1. All passengers are advised to book at least 72 hours prior to departure in order to guarantee a seat. All bookings made within this time frame are subject to availability.
2. Passengers must provide proof of purchase upon boarding, which can be in the form of printed booking confirmation or screenshot of such on mobile device.
3. Baggage is limited to 1 per passenger which must not exceed 20kg in weight. A small bag for carriage inside the coach is also permitted. Additional luggage will incur a fee of $10 per bag in excess of 1 bag. Passengers travelling with overweight luggage may be required to load their baggage into the luggage compartment at the direction of the driver.
4. Tickets are issued subject to the following cancellation charges; Express tickets attract a $10 cancellation fee if cancelled after purchase, 50% if cancelled within 24 hours of departure, and no refund for failure to load or cancellation within 6 hours of departure.
5. Whilst every effort is made to maintain our timetabled services, no responsibility can be taken for cancelled services, missed connections, accommodation and/or additional travel costs incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as cyclones, flooding, fire, highway and road closures, traffic delays or mechanical issues.
6. Children between the ages of 10 and 12 who are travelling unaccompanied will need to have a completed unaccompanied children form submitted to our office prior to travel. This form can be downloaded from our website. All children under the age of 10 years must travel with an adult.
7. Smoking, alcohol consumption and opened alcohol beverages are prohibited on all coach services.
8. Consumption of sugary drinks, food and snacks is not permitted onboard. Bottled water is allowed.
9. We will refuse travel to passengers who are intoxicated or displaying unacceptable behaviour.
10. Fare classifications:
11. Passengers must arrive at their pickup location 15 minutes prior to the departure time shown on their booking.
12. Passengers are asked to be respectful of others onboard. Please keep phone calls short and speak at a low volume. Use of speakerphone or loud conversations that may disturb fellow passengers are not permitted.
13. Pets are not permitted on the Sydney Express.
CONFIRMING YOUR BOOKING.
Bookings can be made in person, over the phone or online at www.pscoaches.com.au.
Bookings must be paid at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking details.
If payment is not received we reserve the right to cancel your place on the tour and you will incur cancellation and administration fees.
Travel dates, pickup location, times, and destination is identified on the booking confirmation. It is not transferrable and is available only for travel on the date shown. Should the holder of the ticket fail to travel on the tour booked, no refund is applicable. It is the responsibility of the passenger to read and check their booking carefully to ensure that all details are correct. Any changes need to be verified and confirmed by our office no later than seven (7) days prior to departure.
Passengers must provide proof of purchase upon boarding.
CANCELLATION OF YOUR BOOKING
Our day tours are non-refundable. All tours rely on suppliers who often require deposits and enforce cancellation fees making it necessary for us to enforce strict cancellation policies.
Bookings on our tours can sometimes be transferred to another person if you cannot go, however we will charge an administration fee of $10. If an additional transfer fee is charged by a supplier, that fee will be passed on to you, over and above our administration/service fee.
VARIATION OR CANCELLATION OF A TOUR
We reserve the right to alter itineraries without notice due to availability, weather, road conditions or any other reason we perceive to be in the best interests of our passengers. Any additional expenses incurred as a result of any delays, cancellations or alterations will be the responsibility of the passenger. In addition, tours arranged are subject to sufficient bookings being received for them to operate.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR PRICE
A list of inclusions is identified on each detailed itinerary.
COACH SEATING
Coach seating is unallocated. All theatre or attraction tickets are all allocated based on availability.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
While we endeavour to meet the requests of clients, this is only possible if our allocation or suppliers can assist and the request does not contravene with tour operations.
NO SMOKING
Smoking and alcohol consumption is prohibited on all coaches.
COACH CONDITION AND CLEANLINESS
We pride ourselves on coaches that are clean and comfortable. To ensure this occurs we do NOT allow food or drink (other than water) to be consumed on the coach.
