Terms and Conditions
1) Inclusions
The trips listed on this website are organised by The Adventure Gene Pty Ltd, hereafter referred to as The Adventure Gene. By booking one of our trips you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. The Adventure Gene is not responsible for the quality of services provided by subcontractors, including but not limited to accommodation, transport and food.
Details of what is included in each trip can be found in the ‘What’s Included’ section of each trip booking page.
2) Equipment, Gear and food
Equipment and gear
a) The Adventure Gene will provide specific gear and equipment as listed in the ‘What’s Included’ section of each trip.
b) Participants are responsible for the care and return of any equipment provided by The Adventure Gene. Any loss or damage may result in additional charges. If equipment is broken due to misuse and cannot be repaired, participants will be charged the full replacement price (RRP).
c) Participants must bring their own personal gear as specified in the pre-trip information provided by The Adventure Gene.
d) Pack weights are estimates and do not account for additional personal items you may bring (such as e-readers, personal medications, etc.).
Food
The Adventure Gene endeavours to cater to all dietary preferences and needs. However, please note:
a) We may choose to not cater for your request.
b) We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur.
3) Health and Fitness Requirements
a) Participants must ensure they are in good physical condition and capable of undertaking the physical demands of the trip prior to booking.
b) Participants must inform The Adventure Gene of any pre-existing medical conditions or medications that may affect their ability to safely participate in the trip.
c) The Adventure Gene reserves the right to request medical clearance from medical or allied health professional (e.g. General Practitioner, Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist) if there are any concerns about a participant’s health or fitness.
d) The Adventure Gene makes final judgements about participant suitability.
e) Final suitability judgements are based on information provided in the medical screening process alone. This includes our medical form, and any follow up information or medical clearance that we request. This process occurs after a participant has booked onto a trip.
Whilst we can provide general advice pre-booking, any discussion via phone or email outside the formal medical screening process is informal only.
f) Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. We reserve the right to determine if a specific trip is suitable for a participant under 18, and may decline or cancel a booking at our discretion.
g) If a participant books a trip, but is unable to get medical clearance requested by The Adventure Gene for any reason, then this is considered a medical withdrawal. In this instance, standard cancellation fees apply as outlined in 10) Changing, Cancelling & Transferring Your Booking.
4) Payment
All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD). A non-refundable deposit of $99 per person is required when booking. The total balance is due 60 days before your trip departure date. All credit card transactions are subject to a 1.7% fee. Only one discount or booking code can be used at a time.
Once you have paid the required deposit for your booking, any subsequent discounts, giveaways or price reductions that are advertised by us or any third party will not be applied retrospectively.
When referring a friend via invites.theadventuregene.com, items will be sent after the referred hiker has fully paid and attended the trip. We only post to Australian addresses. If we do not have the item you selected in stock, we may swap it for a different item of equivalent value.
5) Public Holiday & Weekend Surcharge
If any day of your trip (including the pre trip preparation session) falls on a public holiday, there is an automatic increase in trip price to cover the increased operations cost. Public holidays can be found here. Similarly, if your trip runs over more weekend dates than is necessary for it’s length, then a different automatic price increase is also included.
6) Booking Confirmation
Once The Adventure Gene has received your completed booking form and deposit, you will receive an email confirming your place on the trip is reserved.
Payment of the deposit reserves your place but does not guarantee final acceptance onto the trip. Final confirmation is subject to the completion and review of all required forms, including the waiver and medical questionnaire. All forms must be completed and returned to The Adventure Gene within 7 days of being issued via email.
We reserve the right to refuse any booking based on the information provided. In the case of a group booking, the person making the booking is considered to have the authority to act on behalf of all group members.
7) Group Sizes
All trips require a minimum number of participants to proceed. This varies based on the trip. At our discretion, we may choose to operate trips with lower numbers of participants or guides. We may also change the guides that are rostered on the trip at any time.
Additionally, we reserve the right to increase or decrease the maximum group size for any trip at our sole discretion. Changes to the maximum group size may be made due to operational needs, guide availability, or safety considerations, and do not constitute a significant alteration to your booking or entitle you to a refund.
8) Alterations to Your Trip
At any time, The Adventure Gene reserves the right to alter your trip itinerary. This may be due to reasons such as weather, track or park closures, road conditions, or changes in suppliers.
Snow camping trips are planned around typical seasonal snow conditions. However, snow depth, coverage, quality, and accessibility can vary, and The Adventure Gene does not guarantee any particular level of snow or snow camping conditions. If snow conditions are limited, unsafe, inaccessible, or unsuitable, we may alter the itinerary, campsite locations, route, activities, or destination at our discretion. A reduction or absence of snow does not entitle participants to a refund, credit, or compensation.
