Carawirry Forest Escape — Terms and Conditions

By confirming your booking at Carawirry Forest Escape, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These policies are in place to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and fairness for all guests and to protect the integrity of the property.

DEFINITIONS

• Booking: A reservation request confirmed by deposit payment and a Booking Confirmation email.
• Lead Guest: The person named on the booking who is responsible for compliance with these Terms.
• Security Bond: A pre-authorisation or charged amount held against your payment method as security for damages, losses, or policy breaches.
• Property: The Carawirry Forest Escape grounds (approx. 250 acres), tracks, and shared areas.
• Accommodation: The individual cabin, cottage or house you have booked.
• All of Carawirry: An exclusive-use booking covering all accommodation at the Property.
• Third-party Services: Services supplied by external providers (e.g., catering, massage, photography, tours) engaged directly by guests.

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT

• Check-in is from 3:00 p.m.
• Check-out is strictly by 10:00 a.m.

Carawirry operates with same-day guest changeovers and has 250 acres of property to maintain, along with full cabin cleans between stays. For this reason, guests must adhere to their scheduled check-in and check-out times.

• If you wish to book an early arrival or late departure, you may do so via your booking dashboard (linked in your confirmation email). Extensions are subject to availability, must be confirmed in advance, and are charged at $89 per hour (up to a maximum of 3 hours).
• Carawirry operates via self-check-in. Instructions are provided in advance.

PROPERTY RULES

Smoking

• Smoking is permitted outdoors only, well away from windows and doors.
• Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly — do not discard them on the ground.
• Fire risk is high in our forested environment, especially during dry seasons. Please be extremely cautious with embers or ash.

No Pets

• To protect local wildlife, pets are strictly prohibited.
• Guests who bring animals onto the property will be required to vacate the premises immediately. No refund will be provided.

Noise & Courtesy

• Noise curfew: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. This is a non-negotiable policy to ensure peace and privacy for all guests across the property. If you have booked "All of Carawirry" (exclusive use of all accommodation), you're welcome to enjoy the space freely — including making noise beyond curfew hours.
• All cabins, the cottage and the house are private spaces. While exploring the property and using the walking trails, please remain on designated tracks and do not enter or pass through areas surrounding other booked spaces. You are welcome to enjoy the broader Carawirry property during your stay, but access is strictly limited to your own booked accommodation and shared outdoor areas only. Respect for other guests’ privacy is essential.

Drains

• Only toilet paper should be flushed. No wipes, hygiene products or food waste.
• Our waste processing system is a delicate balance of bacteria breaking down organic matter. Introducing harsh chemicals or foreign products can kill these bacteria and create a smelly, costly problem.
• Guests may be held responsible for damage or plumbing issues caused by misuse.

Cleaning & Departure

• Excessive mess left at checkout may result in additional cleaning fees, which may be charged to your security bond.
• Please follow the departure checklist provided in your cabin. Here is a copy of the departure checklist for your reference [link].

Occupancy

• The number of guests must not exceed what is stated in your booking.
• Additional unapproved guests will be charged at $69 per person per night (deducted from your security bond) and may result in booking cancellation.

Parking & Vehicles

• You must drive and park only on designated gravel roads, driveways and parking bays. No vehicles are to drive on, across, or park on grassed areas under any circumstances. The ground can be soft and vehicles may become bogged, causing major inconvenience to you and damage to lawns and landscaped areas. This is a maintained property, not a farm paddock; off‑gravel driving or parking breaches these Terms and may result in remediation charges deducted from your security bond.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

• EV charging is permitted from external power points only. Guests must bring their own suitable adapter and charging cable compatible with a 240V Australian socket.
• We recommend a 10–15 metre cable to reach an outside power point. Do not trail cables across walkways where they may cause trip hazards, and do not run cables through windows or doors.

BBQ Use

• Use BBQs as instructed and turn gas off after use. Clean BBQs after use to avoid extra cleaning charges (which may be deducted from your security bond).

Visitors

• Guests are legally and financially liable for the behaviour and conduct of their visitors, including but not limited to any breach of these Terms, damage, loss, penalties, or costs arising from their visitors’ actions.

FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE

• Facilities within our accommodation are regularly serviced and maintained. From time to time, circumstances beyond our control may mean certain facilities are temporarily unavailable.
• We will always endeavour to arrange prompt repair or replacement; however, we cannot guarantee continuous availability of every facility at all times.
• Carawirry takes no responsibility for personal property left on the premises. Items found are handled under Lost Property.
• Furniture, fixtures and fittings must not be altered, moved within a cabin/house, or relocated between rooms or accommodation. Damage and/or additional cleaning resulting from repositioning or relocation will be charged to your security bond.

SECURITY CAMERAS & MONITORING

For guest safety and property security, Carawirry operates external security cameras on the driveways leading to all accommodation to monitor vehicle and foot traffic entering and exiting the property.

• Cameras are external only and are not installed inside any accommodation.
• Cameras are positioned to monitor access ways and are not directed into private spaces.
• Footage may be viewed by authorised staff to ensure safety, protect property, and enforce these Terms as required.
• Retention: Security footage is typically retained for 6 months and then deleted unless required for a safety, security, or compliance investigation.

EVENTS, GATHERINGS & CABIN USE

• Carawirry Forest Escape is first and foremost a peaceful nature retreat. We welcome couples, families, and solo travellers seeking rest and reconnection.
• If you wish to host an event — including weddings, elopements, retreats, workshops, or gatherings of any kind — you must obtain written approval from Carawirry management prior to your stay. These bookings are subject to separate event-specific terms and requirements.
• We don’t typically charge extra for alternate use of the space, but we do require you to notify us of your intentions in advance. Simply send us an email outlining your plans. This is non-negotiable and essential for maintaining respectful and coordinated use of the property.
• Unauthorised events or use of the accommodation for purposes beyond personal retreat may result in the immediate termination of your booking without refund. Each booking includes access only to the accommodation reserved, and not to other cabins, the house, or cottage unless confirmed in writing.
• Guests are not permitted to invite unregistered or unbooked visitors to the property without prior written approval from Carawirry management.

THIRD‑PARTY SERVICES & SUPPLIERS

• Guests may engage third‑party providers for services (e.g., massages, catering, photography, tours) at their own discretion.
• Any such services are booked and paid directly with the provider. Carawirry is not a party to these arrangements and accepts no liability for the performance, quality, safety, timeliness, availability, cancellations, refunds, or outcomes of third‑party services.
• Recommendations or introductions provided by Carawirry are informational only and do not constitute endorsement or assumption of responsibility.
• Third‑party providers must comply with all Carawirry property rules and safety requirements; access must be pre‑approved by management.
• Any issues, losses, or claims arising from third‑party services must be resolved directly with the provider.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY & BLACKOUTS

Carawirry Forest Escape is located in a rural, forested area and relies on regional power infrastructure. Power outages may occur from time to time, beyond our control.

• If notified in advance of a planned outage, we will share this information with you as early as possible.
• For unexpected outages (e.g. storms, equipment failure), we may receive no notice and are subject to the same delays in restoration as you.
• The water supply to all accommodation at Carawirry relies on an electric pump. If power is lost, running water will stop.

Since purchasing the property in 2017, the longest outage we’ve experienced has been approximately 6 hours. Essential Energy’s local emergency response teams are excellent and usually restore power promptly.

Carawirry Forest Escape will not issue refunds, credits, or other compensation in the event of a power outage or blackout. This is a natural limitation of rural travel and staying with us acknowledges that understanding.

NATURAL DISASTER POLICY

In the event of a natural disaster such as bushfire, flood or storm damage:

• If Carawirry becomes unsafe or unfit for guest use, we will cancel affected bookings and provide a full refund or credit.
• If Carawirry is operational and safe, but you are unable to travel to the property, our standard cancellation policy will apply.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Standard Bookings

• Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival.
• Cancelling between 15–29 days before arrival:
  • Option 1: Postpone your booking within 6 months (minus a $50 admin fee).
  • Option 2: Cancel and forfeit your deposit.
• No changes, refunds or postponements are available within 14 days of arrival.

Note: Credits are issued as a dollar amount only, not as a guarantee of the same cabin or rate on future dates.

Postponed bookings can only be rescheduled once. No refunds apply to rescheduled dates.

Lock It In Eddy (Non-Refundable Rate)

• This rate is 100% non-refundable, non-transferable and non-changeable.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking.

