Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: 21 October 2026
 

Welcome to Headwaters Fly Shop Travel.
 

At Headwaters, we believe the best fishing trips are about more than just catching fish. They're about exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, sharing time on the water and making memories with good people.
 

We want every guest to know exactly what to expect before joining us on an adventure. Please read the following Terms & Conditions carefully before making a booking.
 

By booking a trip through Headwaters Fly Shop Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms & Conditions and agree to be bound by them, subject to applicable law.
 

1. About Headwaters Fly Shop Travel

Headwaters Fly Shop Travel ("Headwaters", "we", "us" or "our") offers hosted fly fishing adventures, guided fishing experiences and associated travel services within Australia and internationally.
 

Depending on the trip, Headwaters may act as:

• The principal organiser and operator of a fishing experience.

• A host accompanying guests on trips operated by independent fishing lodges, guides or outfitters.

• A booking intermediary facilitating arrangements with third-party travel providers.

The identity and role of the contracting travel provider will be disclosed in the relevant trip information or booking confirmation.

Where travel services are provided by independent operators, their own booking conditions, cancellation policies and operating procedures may also apply. These will be made available where applicable before the booking becomes binding.
 

2. Bookings & Reservations

All bookings are subject to availability and acceptance by Headwaters or the relevant travel operator.
 

A booking is confirmed only once:

• The required deposit or full payment has been received.

• Headwaters or the relevant operator has issued written confirmation.

• Any required booking documentation has been completed.
   

Guests must ensure that all personal information supplied during the booking process is accurate, including names, contact details and information required for travel arrangements.

Any changes requested after confirmation may incur additional costs imposed by airlines, accommodation providers, outfitters or other suppliers.
 

3. Deposits & Payments

A deposit may be required to secure a place on a hosted trip or guided fishing experience.

The deposit amount, payment schedule, final payment date and any applicable supplier payment conditions will be specified in the individual trip itinerary, quotation or booking confirmation.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Payments must be made by the specified due dates.

• Failure to make payment may result in cancellation of the booking, subject to applicable law and the relevant booking terms.

• Guests are responsible for bank transfer fees, foreign exchange costs and other applicable transaction charges.

• Prices may be quoted in Australian dollars or another currency, as clearly specified in the trip documentation.
   

Any deposit described as non-refundable remains subject to applicable Australian Consumer Law rights and any other mandatory legal protections.
 

4. Pricing & Inclusions

Trip prices are based on the inclusions specifically outlined in the published itinerary or individual booking confirmation.
 

Unless expressly stated otherwise, trip prices may exclude:

• International and domestic flights.

• Travel insurance.

• Passport and visa costs.

• Vaccinations and other medical expenses.

• Personal fishing equipment and tackle.

• Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases.

• Tips and gratuities.

• Additional activities outside the scheduled itinerary.

• Excess baggage charges and fishing rod transport fees.

• Costs arising from personal itinerary changes.
   

Guests should review all inclusions and exclusions before confirming a booking.

Headwaters will disclose known mandatory charges before booking. Any proposed price change after booking will be governed by the applicable booking agreement and Australian Consumer Law.
 

5. Cancellations by Guests

We understand that plans sometimes change.
 

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Headwaters.

The cancellation policy applicable to each trip will be provided in the trip-specific booking documentation before the booking is confirmed.
 

Cancellation charges may vary depending on:

• The amount of notice provided.

• Non-recoverable payments made to third-party suppliers.

• Airline, lodge, guide and accommodation cancellation conditions.

• The availability of refunds or credits from relevant operators.

• The specific terms agreed to at the time of booking.
   

Where permitted by law, reasonable cancellation fees may apply to cover genuine costs and losses associated with a cancelled booking.
 

Refunds, credits and cancellation charges remain subject to applicable consumer rights, including the Australian Consumer Law.
 

We strongly recommend obtaining suitable travel insurance as soon as you make a booking.
 

6. Cancellations or Changes by Headwaters

Headwaters and its travel partners may need to modify, postpone or cancel trips due to circumstances including:

• Severe weather or dangerous fishing conditions.

• Natural disasters.

• Political instability or civil unrest.

• Government restrictions or travel advisories.

• Transport disruptions.

• Illness or unavailability of essential personnel.

• Safety concerns.

• Other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the relevant operator.
   

Where a material change or cancellation occurs, Headwaters will communicate available alternatives, credits or refunds in accordance with the applicable booking terms and legal obligations.
 

Where appropriate, we may offer alternative dates, accommodation, guides or itineraries.

Any such arrangements will be subject to availability and guest agreement where required.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes rights or remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.
 

7. Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all trips and may be mandatory for certain international or remote-area expeditions.
 

