Welcome to Riverina Retreat

These Terms & Conditions govern all bookings and stays at Riverina Retreat, a 564-acre rural property near Tumut, NSW. By making a booking, entering the property, or using any facilities, you agree to these terms.

This document is written in plain language because we believe transparency builds trust. If anything's unclear, reach out—we're happy to clarify.

About Riverina Retreat

Business Name: Riverina Retreat Rural Stays
ABN: 62 914 601 592
Location: Near Tumut, New South Wales 2720
Email: info@riverinaretreat.com.au
Phone: 0402 773 511
Website: riverinaretreat.com.au

1. Bookings & Payments

1.1 How Bookings Work

All reservations must be made through our official website booking system at riverinaretreat.com.au/book/. Bookings are inquiry-based and require our approval before confirmation.

Your booking is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from us at info@riverinaretreat.com.au.

1.2 Payment

Full payment is required at the time of booking. Payments are processed securely through Square payment gateway.

Your booking is confirmed only when:

• Payment has been received in full
• You receive a confirmation email from us

1.3 Pricing & GST

All rates are in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable. Current pricing is displayed on our booking page at riverinaretreat.com.au/book/ and is subject to change.

Once your booking is confirmed, your rate is locked in—even if we adjust pricing later.

2. Cancellations, Changes & Refunds

2.1 Guest-Initiated Cancellations

We understand plans change. Here's how cancellations work:

• 30+ days before arrival: Full refund minus $50 booking administration fee
• 14-29 days before arrival: 50% refund of total booking value
• Within 14 days of arrival: No refund

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@riverinaretreat.com.au.

2.2 Date Changes

You can request date changes up to 14 days before your scheduled arrival, subject to availability. No date changes are possible within 14 days of arrival.

2.3 No-Shows & Early Departures

If you don't show up or leave early, no refunds are provided. We hold your booking in good faith and turn away other guests—so please let us know if your plans change.

2.4 When We Cancel

Sometimes we need to cancel bookings due to circumstances beyond our control:

• Extreme weather events
• Total Fire Ban restrictions
• Emergency situations
• Operational or safety concerns

If we cancel your booking, you'll receive either a full refund or the option to reschedule to alternative dates. We'll do our best to give you as much notice as possible.

3. Property Safety & Conduct

3.1 This Is a Working Rural Property

You're staying on authentic bushland with livestock, native wildlife, machinery, uneven terrain, unfenced dams, and other natural hazards. By booking, you acknowledge these risks and enter the property at your own risk.

This is genuine Australian bush—not a manicured resort. Please bring your common sense and respect the environment.

3.2 Restricted Areas

For your safety and the property's operations, guests must not enter:

• Machinery sheds or storage buildings
• Animal yards or enclosed livestock areas
• Staff-only buildings
• Water storage areas (except designated swimming/kayaking zones)

If you're unsure whether an area is accessible, ask us first.

3.3 Children & Supervision

Children under 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Pay special attention near:

• Unfenced dams and waterways
• Electric fences
• Livestock and wildlife
• Fire pits and cooking areas

3.4 Wildlife & Livestock

This property is home to cattle, native wildlife including snakes, kangaroos, wombats, and hundreds of bird species. These animals were here first—we're just guests in their space.

Do NOT:

• Approach, feed, or disturb any animals
• Touch or interfere with livestock
• Leave food or rubbish accessible to wildlife

Watch where you step, especially in long grass or near water. Snakes generally want to avoid you, but they need you to give them the chance.

4. Fire Safety & Restrictions

4.1 Fire Season

Outdoor campfires are permitted 1 April – 30 September ONLY, and only in designated fire pits provided at each campsite.

Outside these dates (1 October – 31 March), only small cooking fires in approved enclosed BBQ pits are allowed.

4.2 Total Fire Ban Days

On declared Total Fire Ban days, NO fires of any type may be lit—including BBQs and camp stoves. We'll notify you if a Total Fire Ban is declared during your stay, but you're also responsible for checking fire danger ratings before arrival.

Check current conditions at: rfs.nsw.gov.au

4.3 Your Fire Safety Responsibility

• Never leave fires unattended
• Ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving your site or going to sleep
• Keep water nearby when using any fire
• Use only provided fire pits
• Don't collect firewood from the property—we provide it

Fire blankets and extinguishers are located in camp kitchen areas and accommodation zones. Familiarise yourself with their locations when you arrive.

4.4 Bushfire Emergency Procedure

If you see or smell smoke, or are notified of a nearby fire:

1. Call 000 immediately
2. Notify the property owners if possible: 0402 773 511
3. Evacuate via the main driveway toward Toonga Settlement Road
4. Follow instructions from emergency services
5. Do not return to collect belongings—just go

5. Accommodation Requirements & Facilities

5.1 Self-Contained Vehicles Only

All camping sites require self-contained campervans or caravans with onboard toilet and shower facilities. This is non-negotiable. We don't have shower blocks or toilet facilities for guests.

Why? Because it keeps our environmental impact light and the bushland pristine. If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, contact us before booking.

