Your privacy, in plain English.

Explore Geelong (exploregeelong.com) is an independent local guide to Geelong and the Bellarine, run by Steven Cahill. This policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. We handle personal information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles.

What we collect

We only collect what we need to run the site and respond to you.

• Messages you send us. If you use the contact form, we collect your name, email address and message.
• Hidden gem and place submissions. If you suggest a place, we collect the details you enter in the form, which may include your name, email address and anything you write about the place or upload with it.
• Email subscriptions. If you subscribe to updates, we collect your email address so we can send you new Field Notes and guides.
• Comments and reviews. If you leave a comment or review, we collect what you enter in the form, plus your IP address and browser details to help detect spam.
• Site usage information. Like most websites, we collect anonymous usage data such as pages viewed, device type, approximate location and how you arrived at the site.

How we use it

• To reply to your messages and questions.
• To review and publish place suggestions, comments and reviews.
• To send the email updates you asked for. Every email includes a way to unsubscribe.
• To understand which content is useful and to improve the site.
• To keep the site secure and reduce spam.

We do not sell your personal information.

Services we use

We use trusted third-party services to run the site. They may collect information about your visit in line with their own privacy policies.

• WordPress and Jetpack (Automattic) for the contact form, email subscriptions, site statistics and security.
• Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager (via Google Site Kit) for site usage statistics.
• Google Fonts and Font Awesome to display fonts and icons.
• Gravatar to display profile pictures next to comments.
• OpenStreetMap and map providers to display maps on place pages and guides.
• Our web host, which stores the site and its data.

Cookies

We and our service providers use cookies and similar technologies to keep the site working, remember preferences and measure usage. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work as well. You can change your choices at any time using the cookie settings on this site. See our Cookie Policy for the full list of cookies we use.

Affiliate links and advertising

Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. These partners may use their own cookies to track referrals. We always aim to recommend places on their merits.

Sharing your information

We share personal information only with the service providers listed above where needed to run the site, or where the law requires it. Some of these providers store data on servers outside Australia, including in the United States.

How long we keep it

We keep personal information only for as long as we need it for the purposes above, or as the law requires. You can ask us to delete your messages, submissions or subscription at any time.

Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss and unauthorised access. No online service is completely secure, so please do not send sensitive information through the contact form.

Your rights

You can ask to access or correct the personal information we hold about you, ask us to delete it, or unsubscribe from emails at any time. If you have a concern about how we have handled your information, contact us and we will respond promptly. You can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (oaic.gov.au).

Contact us

For privacy questions or requests, use our contact page.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.