I had booked the Fortuna Villa High Tea and Tours 2 months prior and paid the $90 they were asking. I was looking forward to touring the grounds of Fortuna Villa more so than the tea itself as it is the history of the Villa and grounds I am interested in. On the day of the event I awoke early with gastro. In between trips to the toilet I sent off an early email informing them that I would not be attending that days High Tea and Tour due to being unwell. This was their reply: Good Morning Ruby, Thank you for your email to advise you are unable to attend the Fortuna High Tea this morning. As it is the day of the event we are unable to provide a refund. We wish you a speedy recovery and thank you again for advising us. Regards Merryn Visitor Services Officer | Bendigo Visitor Centre I sent off another email when I was better advising them of the nature of my illness and why I couldn't give them 7 days notice of my impending gastro enteritis. None of this made an ounce of difference I was asked to ring and speak to someone at Bendigo Tourism 'to clear it up' but that statement came straight after the reiteration of their cancellation policy. I did not ring. Now it would seem to me that simple manners would find a business offering another date to do the tour when I wasn't at risk of spreading my germs to all the patrons and staff in my close proximity that day. Not only could I not think of food let alone put any morsel between my lips, I also had a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to get from my home to the Villa. Something I just couldn't do that day without a bucket firmly lodged between my legs and an adult nappy popped on. On the Bendigo Tourism website it states under the Cancellation Policy tab: "No refunds are available. If you notify the Bendigo Visitor Center of a cancellation more than 7 days prior to your tour date an alternative tour can be arranged subject to availability." I wish I would have know 7 days prior that I was going to be best friends with my toilet and a bucket from Bunnings that morning. Their policy is their policy and they will not be human about it and bend the rules. Even if you write and explain the circumstances of you not being able to give them that 7 days notice. I'm sure the staff who attended the event that day enjoyed my share of the petite eclairs, macarons, pink jelly muffins, bit of custard in a plastic wrap and a cup of tea. Bon Appetite to those who scoffed my share because $90 is 4 hours works for me. read more