Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, and Indemnity Agreement
This document applies to all participants (“Attendees”) in any activity organised by or associated with Trail Hiking Australia, whether arranged via the Trail Hiking Australia Meetup platform, the Trail Hiking Australia website, or by its organisers and volunteers (“Organisers”).
It applies to all events (“Events”), including but not limited to hiking, bushwalking, and other outdoor adventure activities. It covers all Attendees, whether members or non-members, adults or children, and applies regardless of whether an RSVP was submitted for the specific Event.
By attending any Event, Attendees acknowledge and agree to the following terms.
1. Nature of the Events
Trail Hiking Australia Events are informal recreational activities organised by volunteers for people who share an interest in hiking and outdoor exploration.
Organisers facilitate the coordination of Events but do not provide professional guiding, supervision, instruction, or risk management services. Participants remain responsible for their own safety, decisions, navigation, equipment, and wellbeing throughout the Event.
2. Acknowledgement of Non-Professional Status
Attendees acknowledge that Organisers and volunteers are not professional guides, instructors, or experts. They are volunteers coordinating a social activity among participants who choose to attend.
Participation in any Event is entirely voluntary and undertaken at the Attendee’s own risk.
3. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Risks
Attendees understand that hiking and outdoor recreation involve inherent and unpredictable risks that cannot be completely eliminated. These risks include, but are not limited to:
- Slips, trips, falls, and injuries caused by uneven terrain or environmental conditions.
- Becoming lost, disoriented, or separated from the group.
- Exposure to weather conditions including heat, cold, storms, or sudden weather changes.
- Encounters with wildlife, insects, or hazardous vegetation.
- Dehydration, fatigue, hypothermia, heat illness, or other physical stress.
- Limited or delayed access to medical assistance or rescue services.
- Risks arising from the actions or inactions of other participants or third parties.
Attendees accept that outdoor environments can change rapidly and that they are responsible for assessing their own abilities, fitness, equipment, and preparedness before and during the Event.
4. Personal Responsibility
Each Attendee is responsible for:
- Assessing whether the Event is appropriate for their experience, fitness, and health.
- Carrying suitable clothing, food, water, navigation tools, and safety equipment.
- Making independent decisions about their participation during the Event.
- Turning back, withdrawing, or leaving the Event if they believe conditions are unsafe.
Participants acknowledge that they are responsible for their own actions and decisions during the Event.
5. Medical and Emergency Information
In the interest of participant safety, Organisers may request that Attendees provide emergency contact details and disclose relevant medical conditions or allergies.
Attendees confirm that they are physically and medically capable of participating in the Event.
Minors under the age of 18 may only participate if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who accepts responsibility for the minor and agrees to this waiver on their behalf.
6. Carpooling Disclaimer
Trail Hiking Australia does not organise or endorse carpooling. Any shared transport arrangements are private agreements between individuals and are undertaken at their own risk.
7. Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Attendees acknowledge and agree that they voluntarily assume all risks associated with participating in any Event.
Attendees agree to release and hold harmless Trail Hiking Australia, its organisers, volunteers, and members from any claims, demands, or causes of action arising from injury, loss, damage, or death that may occur during or as a result of participation in an Event, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law.
Attendees further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Trail Hiking Australia, its organisers, volunteers, and members against any claims, damages, liabilities, or legal costs arising from their own actions, negligence, or failure to follow reasonable safety practices during an Event.
This agreement is binding upon the Attendee and their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, and extends to any minors or pets accompanying them.
8. Understanding and Acceptance
By attending any Trail Hiking Australia Event, Attendees confirm that they have read, understood, and voluntarily accept the terms of this Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk.
Attendees acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks and that they participate entirely at their own risk.
