Total Overland Tours: Terms and Conditions of Participation

These Terms and Conditions govern your participation in tag-along tours operated by Total Overland Tours. By booking, paying a deposit, or participating in a tour, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before your departure.
 

1. Booking, Deposits, and Payments
 

• Deposits: A non-refundable deposit of 25% per vehicle is required at the time of booking to secure your place on a tour.

• Final Balance:

• For tours under 14 days in length, the remaining balance must be paid in full within 7 days of the tour departure date.

• For accommodated tours or tours over 14 days in length, the remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 30 days prior to the tour departure date.

• If payment is not received by these deadlines, Total Overland Tours reserves the right to cancel your booking and forfeit your deposit.

• Cancellations & Refunds (By Participant):

• Cancellations made more than 45 days prior to departure will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.

• Cancellations made between 15 and 44 days prior to departure will forfeit 50% of the total tour fee.

• Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to departure, or failure to show on the departure date, will result in 100% forfeiture of all monies paid.

• No refunds are to be given after the commencement of tours.

• Any credits issued in regards to tour cancellations will be at Total Overland Tours' discretion.

• Cancellations (By Total Overland Tours):

• Tours cancelled by Total Overland Tours due to circumstances out of our control will be refunded or transferred to another tour.

• Refund amounts will vary depending on tour type and the deposit paid.

• Non-refundable accommodations or other expenses already paid for by Total Overland Tours will not be refunded.

• Credit Validity: All credits issued by Total Overland Tours for cancellations or tour modifications must be used within 18 months from the date of issuance, after which time any unused credit will expire.
  
   

2. Force Majeure & Inclemency Policy
 

• Force Majeure Event: Total Overland Tours shall not be liable for failure to perform or delay in performing its obligations under these terms if such failure or delay is caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe inclement weather conditions, floods, bushfires, road closures by local authorities, track washouts, natural disasters, acts of God, epidemics, or government restrictions.

• Itinerary Adjustments & Safety: In the event of extreme weather or hazardous natural conditions (such as imminent bushfire risk or severe flooding), Total Overland Tours reserves the right to cancel, delay, or reroute any tour to ensure the safety of all participants, staff, and pets.

• Rescheduling & Credits: If a tour is cancelled or prematurely terminated due to a Force Majeure event, participants will be offered a credit for the unfulfilled portion of the tour to be transferred to a future booking (valid for 18 months). Total Overland Tours will not be responsible for any additional costs incurred by participants, including independent travel, extra accommodation, or vehicle recovery expenses.
   

3. Vehicle Requirements and Suitability
 

• Vehicle Preparation: All participating vehicles must be registered, roadworthy, and specifically suited for off-road overlanding conditions. Vehicles must be fitted with appropriate all-terrain or mud-terrain tires featuring "LT" or "Light Truck" construction, a rated recovery point (front and rear), and a reliable communication system (UHF radio).

• GVM and Towing Compliance: You are strictly responsible for ensuring your vehicle does not exceed its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Combination Mass (GCM), or axle load limits. Total Overland Tours accepts no liability for vehicle mechanical failure, damage, or legal penalties resulting from overloaded or improperly modified vehicles.

• Mechanical Assistance & Reliability: While our tour guides possess basic tools and bush mechanic skills to attempt to get you moving again, we accept no responsibility for mechanical repairs. You are responsible for carrying your own vehicle-specific spares, extra fluids, and tools. Vehicles that break down repeatedly due to lack of pre-trip maintenance may be asked to leave the tour at the owner's expense.

• Catastrophic Failures & Recovery: Unforeseen catastrophic failures of vehicles which prevent the continuation of the tour will be the owner's responsibility and cost to recover the vehicle. Any credits for the remaining portion of the tour are at Total Overland Tours' discretion and are not guaranteed.

4. Pet-Friendly Policy
 

• Approved Tours Only: Dogs are to only be brought on tours that explicitly specify they are pet-friendly.

• Unnotified/Unbooked Pets: Pet owners who bring dogs on tours without notifying or booking with Total Overland Tours prior to departure will be strictly responsible for all resulting costs for boarding the dog, or will be asked to leave the tour immediately without a refund.

• Behavior and Control: All approved pets must be well-socialized, under effective control at all times, and up-to-date on all required vaccinations and parasite treatments. Please check tour specifics to gauge if the tour is suitable for your dog.

• Restricted Areas & Alternative Arrangements: Where tour itineraries pass through areas where dogs are not permitted, alternative arrangements will be arranged by Total Overland Tours. Options include alternative transport via our transport trailer, in-place dog day-care in the climate controlled trailer, or boarding at our property, supervision provided by Total Overland Tours at all times.

• Liability: Owners are legally and financially responsible for any damage, injury, or disruption caused by their pets to other guests, wildlife, livestock, or property.

• Pet insurance is strongly recommended to cover accident or illness while on tour. Total Overland Tours will only take responsibility for illness or injury for dogs directly in our care and not pre existing health conditions.

• Total Overland Tours reserves the right to independent veterinary assements.
   

5. Health, Safety, and Conduct
 

• Guide Authority: Outback conditions are unpredictable. The lead tour guide maintains absolute authority to alter routes, delay departures, establish camp earlier, or cancel segments of the itinerary due to weather, fire bans, road closures, or safety concerns. Participants must follow all safety instructions given by the guides.

• Medical Information: We will supply a medical form to be filled out for all occupants of the vehicle, which must be placed in a sealed envelope to be used only in contact with emergency medical services. This envelope will be returned to you at the end of the tour to ensure privacy.

• Fitness and Health: Remote travel involves physical exertion, extreme temperatures, and limited access to medical facilities. Participants must disclose any significant medical conditions or dietary requirements prior to departure and carry adequate personal medication and a first-aid kit.

• Code of Conduct: We promote a respectful, inclusive environment. Excessive alcohol consumption, dangerous driving, failure to respect wildlife or private property, or disruptive behavior will result in immediate expulsion from the tour without a refund.
   

6. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver
 

• Inherent Risks: Overlanding, remote bush camping, and four-wheel driving involve inherent risks, including vehicle damage, personal injury, extreme weather, and isolation from emergency services.

• Waiver: By participating, you acknowledge these risks and agree that Total Overland Tours, its owners, employees, and lead guides are not liable for any loss, damage, theft of personal property, injury, or death sustained during the tour, except where required by law.

• Insurance: Participants must hold valid comprehensive vehicle insurance that covers off-road driving and outback recovery/towing. Travel insurance is strongly advised.