1) INTRODUCTION
a) For the purpose of these stated Terms and Conditions, ‘Rottnest Fast Ferries’ refers to and trades under the name ‘CM Marine PTY LTD’ ATF ‘The RRF Unit Trust’. We are registered under Australian law and our business address is at:
Shop 56 Southside Drive
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Western Australia, 6025
b) In these Terms and Conditions, ‘The Carrier’, ‘Us’, ‘We’, ‘Our’, ‘The Hire Operator’ and other similar references means Rottnest Fast Ferries and its contractors. The ‘Passenger’, ‘Customer’, ‘Consumer’, ‘Hirer’ and other similar references means the users of Rottnest Fast Ferries’ services.
2) PRICING & FEES
a) Fares are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are correct at time of publication. Prices include GST and government landing fees. Prices are subject to change at the sole discretion of Rottnest Fast Ferries. All fares and prices are subject to surcharges, blackout periods and seasonal variations at Rottnest Fast Ferries’ sole discretion. Always check your travel documentation for final prices.
b) Credit card payments attract a surcharge of 1.5% and an imprint of a credit card may be required for tours with hire equipment. Special fare types published online at www.rottnestfastferries.com.au can only be booked online and are not available by telephone or at the booking counter unless otherwise stated.
c) Amendment Fees: Due to the complexity, staff time and communication costs of the booking process, a charge of $5 (incl GST) may apply to each modification made after the original booking.
3) CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Cancellation policy updated for COVID-19
All bookings cancelled prior to one hour of departure will be issued a credit note valid for one year from the date of issue.
Except for the above point our normal cancellation policy remains valid.
a) All tickets and bookings are non-refundable. Provided that notification is received by Rottnest Fast Ferries over 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure date/time, the amount paid for any unused ticket/service can be issued as a credit note for future ferry travel. Notification must be made by phone or at one of our office locations.
b) Cancellations must be advised at least 1 hour prior to a passengers onward voyage time.
i) Cancellations for helicopter tours and accommodation bookings must be notified 48 hours prior to a passengers onward voyage time.
c) Any amendments/changes made within 1 hour of scheduled departure time will result in the forfeit of all monies.
d) Refunds will not be made for inadvertently booking the wrong ferry time, departure point, or for personal reasons. Conditions a), b) and c) above still apply.
e) Cancellations once the scheduled onward voyage has been undertaken will result in the forfeit of all monies.
f) Credit notes are valid for a period of one (1) year from date of scheduled travel. No extensions can be offered on credit notes.
g) Credit card surcharge and postage and handling fees can not be refunded or credited.
h) Redemption of a credit voucher can only be made when booking via phone or at a Rottnest Fast Ferries office.
i) Unused portions of a credit note will be re-credited. Any unused portion of a credit note will have the same expiry date as the original.
j) For any voyage cancellations due to adverse weather conditions or mechanical failures that are entirely outside of passengers’ control, passengers will be offered:
i) to transfer to another suitable voyage on the same day or;
ii) a full refund for any unused components of travel.
k) Helicopter flights have an alternative cancellation policy as per section 23.
4) LOST TICKETS
If a passenger has lost their ticket they must call the ticketing office on 9246 1039. Once reservations staff have confirmation of the booking, a ticket or booking number will be re-issued. Please note that if the ticket has been used by somebody else the electronic embarkation system will not allow boarding. In this case passengers will be required to purchase new tickets if the departure is still available.
5) USE OF GIFT VOUCHERS
a) Gift vouchers purchased from Rottnest Fast Ferries are valid for three (3) years from the date of purchase. No extensions can be offered on gift vouchers. No fare restrictions or block out dates apply.
b) The travel date for any Gift Voucher booking must be prior to the expiry date of the Gift Voucher.
c) Gift vouchers are not redeemable for cash.
d) Redemption of a gift voucher can only be made when booking via phone or at a Rottnest Fast Ferries office.
e) If a dollar amount is displayed on the gift voucher, this is in Australian dollars (AUD) and can only be used to pay for travel on an available Rottnest Fast Ferries ferry or tour package.
f) Redemption of gift vouchers are subject to Rottnest Fast Ferries standard terms & conditions
g) Gift vouchers are subject to availability and can only be used to pay for a future booking.
h) At the time of booking, the gift voucher number must be quoted and the voucher must be forfeited when collecting tickets.
i) If there is an outstanding value between the gift voucher and the total of the booking, the difference must be paid at the time of payment. If there is remaining credit on the gift voucher it can be used for subsequent travel, but must be redeemed before the original expiry date on the gift voucher.
j) Rottnest Fast Ferries terms and conditions, refund policy and relevant fare rules always apply to bookings made using a Rottnest Fast Ferries gift voucher.
