1.  Accommodation Bookings and Cancellations 
Bookings can be made either directly with Howqua Lodge or through Stayz.

Accommodation bookings are accepted by Howqua Lodge under the following conditions:

• 50% deposit of the total accommodation amount is required to secure the booking.

• Outstanding balance is due 14 days prior to booking date.

• Bookings cancelled 30 or more days prior to the booking date will be refunded in full, minus a $100 booking fee.

• Bookings cancelled between 15-29 days prior to the booking date will receive a refund of 50% of the total booking value minus a $100 booking fee.

• Bookings cancelled within 14 days of the booking date will forfeit the full cost of the booking (i.e. no refund).

• All cancellations must be provided in writing either via written correspondence or email.

• Check-in is after 2pm, check-out is by 11am.

• One pillow is provided for each single bed, two for double beds.  All other bedding and towels must be provided by guests.

• A generous amount of firewood will be supplied for your stay.  If you require more a charge will be incurred.

• The Stables must be left in a clean and tidy state on your departure.  If extra cleaning and/or repairs are required, this will be deducted from your security bond.

• Pets are not permitted at Howqua Lodge.  We cannot contain animals and treasure our local wildlife.  We can recommend local kennel services if required.

2.  Wedding / Event Bookings and Cancellations 
Payments for wedding and event bookings refer to all accommodation, venue hire and services provided by Howqua Lodge during the course of the event.

The following payment terms and conditions will apply:​

​The following payments are non-refundable at the date at which they are paid:

• 25% of the total event value (as quoted) is required to secure the event date 

• 25% of the total event value (as quoted) is due 60 days prior to the event date

• Outstanding balance (50%) of the total event value (as quoted) is due 30 days prior to the event date  

• All cancellations must be provided in writing either via written correspondence or email

 

3.   Security Bond
For direct bookings, a holding deposit must be paid at the point of booking.  Holding deposits will be returned upon conclusion of the accommodation booking, minus any incidental expenses such as excessive cleaning fees or damage correction if required. 

• Holding deposit amounts:

  • Accommodation bookings - $500

  • Wedding / event bookings - $2000 

4.  Accommodation, Wedding or Event Postponements 
In the event you are required to amend the date of your booking, please contact Howqua Lodge in writing to discuss your options. Where possible, pending availability, every effort will be made to accommodate your booking at a future date or time and Howqua Lodge reserves the right to go through this process before issuing refunds. 

5.  Property Damage and Behavioural Standards 
Should any damage beyond fair wear and tear be caused to the property, or should it be necessary to conduct additional cleaning at the end of your stay, the cost will be charged to you and deducted from the holding deposit taken at the point of booking. 
Should any behaviour during your stay or event become unreasonable or breach our permit conditions, we reserve the right, without prior notice, to terminate your stay and require you to leave the premises forthwith. 

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6.  Liability and Indemnity 
Guests participate in activities conducted by and use the premises owned by Howqua Lodge at their own risk.  Howqua Lodge incur no liability for any loss, damage to property, personal injury or illness howsoever arising, including by reason of negligence.  You agree further to indemnify and to keep indemnified Howqua Lodge, its employees and agents, against liability to any person arising under or in right of you in respect of any loss or damage arising out of or in consequence of your participation in any activity conducted by or the use of the premises owned by Howqua Lodge. 

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7.  Bushfires and Emergency Management Procedures. 
As Howqua Lodge is situated within bushland, management must comply with all RFS guidelines regarding emergency management and evacuation procedures in the event of a bushfire in the area.  In the event a bushfire is within 10km of the property or a ‘Code Red’ fire warning for the area has been issued, management reserve the right to cancel your event and evacuate the property as required.

Where an event / wedding is cancelled due to any of the above reasons, Howqua Lodge will, where possible, endeavour to assist with the delivery of the event at an alternate (safe) location within the Howqua township on the date of the previous booking.  Alternatively, should the event / wedding be able to be rescheduled for a future date, all endeavours will be made to accommodate the booking at another time. 

Should neither of the aforementioned options be viable outcomes for the event / wedding, a refund will be offered at the discretion of management.  In compliance with emergency management procedures, Howqua Lodge requires a full list of all guests / event attendees (including any officiants) be provided no less than 48 hours prior to the commencement of the event.