We do not guarantee that the trip will conclude at the date, time or location listed in the itinerary. Trip finish times, dates and locations can change for reasons such as weather, injuries and sickness.
Pickup and drop-off are only guaranteed in Canberra. Any pickup or drop-off location outside Canberra is subject to operational feasibility and may not be available if the itinerary changes.
9) Trip Cancellations and Force Majeure
If we need to cancel a trip, we will notify you at least 30 days before departure.
If we cancel your trip for reasons other than force majeure, we will give you the option to transfer to a different trip or receive a full refund (excluding transaction fees).
If a trip itinerary is no longer viable due to factors such as weather and track closures, we may operate a trip of the same number of days in a different location at our discretion. This is not considered a trip cancellation and no refunds or credits will be given.
If, at our discretion, we determine that a trip must be cancelled or changed before or during its operation due to force majeure events, no refunds or credits will be given as our Refund/Cancellation Policy does not apply. This includes natural disasters such earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, bushfires, and volcanic eruptions; man-made events such as war, riots, civil commotion, terrorism, strikes, labor disputes, government actions or decrees, and embargoes; environmental and health emergencies such as epidemics, pandemics, plagues, and severe weather conditions; technological events such as cyber-attacks and system failures; and other unforeseeable events.
Should a trip be changed or cancelled for any reason, The Adventure Gene is not accountable or responsible for any supplementary costs incurred by you or your booking party. This includes non-refundable airline tickets or change fees.
10) Changing, Cancelling & Transferring Your Booking
Changes
If you wish to change your trip start date or transfer to a different trip, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. If possible, after receiving your notice, the change will occur subject to the following:
- A transfer can be made to a new date that is within 12 months from when you notified us of the change.
- One amendment can be made to your original booking, up to 90 days prior to the date of departure, at no cost.
- A $200 per person fee will be charged for any further amendments made by a guest 90 days prior to the departure date.
- For booking changes made between 60 and 90 days prior to departure, there is a $350 per person charge to change the departure date.
- We do not accept changes to bookings within 60 days of departure.
Cancellations
If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Once we receive your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
- More than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded to you.
- Between 90 and 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged 50% of the full trip cost with the balance refunded to you.
- Within 60 days of departure, no refund is available.
Cancellation by the guest will also take effect if:
- You fail to arrive at the pre-arranged meeting place at the time stipulated by us.
- Your payment of the balance of the booking is not received by us by the required time as stipulated in 4) Payment.
Transfers
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to another person, subject to the following conditions:
You must notify us in writing at least 30 days prior to the trip departure date. Requests made within 30 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and standard cancellation fees will apply.
The proposed replacement participant must meet all trip prerequisites (including fitness and medical requirements) and is subject to approval by The Adventure Gene.
The transfer is not finalised until the new participant has completed all registration tasks, including medical forms, waivers and tasks via WeTravel. These must be completed no later than 30 days prior to departure.
A non-refundable transfer fee of $200 applies to all transfers. This fee must be paid before the booking is reassigned.
Once the above conditions are met, any payments previously made on the booking (excluding the transfer fee) will be transferred to the credit of the new participant.
Refunds
After your trip has commenced, no refunds will be given for any unused services. If there is a gear check, your trip commences at the time the gear check starts (whether or not you are in attendance). We do not provide refunds based on your experience during the trip.
Please note that no refund will be paid if you:
- Voluntarily leave your trip after it has commenced, including (without limitation) for reasons of bereavement, injury or illness.
- Are directed by us to leave or not commence your walk in accordance with these terms and conditions.
- Arrive on the day of departure for any trip with inappropriate gear (including footwear), as described in our preparation notes.
11) Guides
Our guides are highly professional and experienced personnel. They have the authority to make decisions that may impact your trip. This includes restricting your participation in certain activities, or removing you from the trip. By agreeing to these terms and conditions, you agree to follow your guides’ instructions at all times.
12) Alcohol & Drugs
To ensure the safety of all participants and guides in remote environments, The Adventure Gene enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol and illicit drugs.
Alcohol: Participants must maintain a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.00% for the entire duration of the trip. The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Illicit Drugs: The possession or use of illegal or illicit substances is strictly prohibited.
Prescription Medication: Participants must declare any prescription medications on their medical form prior to departure. If a medication may impair physical coordination, judgment, or cause drowsiness, it must be cleared by The Adventure Gene prior to the trip.
The Adventure Gene and its guides reserve the right to immediately remove any participant from a trip if they are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In such events, no refunds will be provided, and any evacuation or transport costs will be at the participant’s own expense.
13) Insurance Coverage
All participants are required to have adequate insurance that covers medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. This is typically in the form of ambulance cover, which is normally included in a general private health policy and can cost as little as $50 per year separately. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
It is also highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance at the time of booking which covers potential losses, damages, or medical withdrawals, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
Note that The Adventure Gene’s cancellation fees apply and cannot be waived.
14) Emergency Procedures
a) The Adventure Gene guides are trained in first aid and emergency response. Participants must follow the guides’ instructions in the event of an emergency.
b) In the event of an emergency, evacuation may be necessary as deemed by The Adventure Gene. The full cost of emergency evacuation will be borne by the participant.
Note that Australian legislation may prevent domestic travel insurance from reimbursing costs associated with ambulance and air ambulance services.
15) Environmental Responsibility
a) Participants must adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace, minimising their impact on the natural environment.
b) In the Main Range Management Unit Area, and on all snow camping trips, all waste must be carried out and disposed of appropriately.
16) Photography and Media
a) The Adventure Gene may take photographs and videos during the trip for promotional and marketing purposes. Participants consent to the use of their images in such media unless they notify The Adventure Gene in writing prior to the trip.
b) Participants are encouraged to take their own photographs and share their experiences, while respecting the privacy and preferences of other participants.
c) Whilst we endeavour to take photos and videos on the trips to share afterwards, we can’t guarantee that we will provide any photography or videography.
17) Privacy Policy
a) The Adventure Gene respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. We collect, use, and disclose personal information solely for the safety and well-being of participants.
b) We use WhatsApp to facilitate pre-trip communication, updates, and group coordination. By booking a trip, you consent to your mobile phone number being added to a specific WhatsApp group for your departure, which will result in your number being visible to other participants. If you wish to opt out of this group, please notify us at the time of booking.
18) Complaints
If an issue arises, please inform your guides immediately. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact The Adventure Gene by email.
19) Contact with Us
By agreeing to these booking conditions, you consent to being contacted by us including via our newsletter. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
20) Risk Warning & Waiver of Liability
You acknowledge that The Adventure Gene trips involve greater risks than normal guided activities due to factors like remoteness, rough paths, weather changes, and physical exertion. You accept these risks, recognising that they contribute to the unique satisfaction of the adventure. You also acknowledge that walking tracks and parks may occasionally be closed and that this may alter your trip itinerary.
Risk Warning
I am aware that by my participation in any activities arranged by the Provider, certain risks or dangers may occur which could include:
- Physical, bodily or psychological injury or death.
- Physical exertion to which I am not accustomed.
- Failure of equipment or use of inadequate equipment.
- There may be no or inadequate facilities for treatment or transport to treatment if I am injured.
- The conditions in which the activities are conducted may vary without warning.
- I may cause injury to other persons and/or other persons may cause injury to me.
- I may be injured or die due to the negligence, breach of contract or breach of statutory duty or guarantee of the provider.
I acknowledge that the activities are being undertaken for the purposes of recreation, enjoyment or leisure, and involve a significant degree of risk of physical harm.
I acknowledge that the Activity may be undertaken with one or more other persons as part of a group and that the Provider is not liable for the actions of other participants in the group activity.
By signing below, I acknowledge, agree and understand that the risks associated with the Activities and/or recreational services have been explained to me. I undertake any such risk voluntarily and at my own risk.
I acknowledge that the risk warning above constitutes a “risk warning” in accordance with the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA).
Participant’s Warranties
I agree to abide by any of the Provider’s rules, and any direction or instruction given to me by the Provider during the course of the Activities. I agree to use and/or wear any equipment given to me by the Provider.
I declare that I am medically and physically fit and able to participate in the Activities. I acknowledge that I must, and agree that I will, disclose any pre-existing medical or other condition, injury or concern that may affect the risk that either I or any other person will suffer injury, loss or damage during the course of the Activities and notify the Provider of any injuries, illness or concerns that may arise during the Activity. I will not engage in any reckless, negligent or foolish behaviour or any other behaviour that is likely to cause injury to me, any other participant or person.
I agree that if I suffer any injury or illness, the Provider may provide evacuation, first aid and/or medical treatment at my expense and that my acceptance of these terms and conditions constitutes my consent to such evacuation, first aid and/or medical treatment.
I declare that I have not consumed any alcohol or mind altering substance, or medication that may impact my judgement or physical capacity, before or at the time of engaging in the Activities.
Exclusion of liability
I agree to and unconditionally release, waive, discharge and forever hold harmless, the Provider or any of its employees, agents, directors or officers, from any claims as a result of any personal injury sustained, whether caused by the Provider’s negligent act or wilful act or omission, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty, error, or otherwise in connection with or arising out of the Activities.
I agree that the Provider will not be liable for any claims for personal injury that may be brought against it as a result of or in connection with any act, omission, default, failure or error on the part of the Provider, and agree to indemnify and keep indemnified the Provider in respect of any such claims.