6) CONCESSION FARES / GROUP DISCOUNTS
a) Applies to holders of a current Australian Government Seniors card or Student card (secondary or tertiary) – these concessions are not available to overseas cardholders. Applicable Backpacker cards include YHA/VIP/Mad/Peterpans/ISIC.
b) Rottnest Fast Ferries supports the Companion Card program. Clients travel for the concession rate and one carer per client can travel free of charge when accompanying their client. Companion cards must be presented to the Rottnest Fast Ferries office at check in. Rottnest Fast Ferries staff must be notified that a carer is travelling at the time of booking in order for the carer’s ticket to be applied.
c) Where a price that is lower than Rottnest Fast Ferries’ standard price is quoted for a group, if the number of people attending falls below the quota for a group discount, Rottnest Fast Ferries reserves the right to increase the price to the rate applicable to the number of people travelling.
7) SERVICE DELAYS, CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS
a) Rottnest Fast Ferries reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary of any of its tours and arrange alternative carriers to those advertised if necessary. No refunds will be given in these circumstances or in the event of any delay, curtailment or alteration of a trip resulting from any cause including severe weather conditions or mechanical failure.
b) Rottnest Fast Ferries cannot guarantee pick up or drop off times and is not liable for passenger failure to connect with other services or any associated costs resulting from such delays.
c) Specific components of certain tours are weather dependant and Rottnest Fast Ferries cannot be held liable if trip components are not available on the day of travel.
8) LIABILITY
CM Marine Pty Ltd (t/as Rottnest Fast Ferries) and/or its owners and operators do not accept any responsibility (whether in tort contract or otherwise howsoever) for any injury to, or death of, any of its passengers whether during embarkment, carriage, disembarkment and whether caused by negligence or otherwise howsoever of any of its servants or agents, and liability for all claims or demands whatsoever in respect of all injuries or death howsoever caused is hereby excluded. Further, no liability, either express or implied, will be accepted for the loss of, damage to, mis-delivery or delay in delivery of luggage or cargo, including bicycles, loaded or carried by Rottnest Fast Ferries.
9) TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. Holiday plans can be disrupted and cancellation fees can be costly. Travel insurance is inexpensive and highly recommended. Please note that Travel Insurance may not cover disruptions caused by mechanical breakdowns or adverse weather conditions. Rottnest Fast Ferries strongly recommends that passengers arrange their own travel insurance.
10) CHILD POLICY
a) Child fares are available for passengers aged between 4-12 years inclusive.
b) Toddlers fares are available for passengers between 2-3 years inclusive. Infants are considered under 2 years.
c) All child passengers must be under the responsibility of a travelling Parent or Guardian. Rottnest Fast Ferries cannot take responsibility for any unaccompanied minors.
11) CONDITIONS OF FERRY PASSAGE
a) An arrival time of 60 minutes prior to all departures is recommended to allow appropriate time for ferry loading requirements and passenger boarding. Due to loading requirements, check in will close 30 minutes prior to departure and boarding will close 15 minutes prior to departure. Rottnest Fast Ferries reserves the right to refuse boarding for passengers not complying to the above check in and boarding times.
b) Rottnest Fast Ferries may reassess at check-in or boarding, the classification of a passenger type (child, infant, student or concession). An increase in fare will be required where suitable identification cannot be provided.
c) Smoking is prohibited on all vessels at all times.
d) Travel may only be permitted for a person or persons whose name(s) appear on the Rottnest Fast Ferries manifests. Travel arrangements may only be transferred to another person(s) with the knowledge and authority of Rottnest Fast Ferries and the person who made the booking.
e) Rottnest Fast Ferries reserves the right to refuse to carry any person or cargo aboard any company vessel or vehicle where Rottnest Fast Ferries deems the person or cargo to be undesirable, unsuitable or dangerous.
f) All of our vessels are fully licensed to serve alcoholic beverages and as such, Western Australian liquor licensing requires all passengers to wear footwear at all times.
