Frequently Asked Questions
Q –
What is your COVID 19 Policy and Plan?
A –
If your travel plans have been impacted by COVID-19 your tour is flexible all the way up to 7* days before departure.
* Why 7 days? This gives us the time to alter our food supplies and staffing if need be.
Our COVID-19 Plan
So you can relax and enjoy your adventure we have implemented a COVID-19 Safety Plan. This will ensure that we look after ourselves and each other tomorrow. The main points are:
- We have increased cleaning of the van/4WD and conduct a deep clean of van between every tour and of all frequently touched surfaces.
- We provide hand sanitiser for use before, during and after tours.
- Observation of social distancing rules on the day.
Please do not attend on the day if:
- you have a temperature, cold or flu like symptoms.
- you have been tested positive for COVID 19, have been directed to self-isolate/quarantine or waiting on test results.
Q –
Do I need to wear a Facemask?
A –
As you are aware COVID-19 has been a real issue for everyone across the world and tourism operators for the last 18 months. To keep us all safe and operating now that Tassie borders are now open, we highly recommend all guests wear a facemask in our van as this is the only way we can mitigate the risk in our vans.
Time spent in our vans is generally under 15 minutes total and the rest of our tours are outside where it is well ventilated and where we can easily socially distance and follow public health guidelines.
We do not require guests to be vaccinated to join our trips however we ask that everyone follows our instructions, wears a mask in our van if possible and follows hand hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Do not attend our trips if you are experience COVID-19 symptoms and refer to our COVID- 19 policy above. If you do attend and have visible symptoms, we have the right to refuse participation for the safety of us and everyone on the trip.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Q –
Are children welcome and are there family rates?
A –
Yes, children are welcome to join the tours and we offer discounted family rates. Please note that the minimum age is 7 years old unless arranged directly with us. Tandem kayaks can be provided for young children on request.
Q –
How much kayaking experience is required to join one of the trips?
A –
While we do require you to be a confident swimmer and of reasonable fitness, no experience is required for our kayak tours! Our adventures are for everyone. Our trips are designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities. The majority of people who join our tours are first time kayakers. All that we ask is that you welcome adventure with an open mind and are able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected.
Q –
What you should I bring on the day?
A –
All your mandatory safety equipment is provided, therefore, all you need to bring with you are some personal items to help make your day even more enjoyable. We recommend that you bring sunglasses, a cap or hat, a pair of shoes or sandals to wear on the river (they will get wet!), your swimsuit and/or shorts and a change of clothes. We also recommend a white long-sleeved shirt for guests kayaking on the Derwent River Adventure Experience.
Q –
Do I need to be in great shape to join one of the trips?
A –
No. Our adventures are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require a high level of fitness. We just ask that you are capable of a few hours of moderate exercise. Our kayaks do have weight restrictions and can carry up to 147kgs. Keep in mind that good general health will go a long way if we happen to encounter any difficulties. Most important is an adventurous spirit.
Q –
Are there any age requirements?
A –
For insurance purposes Tassie Bound prefers guests aged 7 years and over for our kayaking tours. Those concerned with being in ‘their older years’ please contact us to discuss your physical abilities.
Q –
How much paddling is generally done in a day?
A –
Paddling time will vary depending on our destination, the group’s abilities, and group desires. Generally expect to be on the water for around 3 hours a day on our Derwent River Experience, approximately 1 hour on our Lake Pedder Tour and around 1.5 hours for our Twilight Tour. On all our tours we also like to incorporate some hiking, swimming, beachcombing and of course leisure/lounging time if appropriate.
Q –
How stable are the kayaks? What is the likelihood of flipping over?
A –
The kayaks we use on our tours are stable and designed for comfort. The likelihood of capsizing a kayak is minimal on our Lake Pedder and Twilight tours, and generally only occurs in an uncommon situation. On our Derwent River Experience the chance of capsizing becomes more likely and if your kayak flips over, our guides have ample practice time on the water with rescue procedures in order to quickly and efficiently get you back in your boat. If the need arises we will take you to the nearest shore to change into warm clothing and carry on with our journey. While we are out on the water, it is of utmost importance that the group sticks together in the event of a capsize or change of route plan.
Q –
What if the weather turns bad? Will I be comfortable and warm?
A –
Our weather in Southern Tasmanian between November and May is generally pleasant. The temperature will vary slightly depending on which area you visit. For example, if you go on our Derwent River experience, it is not uncommon in mid-summer to savour a swim in the refreshing waters in order to cool off. Lake Pedder, a little further west and more exposed to weather, will generally have cooler temperatures. Although it is uncommon, it can rain in the summer. Tassie Bound provides light rain proof jackets in all the kayaks in case of unexpected rain and encourages all its guests to bring a warm set of clothes to change into if guests become cold, unexpectedly fall into the water, or to change into at the end of the tour if required.
We do not launch tours if we consider the weather conditions to be unsuitable for the group. If water conditions are good but the sky is cloudy or there is light rain, we will launch trips and expect clients to honour their bookings. Once a trip has started, the financial risk of weather disruption transfers to the client. No refunds will be given if a tour participant decides to leave a tour early. If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather and you cannot transfer to an alternative tour, we will refund any tour payments made.
Q –
Will I get cold?
A –
If required we provide lightweight wetsuits to keep you warm on cooler days or on the Derwent River Rapid Tour.
We also supply lightweight water resistant jackets. The water temperature in the lake and river throughout summer is suitable for swimming.
Q –
Where do you recommend to stay?
A –
While most of out tour pick up locations are located within a 50 minute drive from Hobart we highly recommend staying in the Derwent Valley for a few days to explore.
For more information on our Derwent Valley region go to derwentvalleytasmania.org.au
Q –
Why am I being charged a booking fee at check out?
A –
A booking fee is charged at check out, in addition to the tour cost, to cover the charge for reserving your trip. It is the percentage our third party online booking software provider Rezdy charges us. The percentage changes from time to time and the fee set is outside of our control so we have added it as an extra so it’s clear how much is being passed to you, as our customer.