Waiver
It is possible for a supplier of recreational services to ask you to agree that the statutory guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law (which is schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) do not apply to you. If you sign this form, you will be agreeing that your rights (or the rights of a person for whom or on whose behalf you are acquiring the services) to sue the Provider in relation to the Provider’s services or the activities that you undertake because the services or activities provided were not in accordance with the guarantees are excluded, restricted or modified as set out below.
For Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory and Commonwealth
By signing this form, you agree that the liability of the Provider in relation to the activities (as defined by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Act (NT) and the Australian Consumer Law) and recreational activities (as defined by the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA)) for any:
- Deaths;
- Physical or mental injuries (including the aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of such an injury);
- The contraction, aggravation or acceleration of a disease;
- The coming into existence, the aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of any other condition, circumstance, occurrence, activity, form of behaviour, course of conduct or state of affairs in relation to an individual:
- That is or may be harmful or disadvantageous to you or the community; or
- That may result in harm or disadvantage to you or community;
- That may be suffered by you (or a person for whom or on whose behalf you are acquiring the services) resulting from the supply of the recreational services or recreational activities is excluded.
You acknowledge and agree that the above provision operates to exclude the liability of the Provider as a result of a breach of an express or implied warranty that the recreational services will be rendered with reasonable care and skill in accordance with section 5J of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA) and section 5N of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW).
For South Australia
Exclusion, restriction or modification of rights under the Australian Consumer Law (SA)
Your rights:
Under sections 60 and 61 of the Australian Consumer Law (SA), if a person in trade or commerce supplies you with services (including recreational services), there is—
- A statutory guarantee that those services will be rendered with due care and skill; and
- A statutory guarantee that those services, and any product resulting from those services, will be reasonably fit for the purpose for which the services are being acquired (as long as that purpose is made known to the supplier); and
- A statutory guarantee that those services, and any product resulting from those services, will be of such a nature, and quality, state or condition, that they might reasonably be expected to achieve the result that the consumer wishes to achieve (as long as that wish is made known to the supplier or a person with whom negotiations have been conducted in relation to the acquisition of the services).
Excluding, restricting or modifying your rights:
Under section 42 of the Fair Trading Act 1987, the supplier of recreational services is entitled to ask you to agree to exclude, restrict or modify his or her liability for any personal injury suffered by you or another person for whom or on whose behalf you are acquiring the services (a third party consumer).
If you sign this form, you will be agreeing to exclude, restrict or modify the supplier’s liability with the result that compensation may not be payable if you or the third party consumer suffer personal injury.
Important
You do not have to agree to exclude, restrict or modify your rights by signing this form. The supplier may refuse to provide you with the services if you do not agree to exclude, restrict or modify your rights by signing the provided form. Even if you sign the provided form, you may still have further legal rights against the supplier.
A child under the age of 18 cannot legally agree to exclude, restrict or modify his or her rights. A parent or guardian of a child who acquires recreational services for the child cannot legally agree to exclude, restrict or modify the child’s rights.
Agreement to exclude, restrict or modify your rights:
I agree that the liability of The Adventure Gene Pty Ltd for any personal injury that may result from the supply of the recreational services that may be suffered by me (or a person for whom or on whose behalf I am acquiring the services) is excluded.
Further information:
Further information about your rights can be found at cbs.sa.gov.au
For Victoria
Warning under the Australian Consumer Law And Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic)
Under the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria), several statutory guarantees apply to the supply of certain goods and services. These guarantees mean that the supplier named on this form is required to ensure that the recreational services it supplies to you—
- Are rendered with due care and skill; and
- Are reasonably fit for any purpose which you, either expressly or by implication, make known to the supplier; and
- Might reasonably be expected to achieve any result you have made known to the supplier.
Under section 22 of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012, the supplier is entitled to ask you to agree that these statutory guarantees do not apply to you. If you sign this form, you will be agreeing that your rights to sue the supplier under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 if you are killed or injured because the services provided were not in accordance with these guarantees, are excluded, restricted or modified in the way set out in this form.
NOTE: The change to your rights, as set out in this form, does not apply if your death or injury is due to gross negligence on the supplier’s part. Gross negligence, in relation to an act or omission, means doing the act or omitting to do an act with reckless disregard, with or without consciousness, for the consequences of the act or omission. See regulation 5 of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Regulations 2012 and section 22(3)(b) of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012.
Agreement to exclude, restrict or modify your rights:
I agree that the liability of the Provider for any personal injury that may result from the supply of the recreational services that may be suffered by me (or a person for whom or on whose behalf I am acquiring the services) is excluded.
21) Jurisdiction
This agreement is governed by the laws of the ACT.
Terms and conditions updated on June 27th, 2026.