MINIMUM AGE & IDENTIFICATION

• The lead guest must be 18 years or older.
• Valid photo identification matching the booking name may be required prior to arrival.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION

• A booking is confirmed only when the deposit payment has been received and a Booking Confirmation email has been sent to you. Until both are complete, your booking is not guaranteed.

BOOKINGS VIA ONLINE TRAVEL AGENTS (OTAs)

• If you book through an online travel agent (OTA) or third‑party platform, you are also subject to that platform’s terms (e.g., service fees, payment methods, promotional conditions).
• Where there is any inconsistency between OTA terms and these Terms, these Carawirry Terms & Conditions prevail.
• Changes or cancellations made on an OTA must be actioned via that platform in line with the OTA’s processes; any applicable refunds will be processed back through the original booking channel.
• Property rules and on‑site policies in this document apply to all stays, regardless of where the booking was made.

PAYMENT TERMS & SECURITY BOND

• A booking is confirmed only when the deposit payment has been received and a Booking Confirmation email has been sent to you. Until both are complete, your booking is not guaranteed.

PAYMENT TERMS & SECURITY BOND

• A security bond or pre-authorisation will be taken prior to arrival and will be released within 48 hours of your booked departure, following post-stay inspection, subject to any deductions for damage, excessive cleaning, unpaid charges, or policy breaches.
• Carawirry absorbs all payment processing and platform fees; no surcharges are applied by us.
• Failure to settle balances by the due date may result in cancellation without refund.

UNAUTHORISED LATE DEPARTURE FEE

• Departures after 10:00 a.m. without prior approval will be charged at $35 per 15 minutes, deducted from your security bond.
• A late check-out of 2 hours or more will be charged an additional night's fee at the prevailing rate.

RIGHT OF ENTRY

• Management may access the accommodation for urgent maintenance, safety checks, or to enforce these Terms, providing notice where feasible.

PROHIBITED ITEMS & ACTIVITIES

• The following are prohibited: fireworks, firearms or weapons, illegal substances, commercial generators, and any activity that poses a fire, safety, or environmental risk, or that disrupts the purpose of Carawirry as a peaceful nature retreat (including the peaceful enjoyment of other guests).

FIREPLACES & FIREWOOD

• Use fireplaces strictly as instructed. Burn firewood and kindling only. Do not burn rubbish or plastics. Misuse may result in additional cleaning or repair charges.
• Firewood is provided and included in your booking for outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces at all cabins, and for the wood‑fired hot tub at The Gum Leaf Cabin. There is no need to bring firewood.
• Six (6) firelighter cubes, kindling, and a box of matches are provided with each booking to assist with lighting. If this is not sufficient, please bring additional supplies; Carawirry will not be able to provide more during your stay.

CANDLES & OPEN FLAMES (INDOORS)

• Candles and open flames inside accommodation are prohibited. Our cabins are timber structures in a forested setting; indoor flames are an unacceptable fire risk.

BATHS, HOT TUB, BATHHOUSE & PLUNGE POOL

• Surfaces may be slippery when wet; actively supervise children at all times.
• No bath oils, dyes, bath bombs or glassware in or near baths, hot tubs, plunge pool or the bathhouse.
• Please shower before using shared water features where applicable. Misuse may result in additional cleaning or repair charges (deducted from your security bond).

TOTAL FIRE BAN COMPLIANCE

• On days declared a Total Fire Ban, outdoor fires are prohibited. Guests must comply with NSW RFS directives. Failure to comply may result in immediate termination of stay without refund.
• We recommend downloading the NSW RFS Fires Near Me NSW app to stay up to date during your stay. We continuously monitor local conditions and official advice, and will contact guests and attend on site promptly if conditions change.

CHILDREN & SAFETY

• Children must be actively supervised at all times, especially around fireplaces, baths, bodies of water, and on bush trails.

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING & DRONES

• Commercial photography or filming requires prior written approval from Carawirry.
• Drone (RPA) use requires written permission and must comply with CASA rules and guest privacy. Drones must not be flown over or near other guest areas.

WILDLIFE & RURAL CONDITIONS

• Carawirry is a rural, native habitat. Encounters with wildlife, insects, weather and rural conditions are normal and do not constitute grounds for refund or compensation.
• Even if native animals appear calm or approach, they are wild and must be treated with respect and care. Please keep a natural distance and do not feed or touch wildlife.

