platform, the Guest agrees to be bound by the applicable website terms of use and privacy policy published by aõra escapes.
Travel Advisories and Assumptions of Risk
The Guest is solely responsible for reviewing and remaining informed of any current travel advisories, warnings, or government notices issued by the relevant State or National Government authority in their country of residence prior to departure.
If an official travel advisory or warning is in effect for the destination(s) included in the Travel Arrangements and the Guest elects to proceed with travel despite such advisory, the Guest does so at their own risk. In these circumstances, the Guest accepts full responsibility for any personal injury, illness, death, loss, or property damage arising from events referenced in, or related to, such advisories or warnings.
While aõra escapes endeavours to provide information sourced from reputable global authorities to assist Guests in making informed decisions, and offers optional travel insurance and global rescue insurance services through its partners, aõra escapes shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or disruption resulting from events that are either foreseeable or unforeseen in connection with travel advisories or destination risks.