12) BAGGAGE INFORMATION
a) All Luggage, Freight and Personal Items are transported entirely at the risk of the ticket holder. We will always take the utmost care with your belongings, but as we cannot inspect the condition or the method of packing by the ticket holder we do not accept any liability for damage to any items.
b) If your booking is 7 (seven) days or less from your travel date you will be able to pick up your luggage labels at the departure point for the regular price as advertised on the website.
c) Once booked, if your travel arrangements change then new luggage labels will need to be re-issued at either your departure point or extra labels purchased online.
d) All luggage label-related fees are displayed when checking out online.
e) Items such as surfboards, surf‐skis, fishing rods, bicycles, craypots and golf bags are not able to be delivered and must be collected and transported by the owner from the main jetty upon arrival at Rottnest. Items that are of an excessive size or weight may be refused at loading, and will not be carried by Rottnest Fast Ferries. This is up to the discretion of the vessel crew at the time of boarding.
f) Carry-on Baggage Allowances (except infants)
(i) 1 x carry‐on item no larger than 600mm x 400mm x 300mm. There are no storage facilities in the passenger cabins, so anything taken onboard must be able to be placed on your lap and not interfere with other passengers.
g) Checked Baggage Allowances
(i) The following size and weight restrictions are in place to comply with health and safety regulations. Luggage exceeding the specified size may not be transported or delivered.
Checked luggage to be no larger than 800mm x 500mm x 400mm maximum 22kg to be stowed in the vessel’s luggage crates only with an appropriate luggage label attached.
(ii) No ‘piggy‐backing’of luggage is permitted, for example, attaching a sleeping bag to a suitcase.
13) LUGGAGE DISCLAIMER
a) CM Marine Pty Ltd atf The RFF Unit Trust t/a Rottnest Fast Ferries and/or its owners or operators do not accept any responsibility for the loss, damage, mis-delivery or failed delivery of any article of luggage or cargo (including bicycles) loaded, carried or discharged. It does not accept any responsibility for any injury or death of any of its passengers whether during embarkation, carriage or disembarkation and whether caused by the negligence or otherwise of any of its servants or agents. Liability for all claims or demands arising from any cause whatsoever during embarkation, carriage or disembarkation in respect of all losses or injuries is excluded. The owners and/or operators reserve the right to alter schedules, prices and substitute one vessel with another if considered necessary.
Responsibility of luggage:
The Rottnest Island Authority is responsible for the delivery of your luggage on the Island as well as the collection for delivery back to the mainland. The Ferry operators are responsible for the water travel component of this process. Globally, in non international mass passenger transport, luggage delivery and collection is an honour system which relies on travellers to correctly identify and collect their luggage at points of collection. Generally there is some supervision at collection points but their roll is only to monitor and assist with orderly collection.
This is exactly the same as with domestic air travel where there is nothing stopping someone from collecting a bag not belonging to them from the turnstile (either by accident or deliberately) and walking out of the terminal unchallenged.
Incidents of theft or lost luggage are rare, however it is for this reason any items of value should always be carried on your person and not in your luggage. Condition of travel with all ferry companies is that luggage and freight is carried entirely at the ticket holder’s risk. If any luggage items fail to turn up after investigation by the RIA and the ferry companies, recourse is through your insurance company.
b) If luggage is left behind upon arrival back at Hillarys Boat Harbour, Rottnest Fast Ferries is under no obligation to keep the item on behalf of the customer. Items that are not collected prior to close of business that day will be stored by Rottnest Fast Ferries for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of three months time subject to availability of storage space. Every effort will be made by Rottnest Fast Ferries to contact the customer to arrange for luggage collection, however items not collected within two weeks risk being disposed of, as seen fit by Rottnest Fast Ferries. Rottnest Fast Ferries does not accept any liability for abandoned luggage.