PARKING ONSITE AT THE ANNA BAY OR SANDGATE DEPOT
There is limited client parking onsite. Preference parking is provided for passengers on extended tours. Any car left at our depot for the duration of a tour is left entirely at your own risk. We do not accept any liability for damage or loss to cars left at the depot.
SPECIAL NOTES
We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time on your booking.
Limitation of liability and indemnity
By booking a tour, the passenger acknowledges and agrees that Port Stephens Coaches (Nelson Bay) Pty Ltd, trading as Port Stephens Coaches (herein referred to as PSC), and all other companies associated with your tour, will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour. Nothing herein restricts passengers from exercising their rights and remedies pursuant to the law.
Privacy
Your privacy is important to us and we take our obligations seriously when collecting and storing your personal information.
Our responsibility
PSC acts only as a booking agent making reservations with the companies or associates offering the services contained in each itinerary. While acting in good faith, PSC does not accept any responsibility for default causing loss or injury to person or property whether by negligence or otherwise on the part of the operator or accommodation managers/owners or their employees. PSC has made every effort to ensure the quality of accommodation and the accuracy of the itinerary, but shall not be liable for any dissatisfaction the passenger may have with the accommodation and touring or any injury, damage or loss caused by the change or withdrawal of any price, detail or other item or service. We do not accept liability in contract or in tort (actionable wrong) for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events which are beyond our control, or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including, but not limited to war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any other authorities, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action. In addition, PSC shall not be held responsible for any loss of quality of goods or services supplied or any changes beyond our control made by third parties.
Tour participation – fitness for travel and dietary requirements
Passengers accept that it is their responsibility to ensure that their health is in a state which allows them to enjoy the tour and successfully complete the activities that the tour offers. It is essential for you to address any medical conditions/dietary requirements with us at the time of booking. These special requirements will be requested, however they cannot be guaranteed. Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of PSC’s representatives while on tour. If in the opinion of any such persons your mental, physical, medical or other condition renders you incapable to care for yourself, causes you to become a hazard to yourself or other passengers, or results in you becoming objectionable to other passengers or staff, you will not be permitted to embark or continue on the whole or any part of the holiday. PSC is not liable to you for any costs associated with such a decision and you will not be refunded for any part of the package. If you are affected by any such condition that might affect your or others’ enjoyment or active participation on the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking.
Luggage
Each passenger is entitled to bring a cabin bag on board with a maximum weight of 5kg and one suitcase only, with a maximum weight of 20kg unless otherwise stated on individual tour itineraries. Couples travelling together are requested to use individual suitcases. Although PSC staff may handle your luggage, your suitcase should be of a size and weight you could manage yourself. All luggage is entirely at the owner’s risk for loss or damage.
Fare inclusions
Fares are based on a per person twin share basis and include air conditioned coach travel, services of a professional PSC Coach Crew, accommodation, all entrance fees and meals as stated in the itinerary. A single supplement applies for all passengers requesting the sole use of motel accommodation. Single supplement does not guarantee sole seating on the coach. Passengers booking a twin share accommodation can pay twin share price only when sharing the accommodation with their travel companion. They will be liable for any additional costs if either party or they mutually decide to travel on their own. PSC will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred on their behalf.
Alteration of itinerary
Itineraries are printed as a guide and are correct as at the time of printing. We reserve the right to alter itineraries without notice due to availability, weather, road conditions, or any other reason we perceive to be in the best interests of our passengers. All additional expenses incurred as a result of any delays, cancellations, or alterations will be the sole responsibility of the passenger. Unless booked with your holiday tour, availability of own cost options are unable to be guaranteed.
Tour Fares
Tour fares advertised are subject to change without notice. Once your tour fare is paid in full to PSC, your fare is secure and any price increases will not be applicable to your booking.
Confirmation of bookings
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of booking. A signed Passenger Details Form and Fitness Waiver are due within 14 days to confirm the booking. Your final balance is payable 60 days prior to departure or as otherwise indicated on individual itineraries. We accept cash, direct deposit, cheques, money orders, eftpos and Mastercard or Visa.
