1. Deposit & Payment:
A deposit of $800 per 7 days of hire is required to confirm the booking. The balance is due two months before boarding.
Credit card payments incur a 1% fee. A 10% discount applies for seniors, Defence Force members, and DVA White or Gold Card holders for stays of 5+ nights when booked.
2. Security Bond:
A bond of $1,000 per week for Classic/Gold houseboats and $1,500 for Platinum/Diamond houseboats is due on departure with a credit/debit card. An additional $500 may apply for all-male/all-female crews or if most crew members are under 25.
Bonds are refundable within five business days, minus fuel costs or damages.
3. Availability Guarantee:
If the boat is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, all payments will be refunded. We are not liable for lost time caused by mechanical issues.
4. Cancellations and Refunds:
Deposits are refundable if cancellation occurs at least two months before the hire date, minus a $100 administration fee.
Cancellations within two months or during peak periods (Easter, Christmas, New Year, January) are non-refundable.
5. Insurance Waiver and Damage:
An insurance waiver is offered when boarding at $70 per night. The waiver reduces the insurance excess from $5,000 to $700 for major damages that is insurable. It does not cover non-insurable damages such as handrails, furnishings, broken windows, or minor repairs what wouldn’t be claimed in insurance, which must be paid by the hirer if damaged.
6. Pets:
Pets are permitted on selected houseboats: a maximum of two pets is allowed, with a $50 fee per pet charged at booking.
Customers must provide all necessary pet supplies, and pets are not allowed on houseboat furniture. Additional charges may apply for cleaning or damages caused by pets, and if standard cleaning cannot restore the houseboat to its original state.
7. Onboard Rules:
Occupancy cannot exceed the number of berths. Alcohol consumption while driving is prohibited. Firearms, drugs, or smoking/vaping is prohibited. A $50 fee applies if barbecues are left dirty. External sound systems are not permitted.
8. Medical Equipment:
Continuous power for medical devices like sleep apnea machines is not guaranteed. Please bring a backup power source.
9. Fuel & Waste Fees:
The houseboat will start with a full fuel. Fuel used, including diesel, unleaded, and gas, will be charged upon return. An environmental waste disposal fee of $15 per night applies, covering septic tank pump-out, rubbish removal, and recycling costs.
10. Hire Times:
Hire starts at 3:00 PM and ends at 9:30 AM on the final day. Late returns may incur a minimum $100 fee. Please contact us if you wish for a different checkout time. Staff will attempt to park on return at the request of customers and will provide assistance if available. Sundays are limited in staff availability, and customers must be prepared to self-park on return for Sunday
11. Management Rights:
We reserve the right to refuse or end a hire or convert it to static hire if the crew is deemed unfit to operate the boat. Zero tolerance for abuse towards staff or making staff uncomfortable.
Download our terms and conditions here