14) BIKE AND SNORKEL HIRE AGREEMENT
The Hirer Shall:
Pay all charges and expenses levied or made pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.
Not allow any other person to operate the equipment or have control of the same.
When operating the equipment comply with the provision of the Road Traffic Act 1974-1982 and its amendments (the Act) and regulations made under the provisions of the Act and shall only operate the equipment on made bitumen roads.
Not damage the equipment and shall pay the Hire Operator, on demand, the cost of repair or replacement for any damage howsoever caused to the equipment.
Indemnify the Hire Operator against any claims and costs whatsoever, arising out of use, operating or keeping of the equipment or in any manner relating thereto.
The Hirer declares and acknowledges that he/she hires the equipment at their own risk
The Hirer agrees that the Hire Operator accepts no responsibility for damage including bodily injury, death or any property damage or losses of any nature sustained by the Hirer or any person whatsoever and howsoever arising out of or incidental to the hire of the equipment or anything ancillary thereto and the Hirer and his executors and administrators expressly renounces all claim against the Hire Operator or not.
The Hirer shall take the equipment in the condition in which it was at the commencement of the hire and the Hire Operator shall not be responsible for any defects in the equipment and does not warrant that the equipment is suitable for the particular or any purpose for which it is to be required. All conditions, warranties and representations whether expressed or implied in favour of the Hirer are hereby excluded.
The Hirer shall return the equipment to the Hire Operator within the time stipulated over page and should the equipment not be returned within the stipulated time then the Bond or part thereof shall be forfeited.
The Hirer shall pay forthwith any fines imposed pursuant to the Act or the regulations in respect of the equipment or the use of the equipment whilst it is in the control or custody of the Hirer during the continuance of the term of the hire.
If the equipment breaks down during the term of the hire, the Hirer shall at their expense return the equipment to the Hire Operator and the Hire Operator shall not be responsible for any expenditure, damage and/or loss incurred by the Hirer arising out of any breakdown of the equipment howsoever caused. The Hire Operator will use its best endeavours to replace the equipment with similar equipment if available.
The Hirer agrees that they will not use the bicycle after dark without the Hirer providing sufficient lighting as per the Act.
A security bond in the form of cash will be taken for all hire equipment at the time of checking in for the relevant ferry departure. This cash security bond will be returned to the customer when the hire equipment has been returned to Rottnest Fast Ferries on time and in the same condition in which it was hired. This bond must be collected in person from our office within 14 days of the date of return travel, or is otherwise forfeited. Security bonds taken in cash cannot be transferred back to the customer via direct debit or any other form of payment other than the cash in which it was originally given.
For private groups, schools and companies hiring eight or more items of hire equipment, a maximum cash security bond of $200.00 will be taken. The above terms of hire still apply. Any damage to the equipment totalling more than $200.00 will be invoiced to the private group, school or company, payable within 30 days of receiving the invoice.
15) TOURISM ACCREDITED
Business operators that display the Accreditation Tick have achieved a high standard of customer service and business practice as set by the tourism industry. When travelling look for this symbol as your guide to finding a Nationally Accredited Tourism Business.
16) ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS
a) The Carrier is not liable for errors or omissions in publications of schedules or in statements, or representations made by any of its employees, agents or representatives in respect of any Carrier Service.
b) No agent or employee of the Carrier has authority to give undertakings or make representations in relation to the provision or timing of any Carrier Service that are inconsistent with these Conditions. Any such undertakings or representations will not bind the Carrier except where the Carrier’s prior confirmation in writing is obtained.
17) COPYRIGHT, USE OF IMAGES AND PHOTOGRAPHIC OWNERSHIP
All images, logos and photographic representations are of the sole ownership of Rottnest Fast Ferries unless otherwise credited. No use or reproduction of any of these objects is permitted without prior permission and authorisation from Rottnest Fast Ferries. If you would like to query the use or ownership of any of these images, please contact us.