ACCESSIBILITY & TERRAIN

Accommodation

• Each accommodation information page provides a floor plan indicating stairs, steps/lofts and any access considerations. Please review before booking; accessibility limitations do not constitute grounds for refund.

Greater Property (Trails & Terrain)

• Across the wider property, tracks and trails contain natural slip, trip and fall hazards and may pass along or through natural watercourses (creeks, crossings and low‑lying areas). Entry is at your own risk. We take all reasonable care to maintain trails so they are navigable; however, conditions can change quickly after rain and caution should always be exercised.
• Surfaces may be uneven, steep, wet or muddy depending on weather. Wear appropriate footwear and closely supervise children, especially near water. Always assess the area before proceeding and never attempt to cross fast‑flowing water.

HOUSEKEEPING & LINEN

• Stays are self-contained. Mid-stay servicing is not included unless arranged in advance.
• Excessive laundry or misuse of linens/towels may incur additional charges, and any damage or staining of linens/towels that requires replacement will be at your cost and charged to your security bond.
• Accommodation linens and bath towels must remain inside your accommodation and are not to be used for swimming at creeks, rivers, or other outdoor areas. Please bring your own beach towels for any outdoor swimming or creek use.

LOST PROPERTY

• Items left behind will be held for 7 days only. After this period, unclaimed items will be disposed of or donated. If found by our cleaning team, items can be returned via Australia Post at the guest’s expense; postage costs are not known until lodgement. A photo of the postage receipt will be provided and a payment link sent for the postage fee. Carawirry accepts no liability for items left behind.

COMPLAINTS & DISTURBANCES

• If anything is not up to standard (e.g., cleanliness concerns, missing items, maintenance or amenity issues), you must contact Carawirry immediately during your stay using the details in your confirmation email or the in‑cabin guide so we can investigate and rectify.
• If we are not alerted and given a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue while you are in‑house, Carawirry will not offer compensation, reimbursement, refunds, credits or other remedies after check‑out.
• Please report any disturbances so we can address them promptly and maintain Carawirry’s standard of operation for all guests.

PRIVACY & DATA

• We collect and process booking and contact information to manage reservations, safety and compliance. See our Privacy Policy for details. Security cameras are addressed in the Security Cameras & Monitoring section.

CURRENCY & TAX

• All amounts are stated in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable, unless otherwise specified.

VARIATION

• We may update these Terms from time to time. The Terms in effect at the time your Booking Confirmation is issued will apply to your stay.

SEVERABILITY & PRECEDENCE

• If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.
• In the event of any conflict between these Terms and any booking platform terms, these Terms prevail.

FORCE MAJEURE

• Carawirry is not liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond reasonable control (including but not limited to natural disasters, government action, strikes, utility failures). Refunds or credits apply only where Carawirry cannot operate.

GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

• These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the NSW courts.

RATE & POLICY CHANGES / OBVIOUS ERRORS

• We reserve the right to correct obvious pricing or availability errors. Confirmed bookings will be honoured except where an error renders fulfilment impossible or unlawful.
• In the exceptionally rare event of a double booking caused by Carawirry’s error (two guests booked into the same accommodation for the same dates), the booking first recorded in our calendar will be honoured. The later booking will be refunded in full and, where available, alternative local accommodation will be arranged up to the value of $500, or a $500 credit to book another stay at Carawirry will be offered — whichever you prefer, with our sincere apologies. No other recompense will be offered.

DAMAGE & LIABILITY

• Guests are liable for any damage to property, furnishings, fixtures, or amenities caused during their stay.
• Damage must be reported to Carawirry staff immediately.
• Depending on the nature and extent of the damage, costs may be deducted from your security bond or an invoice will be issued for larger expenses. We will discuss this with you should this occur.

RIGHT TO REFUSE OR REVOKE BOOKINGS

Carawirry Forest Escape reserves the right to:

• Refuse a booking at our discretion.
• Revoke a booking or require a guest to leave if they breach these Terms and Conditions, cause damage, pose safety risks, or disturb the experience of others.

Thank you for respecting these terms and helping us keep Carawirry a peaceful, safe, and restorative place for all who stay here.