Where insurance is mandatory, the minimum requirements will be communicated before booking.

Guests should ensure their policy provides appropriate cover for:

• Medical treatment and emergency evacuation.

• Remote-area and international medical emergencies.

• Trip cancellation and interruption.

• Flight delays and missed connections.

• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

• Fishing equipment.

• Fishing, boating, wading and other planned adventure activities.

• Repatriation where necessary.
   

Guests are responsible for checking their policy's exclusions, activity restrictions, excesses and coverage limits.
 

Headwaters does not guarantee that any particular insurance policy will provide cover for a specific incident or destination.
 

8. Passports, Visas & Travel Requirements

Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all entry, exit and transit requirements for their chosen destination.
 

This includes:

• Holding a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.

• Obtaining required visas, permits and travel authorisations.

• Meeting vaccination or health entry requirements.

• Complying with customs, biosecurity and immigration regulations.

• Checking applicable government travel advice.
   

Requirements can change without notice.
 

Headwaters may provide general travel guidance; however, guests must verify current requirements with the appropriate government authorities before departure.
 

9. Health, Fitness & Medical Conditions

Fly fishing adventures can involve physical activity in remote and challenging environments.

Depending on the destination, guests may be required to:

• Walk or wade over uneven or slippery surfaces.

• Board and disembark boats.

• Spend extended periods in hot or humid conditions.

• Travel in small aircraft, boats or four-wheel-drive vehicles.

• Access locations with limited medical facilities.
   

Guests must assess whether they are physically capable of participating in their chosen trip.

Guests should disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, mobility limitations or other circumstances that may affect their safe participation, using the confidential process specified by Headwaters or the operator.
 

Such information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy obligations.

Headwaters may request appropriate medical clearance where reasonably necessary for safety.

Any participation restrictions must be reasonable, based on genuine safety or operational requirements, and consistent with applicable law.
 

10. Fishing & Outdoor Activity Risks

Fishing and adventure travel involve inherent risks.

These may include:

• Slips, trips and falls.

• Injuries from hooks, knives or fishing equipment.

• Boat accidents and transport incidents.

• Strong currents, deep water and changing tides.

• Dangerous marine life and wildlife.

• Extreme heat, sun exposure and dehydration.

• Tropical weather events.

• Delays in accessing emergency medical assistance.
   

Guests acknowledge that these activities involve risks that cannot be entirely eliminated, even with appropriate safety procedures.
 

All participants must follow reasonable safety instructions provided by guides, skippers, lodge operators and Headwaters representatives.
 

Guests should never participate in an activity they consider unsafe and should immediately raise any concerns with their guide or host.
 

11. Liability & Australian Consumer Law

Headwaters is committed to taking reasonable care in delivering its services.

To the extent permitted by law, Headwaters is not responsible for losses, injuries, delays or additional expenses caused by circumstances outside its control or by independent service providers where Headwaters has not breached its own legal obligations.
 

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, statutory right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
 

Where recreational service providers are legally permitted to limit certain liabilities, any proposed limitation will apply only where validly agreed, clearly disclosed and enforceable under the applicable law.
 

These Terms & Conditions do not themselves constitute a separate waiver of liability.

Any activity-specific risk acknowledgement or waiver will be provided separately where appropriate and will be subject to applicable legal requirements.
 

12. Third-Party Operators & Travel Partners

Some Headwaters hosted trips are delivered in partnership with independent fishing outfitters, lodges, guides, transport companies and travel specialists.
 

These providers may be responsible for delivering accommodation, transport, guiding, meals and other services included in the trip.
 

Guests may be required to accept additional terms from the relevant providers.

Headwaters will use reasonable care in selecting and coordinating with travel partners where that forms part of our services.
 

Headwaters does not control every aspect of services delivered by independent operators. However, nothing in this clause limits Headwaters' own legal responsibilities or statutory obligations.
 

13. Itinerary Changes & Fishing Conditions

Fishing is unpredictable. That's part of the adventure.
 

Weather, tides, water levels, seasonal conditions, fish movements and other environmental factors can affect the fishing experience.
 

Published itineraries are intended as guides and may need to be adjusted for safety, weather, logistics or fishing opportunities.
 

Headwaters and its travel partners may make reasonable changes to fishing locations, daily schedules, guides or activities where necessary.
 

Where a change materially affects a contracted service, the guest's rights will be determined by the booking agreement and applicable law.
 

No guarantee is made regarding the number, size or species of fish caught during any trip.
 

14. Guest Conduct & Responsibilities

We want our trips to be enjoyable for everyone.
 

Guests are expected to:

• Treat fellow anglers, guides, hosts and local communities with respect.