18) HILLARYS CAR PARKING
a) Rottnest Fast Ferries (which includes its Directors, employees, agents and/or contractors) will not be liable for:
i) Any loss or damage suffered by the driver and/or owner of any motor vehicle and/or any other person including loss or damage to the motor vehicle (including without limitation, by delivery to some person not authorised to take delivery); and/or
ii) Any injury to or death of a person however caused and whether due to the state of the car park (including any fixtures or fittings) or any act or omission by or on behalf of Rottnest Fast Ferries or by the negligence or otherwise of any person being with or without the authority of Rottnest Fast Ferries.
b) The owner and the driver of any motor vehicle for themselves, and the driver as the agent of the owner for and on behalf of the owner (where the driver is not the owner) jointly and severally agrees that the motor vehicle is parked entirely at the owner’s and/or drivers sole risk as to all events and occurrences and to the full extent permitted by law, the owner and/or driver releases Rottnest Fast Ferries from all and any liability of whatsoever nature and indemnifies Rottnest Fast Ferries in respect of all and any liability of whatsoever nature and howsoever caused or arising and irrespective of any owner and/or driver omission or negligence by or on behalf of Rottnest Fast Ferries and irrespective of whether any motor vehicle was being driven or not at any material time.
c) Without limiting the above Rottnest Fast Ferries may deliver or allow removal of a motor vehicle to any person producing a ticket or other proof to the satisfaction of Rottnest Fast Ferrries and Rottnest Fast Ferries may retain a motor vehicle until a person produces a ticket or other proof to the satisfaction of Rottnest Fast Ferries.
19) PUBLIC HOLIDAY SURCHARGE
A 10% surcharge fee may apply on public holidays, which is to be applied at Rottnest Fast Ferries’ discretion when deemed relevant and suitably noted on the website prior to the day the surcharge applies. This surcharge has been calculated to accommodate for additional costs incurred to Rottnest Fast Ferries as stipulated by the Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award 2010.
20) INTERNET WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
While Rottnest Fast Ferries has endeavoured to ensure that all information provided on Rottnest Fast Ferries Internet websites is accurate and up to date, Rottnest Fast Ferries takes no responsibility for any error or omission relating to this information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Rottnest Fast Ferries will not be liable for any cost, loss or damage suffered by you through your use of Rottnest Fast Ferries Internet websites or Rottnest Fast Ferries’ failure to provide access to these Internet websites or information updates.
21) WHALE WATCHING
Whilst every effort will be made to ensure that whales are spotted on a booked whale watching tour, Rottnest Fast Ferries cannot guarantee that whales will be sighted due to the fact that they are wild animals and are therefore beyond the control of the company or it’s employees. If whales are not sighted on a whale watching tour, customers are entitled to travel on the next available tour free of charge, or receive 50% off the full price of another whale watching tour within the same whale watching season. This cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer, and must be redeemed by quoting the reservation number on the customer’s original whale watching booking with Rottnest Fast Ferries.
22) PROMOTIONS & DISCOUNTS
a) Only one promotion or discount can be redeemed per booking.
b) The relevant discount code or reference must be quoted, and/or physical voucher forfeited, prior to payment being made. No refunds can be given for discount vouchers or codes provided after payment of reservation.
c) If you have booked with a voucher and fail to forfeit this voucher prior to travel, Rottnest Fast Ferries reserves the right to charge the difference owing on the booking.
23) HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
a) Flights are operated by Rotorvation Helicopter Services.
b) Flights are to be paid in full at the time of booking.
i) We have a no refund policy. Any helicopter tour cancelled at least 48 hours prior to departure will receive a Rottnest Fast Ferries credit note to the value paid, valid for 12 months.
c) Scenic flights are not private so participants may share with others on the flight. Flights to Rottnest are booked as a private charter so only the passengers from one booking can travel on each departure.
d) Rottnest flights require a minimum of two full paying passengers to operate.
e) All flights carry a maximum of three passengers. This can vary if there are young children on board but it is up to the operator’s discretion.
f) The operator will endeavour to notify all passengers of any cancellations with as much notice as possible, but please note that as weather forecasts can vary right up until the actual day in question, a final decision may not be made until the day of travel. Any tour cancelled by the operator due to unfavourable weather or other unforseen circumstances will be eligible for a full refund if the tour is unable to be re-scheduled.