Aussie Explorers

Terms and conditions of Joining Aussie Explorers

So we can keep this group as enjoyable as possible for everyone, there are a few conditions you must agree to. By joining this group you agree to them and agree to abide but them at all times. Most people will find these conditions to be common sense. If any of these conditions seem unfair to you, please do not join, raise your concerns with the organiser prior to joining the group.

Number of people at Events and attendance.

Firstly, you must be 100% committed to attend any event that you have RSP to, regardless of the weather conditions. If the weather is considered extreme by the organiser, he or she will change or cancel the event. If you RSVP for a meetup event and you cannot attend, please change your RSVP. It is your responsibility to manage your RSVP even when on wait lists. If you are in a position where you often change your RSVP to "not going", please do not RSVP until you are 100% committed to attend. We monitor all RSVP and changes, as often we have large wait lists due to the popularity of our meetup events.
Hence we may need to remove those repeat offenders from Aussie Explorers on particular events. We limit the numbers of participants at some of our events due to logistical issues in order to better enjoy a particular meetup or in more remote places for safety concerns.
An important note: Guests of Aussie Explorers are bound by the same terms and conditions as members, and it is the member's responsibility to provide the full terms and conditions to any guests included on their RSVP.along with providing any updates and full event details.

Health and Safety, Personal Responsibility - Disclaimer

Our activities are recreational and involve walking on paths and tracks, sometimes off track in remote, difficult terrain. All participants and their guests by choosing to RSVP to any event are agreeing to take their own full responsibility and liability for their own safety and health at all times during the meetup event. Attendees will at no time hold the organiser and/or walk leader/event host responsible for any accident, misadventure or ill health that may occur whilst attending an event including damage to or loss of equipment/belongings.
Children are only permitted to attend meetups rated as easy, and at the permission of the event host or leader. Each child must be monitored 100% of the time by the parent or parents. Attendees who RSVP yes for an event agree that it is their responsibility to ensure they are fit enough to attend the walk/event and to ensure they have sufficiently read the event details and researched the walk or other activity, and the prevailing weather conditions and warnings in order to make an informed decision whether or not the event is suitable for them.

Important note: "Aussie Explorers, its organisers and leaders accept no liability during any meetup event. As any meetup event may require hiking in remote areas, leaders will try to ensure the safety and wellbeing of members at all times, however, accidents may happen. Please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.

Fees

Meetups generally incur a fee to attend. These are small fees to cover leaders costs getting to/from the event, replenish first aid kits carried, cover organiser's costs on the day including equipment such as maps, compass, gps, PLB etc, pay for training in 1st aid, bush survival skills etc. The suggested gratuities are $5 for a bush walk or meetup, $30-$50 for weekend overnight walks. The fees collected are provided to the leader on the day or by PayID

Some pre-paid meetups will not incur gratuities. These are usually meetups such as overnight stays in somewhere like YHA or camping where accommodation is pre-booked, multi day walks which include transport, accommodation etc. These charges cover any rent charged, sometimes transport and other inclusions. Please check each meetup thoroughly before RSVP. Most meetups are non-refundable (however using the comments section sometimes you can find a person to attend in your place less any cancellation fees) so please make sure you are 100% committed to attend to avoid disappointment. Please pay promptly when you RSVP to these meetups and do not rely on email reminders to pay!

Starting Times

Our meetups start on time. In most cases we cannot wait for you if you are running late as this sets back our schedule and keeps a large group waiting which is unfair to the majority that turn up on time. Please give yourself plenty of time to allow for Sydney traffic and public transport delays.

Pace

The focus of our walks is to have a friendly social group where people have an opportunity to meet new people whilst exploring somewhere new. The pace of our walks varies depending on the group. If you happen to join us on a day when there are some people who are not as fit as you, we request that you exercise patience and keep in mind that the organiser/leader will set the pace.
The organiser/leader will be endeavouring to walk at a pace that suits the majority of the group whilst ensuring those who are slowest are also able to keep up. This may mean frequent stopping for water or photos to allow others to catch up or rest a little. We ask you to ensure that you walk behind the organiser/leader at all times and can always see the person in front of you, if you can't see them please call out to the organiser/leader and let them know. This is basic bushwalking/hiking safety, ensures no-one gets left behind and your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Grading of meetups

Each meetup will be graded, most are easy to medium that enable larger groups to walk at an average pace whilst enjoying the scenery, talking to other members, plenty of stops for water, snacks and lunch breaks. 
For easy walks, a lower level of fitness is required to ensure you enjoy the meetup. The distance walked is always posted. Walks graded medium mean terrain can be rough, uneven tracks, steep climbs but still stops for water, snacks and lunch.a higher level of fitness is required.

Hard walks are for fit, experienced hikers/bush walkers only. The description will vary from rough, uneven terrain/tracks to off track walking, steep climbs, scrambling and possibly less stops for water/snacks/lunch.

Overnight or multi day walks are arranged, some for first time overnight walkers called Camping 101 but some for experienced overnight walkers only. Each meetup will have a description on who can RSVP. A new grade of Extreme was recently introduced for longer distance, hard walks, rough, remote terrain, probably for training purposes to a specific event. These are for very fit, experienced walkers only. 
If at any time you have any doubt or any questions, please contact the organiser and ask if the meetup is suitable for you.
We grade our events loosely bases on NSW national parks grading system which can be found here:
https://blog.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/whats-the-best-hike-for-you/#:~:text=Grade%201%20is%20up%20to,don't%20need%20no%20metres.

International travel:
Aussie Explorers often arranges amazing events overseas, these each have different terms and conditions as bound by different suppliers but always deposits are non-refundable with no exceptions. International travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit is recommended however compulsory on all international trips. Changes or cancellations incur fees and charges for each trip, please ask for details.

Communication/Publication/Comments on Website

Please remember that our organisers put in a lot of time and effort to make Aussie Explorers work. If you are unhappy with something or wish to make a comment on how the group is run, please respect the organisers by communicating with them directly. This gives them an opportunity to assist you. If there is a problem whilst on a meetup, please contact the leader as soon as possible rather than discuss with other members or contact David the main organiser.

Disclaimer:
By RSVP to any meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers above
Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and wellbeing of members at all times, however accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.

SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Please always stay within sight of the group.


DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.