Travel insurance
It is strongly recommended that travellers hold a relevant travel insurance policy to protect you in case of sickness, loss of baggage or alteration of itinerary. Travel insurance should be taken out at the time of booking your holiday.
Cancellation Policy
Please notify us on (02) 49822940 as soon as a problem arises that may affect your travel plans.
Cancellation 60 + days prior to departure: Cancellation fee is $500 non-refundable deposit
Cancellation 31 – 59 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee is 50% of the tour price
Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee is 100% of the tour price
Curtailment Policy
If, because of unforeseen circumstances, a medical practitioner advises of curtailment after a tour commences, a traveller and companion will be entitled to the equivalent cost of a coach fare home plus any refundable portion of the tour itinerary. However, any additional expenses (eg: accommodation, travel or incidentals), would be at the traveller’s own expense.
Parking Onsite
There is limited customer parking onsite at both our Anna Bay and Sandgate depot. Preference parking is provided for passengers on extended tours. Any car left at our depot for the duration of a tour is left entirely at your own risk. We do not accept any liability for damage or loss to cars left at the depot.
CONFIRMING YOUR BOOKING.
Bookings can be made in person, over the phone or online at www.pscoaches.com.au.
Bookings must be paid at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking details.
If payment is not received we reserve the right to cancel your place on the tour and you will incur cancellation and administration fees.
Travel dates, pickup location, times, and destination is identified on the booking confirmation. It is not transferrable and is available only for travel on the date shown. Should the holder of the ticket fail to travel on the tour booked, no refund is applicable. It is the responsibility of the passenger to read and check their booking carefully to ensure that all details are correct. Any changes need to be verified and confirmed by our office no later than seven (7) days prior to departure.
Passengers must provide proof of purchase upon boarding.
CANCELLATION OF YOUR BOOKING
Our day tours are non-refundable. All tours rely on suppliers who often require deposits and enforce cancellation fees making it necessary for us to enforce strict cancellation policies.
Bookings on our tours can sometimes be transferred to another person if you cannot go, however we will charge an administration fee of $10. If an additional transfer fee is charged by a supplier, that fee will be passed on to you, over and above our administration/service fee.
VARIATION OR CANCELLATION OF A TOUR
We reserve the right to alter itineraries without notice due to availability, weather, road conditions or any other reason we perceive to be in the best interests of our passengers. Any additional expenses incurred as a result of any delays, cancellations or alterations will be the responsibility of the passenger. In addition, tours arranged are subject to sufficient bookings being received for them to operate.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR PRICE
A list of inclusions is identified on each detailed itinerary.
COACH SEATING
Coach seating is unallocated. All theatre or attraction tickets are all allocated based on availability.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
While we endeavour to meet the requests of clients, this is only possible if our allocation or suppliers can assist and the request does not contravene with tour operations.
NO SMOKING
Smoking and alcohol consumption is prohibited on all coaches.
COACH CONDITION AND CLEANLINESS
We pride ourselves on coaches that are clean and comfortable. To ensure this occurs we do NOT allow food or drink (other than water) to be consumed on the coach.
PARKING ONSITE AT THE ANNA BAY OR SANDGATE DEPOT
There is limited client parking onsite. Preference parking is provided for passengers on extended tours. Any car left at our depot for the duration of a tour is left entirely at your own risk. We do not accept any liability for damage or loss to cars left at the depot.
SPECIAL NOTES
We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time on your booking.
Your booking is accepted subject to the following terms & conditions and by confirming your booking you accept that these terms and conditions will apply.
Quotations: Prices are current at the time of quotation and subject to availability at time of booking. All quotes are valid for 7 days from the time of issue.
Confirmation of booking: A booking will only be accepted once your confirmation of quote is received in writing. For non-account clients, a $100 non-refundable deposit will also be required. The deposit can be paid by EFT or credit card (charges may apply).
