HIGH COUNTRY FISHING CO.

– TERMS AND CONDITIONS

HIGH COUNTRY FISHING CO. – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions govern the booking and provision of guided fishing tours and training services ("Services") provided by High Country Fishing Co. ("we", "us", "our"). By booking a Service with us, you ("the Client", "you") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Services Provided

High Country Fishing Co. operates on public waterways in North East Victoria. We offer the following Services:

  • Half-day walking tours (Trout or Murray Cod).

  • Full-day (approx. 8 hours) drift boat tours (inflatable boat).

  • Multi-day high country hiking tours (Trout).

  • Multi-day drift boat tours (Murray Cod).

  • Livescope training (approx. 5 hours) conducted on the Client’s personal vessel.

1.2 Inclusions & Exclusions Unless otherwise stated, all guided trips include rods, reels, and snacks. The Client is responsible for bringing suitable clothing, personal medication, and a valid Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence.

2. Pricing and Payment

  • 2.1 Pricing: All prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  • 2.2 Group Size: Prices are based on one (1) person per trip. A maximum of two (2) people are permitted per trip. A flat fee of $100 applies for the addition of a second person.

  • 2.3 Payment: We do not take partial deposits. 100% of the total booking cost must be paid upfront online via credit/debit card to secure your booking.

3. Client Cancellations and Rescheduling

If you need to cancel or amend your booking, the following policies apply based on the notice provided prior to the scheduled start time of the tour:

  • 14 Days or More: 100% full refund.

  • 7 to 13 Days: 50% refund of the total booking cost.

  • Less than 7 Days (including within 48 Hours): Strictly no refund. However, if you notify us within 48 hours of the trip, we will happily reschedule your tour to a mutually agreeable date at no additional cost.

4. Weather, River Conditions & Operator Cancellations

  • 4.1 Unsafe Conditions: Fishing in the Victorian high country is highly dependent on weather and river conditions. High Country Fishing Co. reserves the right to cancel, alter, or delay any trip if we determine that conditions (e.g., heavy rain, flooded/dirty rivers, high winds, or extreme fire danger) render the trip unsafe or unfishable.

  • 4.2 Rescheduling & Refunds: If we are forced to cancel a trip due to weather or safety concerns, our priority is to reschedule your trip to a suitable future date. If rescheduling is not possible for you, a full refund will be provided in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law.

5. Health, Fitness & Safety

  • 5.1 Fitness Requirements: Our walking and multi-day hiking trips require a reasonable level of physical fitness and the ability to move freely over uneven, rocky, and potentially slippery riverbanks. By booking, you declare that you are physically capable of participating.

  • 5.2 Liability Waiver: All Clients will be required to read and sign a separate Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver prior to commencing the trip.

  • 5.3 Alcohol and Conduct: While we do not strictly prohibit alcohol consumption, strict common sense and safety around water are required. The guide reserves the right to immediately terminate the trip without refund if a Client is deemed intoxicated, acts recklessly, or jeopardizes the safety of the group or the guide.

6. Equipment & Damages

  • 6.1 Client Equipment: You are welcome to bring your own fishing gear. However, High Country Fishing Co. accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or theft of personal equipment brought on the trip.

  • 6.2 Guide Equipment: We provide high-quality rods and reels for your use. We understand that genuine accidents happen during fishing, and you will not be charged for accidental breakages. However, if our equipment is damaged, broken, or lost due to your blatant negligence, misuse, or failure to follow the guide's instructions, you agree to pay the replacement cost of the damaged item.

7. Catch and Release Policy

High Country Fishing Co. is strictly dedicated to the conservation of our native and sports fisheries. Regardless of Victorian Fisheries bag limits, we operate a strict Catch and Release policy on all our trips. All fish caught will be handled with care and returned to the water.

8. Livescope Training on Client Vessels

For Livescope training sessions conducted on a Client’s boat, the Client confirms that:

  • Their vessel is seaworthy, registered, and carries all required safety equipment under Victorian maritime law.

  • The Client retains full responsibility as the Master of the Vessel at all times.

  • High Country Fishing Co. assumes no liability for any damage to the Client’s vessel, engine, electronics, or trailer during the training session.

9. Media and Marketing Release

During our trips, the guide may take photographs and videos of you and your catch. By participating in our Services, you grant High Country Fishing Co. a perpetual, royalty-free license to use these images and videos for promotional purposes, including on our website, social media channels, and marketing materials. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform your guide at the beginning of the trip.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, including the Australian Consumer Law and the Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic), High Country Fishing Co., its operators, and guides exclude all liability for any personal injury, illness, death, or property damage arising out of or in connection with your participation in the Services, except where such loss is caused by our gross negligence.