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A travel guide to a unique holiday experience - an envigorating houseboat holiday.
  What is a houseboat holiday?
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A houseboat holiday is truly a holiday with a difference. It provides a real sense of adventure and the freedom to explore "what's just around the bend". You can relax and take it easy, cruising along the waterway, or tied up on a picturesque bank. There's an almost pioneering sense of adventure- in luxury conditions! Water birds abound... towering cliffs glow in the sunlight... early morning mists give promise to the day... dark star studded skies welcome the night. |
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Who would enjoy a houseboat holiday? |
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Houseboats offer the perfect option for families or groups. For a large group, hire two or more boats and travel together. Houseboats are also perfect for honeymoons, or a special weekend away as a couple. How about a family reunion? A club getaway? Your Scout or Guide troop? The possibilities are endless.
The primary hirer must have a current drivers licence, or boat license, and must be at least 18 years of age- some companies require hirer to be over 21. Also, a number of companies will not hire to groups of all one gender.
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What type of houseboats are there? |
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Most houseboats are pontoon boats, and accommodate from 2-12 people. Boats can be powered by outboard,
or inboard diesel or petrol motors. A few are paddle wheelers, which add to the experience even more! Houseboats vary from quite basic to extreme luxury!
Houseboat prices depend on the size of the boat, where it is located and the facilities provided- a houseboat with lots of luxuries will usually cost more that one of the same berth in a more basic style.
The initial hire cost may seem fairly high, especially for the larger boats, but if you divide the cost between a group of people, it works out quite a reasonable holiday, per person. If you want to save money, mid week prices are cheaper, as are off season hires, while weekends, public holidays and school holidays cost more. Fuel costs also need to be taken into consideration. Plus you will be required to pay a bond, which is refundable, but any damages will be taken out of this.
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Where can you have houseboat holidays? |
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There are a large number of houseboats to choose from in Australia. Marinas and small hire businesses are located on various rivers and lakes.
Some of these are Murray River, Hawkesbury River, Clyde River, Lake Eildon, Lake Macquarie, Gold Coast, Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Blackwood River, Albany and Noosa River.
Many houseboat operators have websites, so be sure to check them out!
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What facilities do houseboats offer? |
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Houseboat decor and furniture is usually quite attractive and of a high standard. Some boats may have a more functional appearance. It pays to check what is available, and look at pictures, rather than just choosing sight unseen. Houseboat company websites often offer a good place to have a look at what their boats are like. Many will also send out printed pamphlets.
Facilities which you can normally expect to be provided are beds- usually singles, doubles or bunks in cabins of 2-4 berths- kitchen facilities including crockery, utensils, cookware etc, toilet and bathroom facilities, and usually a barbecue and ice box. Quilts/blankets are usually also supplied, with linen available for hire. Tow along rowboats/ motor boats can often also be hired. Things such as microwave, sound system, upper deck are often provided... sometimes even all king sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and a spa!
For a fee, many operators will stock the boat with food and drink to your specifications. Ice in the ice box can also be supplied.
All required safety gear, waterway maps, and 2 way radio devices are also supplied.
A practical instruction lesson is usually given before your departure, especially for first timers.
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