Carawirry Forest Escape — Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 12 August 2026

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 of 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 damage, losses or policy breaches.
Property: The Carawirry Forest Escape grounds (approximately 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, such as catering, massage, photography or 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 accommodation cleans between stays. For this reason, guests must adhere to their scheduled check-in and check-out times.
For an individual accommodation booking, early check-in from 1:00 p.m. may be booked for a flat $150 fee per accommodation, subject to availability. Select this during booking or add it prior to arrival via your booking dashboard.
For an individual accommodation booking, late check-out until 12:00 noon may be booked for a flat $150 fee per accommodation, subject to availability.
If you have booked All of Carawirry, early check-in from 1:00 p.m. is available for a flat $400 fee, covering early access across the entire property.
If you have booked All of Carawirry, late check-out until 12:00 noon is available for a flat $400 fee, covering late access across the entire property.
Carawirry operates via self-check-in. Your access code and full arrival information are sent to the booking email address 3 hours before your scheduled check-in (12 noon for a standard 3:00 p.m. check-in).

ROAD ACCESS

The final section of the journey to Carawirry is an unsealed, well-maintained gravel road.
A standard 2WD vehicle is suitable; a 4WD is not required for access to the property.

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.
Registered support animals and guide dogs are the exception. Please contact Carawirry directly with relevant documentation before booking so the request can be assessed and approved.
Guests who bring an animal onto the property without prior approval 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 are 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 check-out may result in additional cleaning fees, which may be charged to your security bond.
Please follow the departure checklist provided in your accommodation.

Occupancy

The number of guests must not exceed what is stated in your booking.
Additional guests beyond the base occupancy are charged at $69 per person per night, where applicable.
Children under 2 stay free. Children aged 2–16 are charged at the full $69 per person per night rate, the same as adults.
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

There are no dedicated EV chargers on site.
EV charging is permitted from external 240V Australian power points only.
Guests must bring their own suitable charging cable, adapter and 15–20 metre extension lead.
Cables must not trail across walkways or through doors or windows.
The nearest public EV charger is at the Dungog Visitor Information Centre, approximately 20 minutes away.

BBQ Use

Each accommodation includes a gas (LPG) BBQ and utensils.
Use BBQs as instructed and turn the gas bottle off after use.
Please clean the BBQ after use. Additional cleaning may be charged to 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 an accommodation, 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.
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 do not 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 requirement is non-negotiable and is essential for maintaining respectful and coordinated use of the property.
Unauthorised events or use of the accommodation for purposes beyond a personal stay may result in 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 such as massages, catering, photography or 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, and 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 for reasons 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, including storms, equipment failure or accidental damage, we may receive no notice and are subject to the same restoration delays 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 have 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.

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.
Carawirry will contact guests as soon as possible if conditions make the property unsafe or prevent us from operating.

MINIMUM STAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

A 2-night minimum stay applies to Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
1-night stays may be available Monday to Thursday, subject to availability.
NSW Public Holidays are stay-over days only. No arrivals or departures are permitted on those dates.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Standard Bookings

Free cancellation 30 or more days before arrival.
Cancelling between 15–29 days before arrival:
- Option 1: Postpone your booking within 6 months of your original arrival date, minus a $50 administration fee.
- Option 2: Cancel and forfeit your deposit.
No changes, refunds or postponements are available within 14 days of arrival.
Credits are issued as a dollar amount only, not as a guarantee of the same accommodation 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.

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, including any service fees, payment methods or 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 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 year-round and for indoor fireplaces during the cooler season, plus the wood-fired hot tub at The Gum Leaf Cabin.
Indoor fireplace firewood is supplied from March to November. During the warmer months, indoor fireplace materials are not supplied.
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 available to provide additional fire-lighting supplies during your stay.
Firelighters and matches for the outdoor firepit can be found under the kitchen sink.

CANDLES & OPEN FLAMES

Candles and open flames inside accommodation are prohibited.
Our cabins are timber structures in a forested environment and the fire risk is too high.
We also strongly discourage candles outdoors year-round. Please avoid using candles anywhere on the property.

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 Fires Near Me NSW / Hazards Near Me NSW app to stay up to date during your stay.
Carawirry continuously monitors local conditions and official advice, and we will contact guests and attend on site promptly if conditions change.

BATHS, HOT TUB, BATHHOUSE & PLUNGE POOL

Surfaces may be slippery when wet.
Children must be actively supervised at all times.
No bath oils, dyes, bath bombs or glassware are permitted in or near baths, hot tubs, the plunge pool or the bathhouse.
Misuse may result in additional cleaning or repair charges deducted from your security bond.

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 you, 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 this 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, including 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 linen/towels may incur additional charges.
Any damage or staining of linen/towels that requires replacement will be at your cost and charged to your security bond.
Accommodation linen 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 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, including 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 the issue.
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 during your stay 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 and 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, where two guests are 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, either:
- alternative local accommodation will be arranged up to the value of $500; or
- a $500 Carawirry credit will be offered to book another stay,
- whichever you prefer.
Our sincere apologies will be offered.
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, disturb the experience of others, or disrupt the purpose of Carawirry as a peaceful nature retreat.

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