Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Yarra Trails Co. ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, book our hiking tours, or engage with our services.

By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Booking Information: Tour preferences, group size, dietary restrictions, medical conditions relevant to hiking activities
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Emergency Contact Information: Name and contact details of emergency contacts for safety purposes
• Communication Records: Records of communications between you and our team

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Location Information

During our hiking tours, we may collect location information through GPS tracking for safety and emergency response purposes. This information is collected only during active tours and with your consent.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide hiking tour services, process bookings, and communicate tour details
• Safety and Security: To ensure participant safety during tours and respond to emergencies
• Customer Service: To respond to inquiries, provide support, and improve our services
• Marketing Communications: To send promotional materials, newsletters, and updates (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Business Operations: To analyze usage patterns, improve our website, and develop new services

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing
• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email marketing services
• Analytics and reporting
• Insurance and safety compliance

4.2 Emergency Situations

In case of medical emergencies or safety incidents during tours, we may share relevant information with emergency services, medical professionals, and your designated emergency contacts.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our customers and the public.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and staff training
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Correction

You may request access to your personal information and ask us to correct any inaccuracies.

6.2 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.

6.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain limitations (such as legal requirements or legitimate business needs).

6.4 Marketing Communications

You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.

6.5 Cookies

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve user experience and website functionality
• Provide personalized content and advertisements

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more information about cookies, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and fulfill contractual obligations
• Comply with legal requirements and resolve disputes
• Maintain business records for insurance and liability purposes
• Improve our services and customer experience

Generally, we retain booking and customer information for 7 years after your last interaction with us, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any linked websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.

For participants aged 13-18, we require parental consent and may collect emergency contact information from parents or guardians.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and provide adequate protection for your personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for significant changes

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia, and the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Any disputes relating to this Privacy Policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia.