For peak times like Christmas, New Year, and Easter, plan 12 months ahead. Otherwise, 6-9 months in advance is usually enough.
Houseboat holidays are great for romantic getaways, family trips (including pets), or friends. We offer houseboats suited to different group sizes and needs.
We have a variety of houseboats with options like spas, additional bathrooms, and extra space.
The minimum stay is 3 nights, but many guests stay longer to fully enjoy the river experience.
We offer online booking for stays of 3 nights or longer. Online booking is the easiest way to place a booking, however if you have trouble, please email us at admin@mildurahouseboats.com.au to assist with your booking.
We require a $800 deposit to lock in your booking, then the remaining amount is due two months before your arrival. Any bookings done within two months a payment in full is due.
We’ll contact you to confirm your boarding time and discuss any special requirements (e.g., beds, cots).
Yes, anyone with an unrestricted driver’s license and over 21 can drive. You’ll receive houseboat driving lessons on the day of hire, and after an hour, you’ll feel confident navigating and docking the boat.
Static hires are also available, allowing you to stay moored in one spot and relax for the duration of your visit.
You can cruise up to 100km of navigable river.
Our houseboats are fully equipped with everything you need, including sharp knives, bottle openers, binoculars, books, games, board games, and essential safety gear such as life jackets.
Larger boats have fenced decks with gates. We provide lifejackets for children and non-swimmers upon request, and we recommend wearing them on the swim deck or in the water.
Cancellations more than 2 months before your booking receive a full refund minus a $100 admin fee. Cancellations within 2 months are non-refundable.
We offer pet-friendly houseboats at $50 per pet. Please select the pet-friendly service option when viewing our houseboats.
The insurance waiver costs $70 per night, reducing your liability from $5000 to $700 in the event of an insurable incident. It does not cover minor damages or damages for which an insurance claim wouldn’t be used.
We offer tinnies and pedal boats for hire. You’re welcome to bring your own fishing or ski boats.
No, the Murray River is too far south for crocodiles. It’s safe to swim, though we recommend wearing a lifejacket, which we can provide if requested.
No, fuel is the responsibility of the renter. On returning, the Houseboat will be refuelled, the cost of fuels will be deducted from your security bond.
In case of an emergency or assistance you’ll be provided with a 24/7 duty number to contact staff. There is also a “Good Book” on board that contains a lot of information regarding fixing common issues with Houseboats.
Yes! It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast to be prepared for any changes in conditions. Wind can affect driving of houseboats, when winds are above 20km/h we place a hold of all houseboat driving as safety.
Yes — you're welcome to bring your own speedboat, jetski, or other watercraft. There are large public boat ramps available nearby to launch your vessel before boarding. We recommend bringing good quality ropes for securing your craft to the houseboat. On the day of your hire, our crew will provide guidance on how to safely tow or travel with your boat attached.
Yes — we offer ample secure space for caravans, trailers, trucks, and cars while you're out on the river. If you’d like to keep your caravan powered during your trip, we also have powered sites available for an additional cost.
On arrival, a bond is taken depending on the houseboat. This will be either $1,000 or $1,500 and is usually charged to your credit card on the day of hire. The bond is returned at the end of your hire minus fuel costs and an environmental fee of $15 per night, which covers the safe removal of all grey and black water on board.
Your bond will be refunded within 7 working days after your hire, less fuel costs and environmental fees.
Yes. All of our houseboats are fitted with solar panels and batteries. Medium to larger houseboats have larger battery banks and as many solar panels as the roof allows, reducing generator use. Smaller houseboats also have solar and batteries, but capacity is limited by their size.
Every houseboat has large tanks underneath to collect grey and black water. At the end of your hire we subcontract licensed services to safely dispose of all waste, keeping our rivers clean and protected.
Wind has a significant impact on houseboat operation. For safety, if winds exceed 20 km/h, houseboats must not be moved. If you arrive for check-in on a windy day, departures may be delayed until the following day or until conditions improve.
Yes. 21 days before your hire you’ll receive an information pack outlining what to expect at check-in, useful links, and advice to make the process as smooth as possible so you’re fully prepared for your holiday.
Each houseboat is licensed to carry a maximum of 12 people. This is the legal limit and cannot be exceeded.
Yes. Each houseboat has a fresh water tank filled with local town water before your hire. This water is safe to drink, cook with, and use throughout your stay.
