How old to I have to be to hire/drive a houseboat?
You need to be 21 years of age to hire a houseboat or 18 years & over to drive a houseboat. You also MUST hold a Current full car Driver’s Licence or Boat Licence.
Do I have to pay a deposit? Yes, a deposit is required within a week of making the booking. It can be paid by EFT, credit card or cheque. (Balance of hire payments made by credit card attract a 2% surcharge) The deposit holds the chosen houseboat for that SPECIFIC hire period. No changes apply without a cancellation fee.
What happens if I cancel?
If you cancel, you LOSE your deposit. If the cancellation occurs after full payment has been made (which is usually 6-8 weeks prior to departure) NO monies will be refunded unless the TOTAL hire period is rebooked. ADVICE – we recommend you to take out your own personal Travel Insurance.
COVID 19 – Travel Ban – CANCELLATION Policy No longer applicable. ( Any credits held will expire after 12 months from date of cancellation)
How many people are allowed onboard?
Each houseboat is rated by Marine regulations with the allowable number of berths. 12 is the MAXIMUM allowed on the larger boats. Once a child reaches 12 months of age, they are counted as a berth.
Do I have to pay for fuel?
YES – just like driving a car, fuel is an extra cost. (* Diesel generator charge on ‘Mesmerized’) Gas in included in the hire of the houseboat.
Where can I leave my car, trailer, caravan?
Cars may be left at the moorings in the Council car compound (chain-mesh fence with a lockable gate – access key on the houseboat) Vehicles left are your responsibility.
Is the river safe to swim in?
Yes, definitely. Even if the flow is slow. But be wary of snags, sandbars and the current in higher river flows. For children and poor swimmers, ALWAYS wear a lifejacket.
Which way is best to go? Up or downstream?
Both ways actually have nice scenery. Lock 3 is located 6 ½ hours travelling upstream; Lock 2 is only 2 ½ hours downstream.
Why do I have to pay a Bond and what does it cover?
The Bond is basically the Insurance excess – to cover you in case of an accident.
PLEASE NOTE – For ALL MALE or ALL FEMALE crews, an EXTRA BOND will be charged at our discretion on the day of boarding.
When do I get my refund of the Bond?
The Bond is returned as soon as possible ( Credit card refunds take 2-3 days to update and Australia Post is 5-7 days)
What happens if we have a problem whilst on hire?
Immediately phone us – we are always here to help (24/7 – Yes, even in the middle of the night! )
What time can we get on the houseboat?
Hire commences at 2pm, but, provided the boat is ready, we allow you to board from 1pm. The hire finishes at 9am on the return day.
Do you allow pets?
No, sorry. Due to other hirers who may have allergies, we do not allow pets onboard the houseboats.
Do we have to pump out the toilet?
The houseboats have the capacity for a week’s hire without the need to pump out the toilet.
Are there electric blankets on the boats?
No, due to the power being created by the generator running, it is not possible to have electric blankets.
How far is it to Waikerie?
We are approximately a 2 hour drive from Adelaide or Mildura (180kms)
What facilities are in Waikerie?
We have a Woolworths supermarket, a Foodland store, a butcher shop (Rollbusch Quality Meats), Hotel/Motel with Bottle O drive through, BWS, Bank SA & ANZ, Post Office, Mitre 10, Service stations, Men & ladies clothing stores, Library, Hospital, Pharmacy, Several Cafes & other various shopsNO