EFT payments are paid into:
BSB: 062-826
Account: 10044527
Account Name: Port Stephens Coaches Nelson Bay Pty Ltd Reference: Quote or booking number
Cancellations: All cancellations must be advised in writing and acknowledged by us via return email. The following cancellation charges will apply:
| Hours (prior to time of departure) | Charge Applicable |
| More than 48 hours | Loss of $100 deposit |
| Between 24 & 48 hours | 50% of cost of hire |
| Less than 24 hours | 100% of cost of hire |
Amendments: It is the responsibility of the hirer to check the booking confirmation for accuracy and completeness. Any amendments to your booking after confirmation can only be accepted subject to availability. Port Stephens Coaches reserves the right to charge for any addition in relation to the amendment.
Non Account Clients: Port Stephens Coaches require the full 100% payment for the booking(s) no later than 2 days prior to the date of travel. Payment can be made by either EFT or by credit card (charges may apply).
Account Clients: Once your charter booking(s) have been confirmed and completed, a tax invoice will be issued. Payment terms are as per the tax invoice.
Overdue Accounts: All overdue accounts will be subject to interest calculated monthly. The interest will be 3% above the prevailing Reserve Bank of Australia base rate.
Bonds: Due to the nature of some bookings, we may require a bond for any additional charges you may incur. These could include overtime, damage to vehicle, cleaning fees etc. The bond will be refunded to your nominated account within 7 working days of your charter.
Food & Beverages: Food and beverages cannot be consumed on board without prior approval.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted by law on any vehicle supplied by Port Stephens Coaches.
Seat Belts: Seat belts, when fitted, are compulsory and Port Stephens Coaches has the right to refuse travel if they are not worn.
Student Travel:
Port Stephens Coaches requests that students observe the Transport for NSW Student Code of Conduct (for bus travel) at all times.
Refusal of Travel/Termination of Charter:
Port Stephens Coaches has the right to terminate the charter or refuse travel to passengers who are: Displaying unacceptable behaviour
Causing damage to the vehicle Overly intoxicated
Unforeseen Circumstances: Port Stephens Coaches will always endeavour to get customers to their destinations on time, however are not liable for delays subject to unforeseen circumstances, for example, heavy road traffic or extreme weather conditions.
Vehicles Used: Port Stephens Coaches work closely with other high quality charter suppliers. From time to time the vehicle provided will be that of another company. The vehicle supplied will have all the required specifications and will meet our high standard of quality.
Gift Vouchers are valid for 3 years from date of purchase. Gift vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. There are no refunds for cancellations.
The itineraries are prepared in consultation with the school and is subject to change due to availability, weather, road conditions or any other reason which is in the best interest of the excursion. We will attempt to keep you informed if this situation occurs.
Deposit
Once we receive a signed agreement, a deposit invoice will be issued. It will include a deposit to secure your accommodation and a deposit to secure the coach booking. Further deposits may be required for venues if requested by the venue. The deposit will be paid by Port Stephens Coaches to our suppliers as soon as it is received. The accommodation
booking may be cancelled by the venue if it is not received by the due date.
The deposit is non-refundable should you decide to cancel the excursion.
The paid deposit will be deducted from your final invoice.
Accommodation
Teachers’ accommodation is on a twin share basis. Should single rooms be required we require written notification. There will be an additional cost for single accommodation. Please consult your excursion information for linen requirements.
Breakfast
The breakfast included is a cooked breakfast unless otherwise advised.
Final Numbers
Final numbers are required four weeks prior to the excursion departure which will be forwarded onto the accommodation and excursion venues.
Final Invoice
The final invoice will be sent to the school as soon as the final numbers are received. It will need to be paid within 7 days of receipt of the invoice.
Cancellation
If final numbers change after the final invoice has been paid, we will endeavour to refund to the school any refund received by venues depending on the venues cancellation policies.