• Follow reasonable safety instructions.

• Respect local laws, customs and cultural traditions.

• Use fishing equipment and vessels responsibly.

• Follow applicable fishing regulations.

• Avoid behaviour that endangers themselves or others.

• Respect the environment and wildlife.
   

Headwaters or the relevant operator may refuse participation in an activity where a guest's behaviour presents a genuine and immediate safety risk.
 

Serious misconduct may result in removal from a trip, subject to applicable law, contractual rights and the circumstances involved.
 

Any associated costs or refund entitlements will be assessed in accordance with the applicable agreement and legal obligations.
 

15. Alcohol & Illegal Substances

Guests must consume alcohol responsibly and comply with local laws and operator rules.

Illegal drug use, threatening behaviour or participation in activities while dangerously impaired will not be tolerated.
 

Guides and operators may restrict a guest's participation where impairment creates a genuine safety risk.
 

16. Environmental Responsibility & Fishing Ethics

Headwaters is passionate about protecting the fisheries and destinations we visit.
 

We encourage responsible fishing practices, including:

• Catch and release where appropriate.

• Careful fish handling and minimal air exposure.

• Using suitable tackle to reduce unnecessary stress on fish.

• Respecting protected species and marine areas.

• Following local fishing regulations and conservation requirements.

• Leaving fishing locations as we found them.

• Respecting local communities and traditional custodians.

Specific fishing rules may differ between destinations and will be explained by the relevant guides or operators.
 

17. Personal Equipment & Belongings

Guests are responsible for bringing suitable clothing, personal items and fishing equipment unless otherwise specified.
 

Headwaters may provide recommended packing lists before departure.
 

Guests are responsible for taking reasonable care of their belongings.
 

Headwaters is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property unless caused by a breach of its legal obligations or where liability otherwise arises under applicable law.
 

Guests should consider insurance for valuable fishing equipment, cameras and electronic devices.
 

18. Photography & Media

Photography and video recording may take place during hosted trips.
 

Headwaters may invite guests to consent to the use of identifiable photographs or video footage for marketing, social media and promotional purposes.
 

Guests may decline this consent without affecting their booking or participation.

Any consent will be obtained separately where required and will specify the intended use of the material.
 

Headwaters will respect reasonable privacy requests and applicable privacy laws.
 

19. Flights & Transport

Unless expressly included in the booking, guests are responsible for arranging their own flights and transport to the designated meeting location.
 

Guests should allow adequate time for connections, customs processing and unexpected travel delays.
 

Airline and transport provider conditions may apply separately.
 

Where transport forms part of a booked travel package, the applicable contractual and statutory obligations will continue to apply.
 

20. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

We take guest feedback seriously.
 

If a problem arises during a trip, guests are encouraged to raise it promptly with their Headwaters host or the relevant operator so that a practical solution can be explored.
 

Formal complaints should be submitted in writing to:

Headwaters Fly Shop Travel
Email: hello@headwatersart.com.au
Website: www.headwatersart.com.au
 

We will acknowledge complaints within a reasonable period and make reasonable efforts to investigate and resolve them fairly.
 

Guests retain all rights to seek assistance from relevant consumer protection authorities or pursue available legal remedies.
 

21. Privacy & Personal Information

Headwaters may collect personal information reasonably necessary to manage bookings, coordinate travel, communicate with guests and meet legal obligations.

Where necessary, relevant information may be shared with accommodation providers, guides, transport operators, insurers or other travel service providers.

International travel arrangements may require information to be disclosed to overseas recipients.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and the Headwaters Privacy Policy.
 

22. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia, subject to any mandatory laws that apply to the booking or services.

Nothing in this clause removes rights or protections available to guests under applicable consumer protection legislation.

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23. Changes to These Terms & Conditions

Headwaters may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

The version applicable to a booking will generally be the version provided or accepted when the booking was confirmed, unless a later change is validly agreed or required by law.

The latest general version will be available on our website.

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24. Contact Information

For questions regarding bookings, trip conditions or travel arrangements, please contact:

Headwaters Fly Shop Travel
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
Website: www.headwatersart.com.au
Email: hello@headwatersart.com.au
Legal business entity: Headwaters Art & Fly shop
ABN: 56 105 147 715
 

A FINAL WORD FROM HEADWATERS
 

We put a lot of effort into finding special places, working with good people and creating fishing adventures worth travelling for.

​

Remote destinations don't always run to a perfect schedule. Weather changes, fish move, and sometimes the best days are the ones that weren't planned.

​

Come prepared, respect the places we visit, look after your fellow anglers and enjoy the experience.

​

Fish hard. Travel well. Leave it better than you found it.

— The Headwaters Team