5.2 Black Water Disposal

Black water disposal facilities are not available on-site. The nearest disposal point is at Tarcutta, approximately 30 minutes away. Plan accordingly.

Grey water can be dispersed on-site in designated areas only—ask us where when you arrive.

5.3 Power & Water

Power and water are limited and must be used responsibly. This is off-grid living—treat resources with care.

5.4 Camp Kitchen

Shared camp kitchen facilities are available. Leave the area clean for the next person. Dispose of food waste correctly to avoid attracting wildlife.

6. Permitted & Prohibited Activities

6.1 What You Can Do

• Bushwalking on marked trails
• Mountain biking and e-bikes on designated trails
• Swimming and kayaking in designated dams (daylight hours only)
• Birdwatching and wildlife photography
• Stargazing
• Campfires (during permitted season only)

6.2 What You Can't Do

• Hunting, shooting, or use of firearms
• Unauthorised 4WD driving on property tracks
• Dirt bikes, motorbikes, or motorised trail bikes
• Horse riding (unless part of an organised event)
• Lighting fires outside approved periods
• Entering restricted farm areas
• Flying drones without prior permission

7. Noise & Quiet Hours

Respect for other guests and the natural environment is essential.

Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM

During quiet hours, keep noise to a minimum. Remember, people come here for peace and disconnection—help them find it.

8. Pets

Pets are not permitted at Riverina Retreat at this time.

We understand many people love travelling with their furry companions, and we're exploring options for pet-friendly stays in the future. For now, though, we need to maintain our focus on wildlife protection and ensuring all guests can enjoy the natural environment without disturbance.

If you have questions about future pet policies or need to discuss service animals, please contact us at info@riverinaretreat.com.au.

9. Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Early check-in or late check-out may be available by arrangement—contact us to request. Late check-out may incur additional fees.

Detailed directions, gate codes, and site-specific access information will be provided in your confirmation email.

10. Damage, Loss & Cleaning

10.1 Property Damage

You're responsible for any damage caused by you, your guests, or your vehicle during your stay. Damage costs will be charged to the payment method used for booking.

We'll always contact you first to discuss any damage and associated costs.

10.2 Excessive Cleaning

If you leave your site in a condition that requires significant cleaning beyond normal use, a cleaning fee of $150 applies. This includes:

• Excessive mess or rubbish left at site
• Unwashed dishes in shared facilities
• Food waste not properly disposed
• Damage to linens or equipment

Just leave your site as you'd want to find it—that's all we ask.

11. Liability & Indemnity

11.1 Your Responsibility

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian Consumer Law and NSW legislation, guests stay at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their party.

You acknowledge that:

• This is a working rural property with inherent risks
• Wildlife, livestock, and natural hazards are present
• You're responsible for supervising children and ensuring safe behaviour
• You'll follow all safety instructions provided

11.2 What We're Not Liable For

We're not liable for:

• Personal injury, loss, theft, or property damage arising from your use of the property
• Consequences of weather events, natural disasters, or bushfires
• Issues arising from failure to follow property rules or safety guidelines
• Loss or damage to vehicles or belongings

11.3 What This Doesn't Limit

Nothing in these terms limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law where those rights cannot be excluded.

12. Compliance with Laws

By staying here, you agree to comply with:

• Wagga Wagga City Council regulations
• NSW Rural Fire Service regulations
• National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)
• Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
• All other applicable state and federal legislation

13. Privacy & Data Protection

Personal information you provide during booking is collected and stored in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). We collect your name, contact details, payment information, vehicle registration, emergency contact information, and any special requirements you disclose.

How We Use Your Information

• Manage your booking and provide services
• Contact you about your stay
• Ensure safety and emergency response capability
• Comply with legal requirements

We will never sell your personal data. We may share information with emergency services or regulatory agencies if legally required.

For full details, please read our Privacy Policy.

Your Privacy Rights

You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting info@riverinaretreat.com.au.

14. Photography & Social Media

We occasionally photograph the property and facilities for marketing purposes. If you don't wish to be photographed, let us know.

We love when guests share their experiences on social media—tag us! But please respect other guests' privacy and don't photograph them without permission.

15. Rubbish & Waste Management

• Use designated rubbish and recycling bins
• Separate waste into recycling and general rubbish
• Do not dump grey water or waste water on the ground outside designated areas
• Take all rubbish with you if bins are full

Help us keep this place beautiful for future guests.

16. Maximum Guest Capacity

Property-wide limits:

• Maximum 20 overnight guests across all sites
• Maximum 50 guests for day functions or events

Site-specific capacity limits are shown on individual accommodation pages. Do not exceed these limits—they exist for safety and environmental reasons.

17. Special Events & Functions

Weddings, corporate retreats, and wellness events require separate booking arrangements and may have different terms. Contact us directly to discuss event bookings at info@riverinaretreat.com.au.

18. Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and are subject to availability. Vouchers are non-refundable but can be transferred to another person.

19. Amendments to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. The version published at the time of your booking applies to your stay. We'll notify you of significant changes if they affect an existing booking.

20. Disputes & Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes will be handled in accordance with NSW and Australian law.

If you have a concern or complaint, please contact us first—we're committed to resolving issues fairly and quickly.