As we move into peak Winter with close to full lodge bookings, we’ve had some questions regarding TFSL’s cancellation policies, particularly with regard to COVID self isolation.

During 2020 and 2021, TFSL had a full refund policy for anyone who needed to cancel due to a positive COVID case. This was prior to the vaccination rollout and during the time when TFSL was receiving government funding relief for the downturn in booking revenue.

We are now in a period where anyone with a positive COVID test in NSW is still required to self isolate and can face significant penalties for breaching this government order. However, all government relief funding for COVID related incidents has now ceased.

In the event you do test positive to COVID or have another communicable illness like influenza that prevents you fulfilling your booking, please notify the TFSL booking manager ASAP. With enough lead time, we may be in a position to refill the booking, in which case you may receive a full or partial refund less any administration fees. If you’re a TFSL Member, you might assist with this by transferring the booking to a friend who has already stayed at the lodge and is a pre-approved guest. If you’re the guest of a TFSL Member who needs to cancel, please liaise with your Member contact to see if they have other friends that could fulfil the booking.

Unfortunately, if the cancelled booking can’t be refilled at all, TFSL needs to maintain it’s current no-refund policy if the notice period is less than 28 days during Peak Winter dates. The lodge is only just starting to balance the books after two years of financial hardship and no further COVID related compensation is available to us from the government. We completely understand that this is frustrating for individuals affected by the policy, but the TFSL Board’s responsibility is to the financial stability of the lodge for the benefit of its shareholder Members.

If you are concerned about this policy impacting you, we recommend evaluating domestic travel insurance policies that provide for COVID related cancellation fees. These can be sourced from around $100 per week depending on the provider. TFSL will be happy to provide any paperwork required to lodge a claim.

Further questions on this matter can be directed to info@tfsl.com.au