The Gold Coast's Last Houseboat Crew—And the Only One You'll Need
34 years of waterway expertise. Thousands of first-time captains trained. One mission: helping families and friends create the stories they'll tell for decades.
A Gold Coast legacy since the 80s
Back in the 80s, John Thomas looked at the Gold Coast Broadwater and saw something special—50 kilometres of protected waterways, secret beaches, dolphins at dawn, and the kind of adventure most families only dream about. He started Coomera Moorings in what is now known as Coomera Shores, with a simple idea: give everyday people the freedom to explore these waters on their own terms.
Since then, the business has evolved. The name changed to Coomera Houseboats, and we've seen multiple passionate owners who each added their own chapter to our story. Today, we're proudly located at 84 Shipper Drive, Coomera—right in the heart of the Gold Coast's marine industry.
Over 34 years, we've watched the sun rise over South Stradbroke thousands of times, trained more than 20,000 nervous first-timers into confident captains, and welcomed over 200,000 guests aboard our boats.
When Hendrik Botha took the helm in 2018, he continued this legacy of excellence. Within months, COVID hit. Then came the floods. Then the cyclone. One by one, every other houseboat operator on the Gold Coast closed their doors.
Not us. Not because it was easy—it wasn't. But because our crew understood what these waterways mean to Gold Coast families. The mum who finally got her teenagers to put their phones down. The dad who discovered his seven-year-old loves fishing. The grandparents who watched their grandkids spot dolphins for the first time.
These moments matter. So we stayed.
Today, Coomera Houseboat Holidays is the last houseboat operator on the Gold Coast. The only crew with this much experience, this many boats, and this much love for these waters. And honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way.
We're not in the boat rental business
We could tell you about our 13 boats, our fully equipped galleys, or our prime location at the northern end of the Broadwater. That stuff matters—and it's all true.
But here's what really drives us: watching families reconnect in ways that just don't happen at theme parks or beach resorts. Seeing friend groups come back year after year for "the trip." Helping couples find those quiet moments that get lost in the chaos of normal life.
This isn't about renting you a boat and waving goodbye. It's about our crew being genuinely invested in your adventure—from your first nervous phone call to the moment you motor back into the marina with stories you'll be telling for years.
That's the difference 34 years makes.
The Crew
Hendrik, Adrian, Amanda, Cassie, Sean & Tammy
Every single member of our crew—Hendrik, Adrian, Amanda, Cassie, Sean and Tammy—is involved in every houseboat hire in some way. Making houseboat holidays possible is a team effort that spans multiple domains, and we're a unique crew with a unique set of skills that are hard to find anywhere.
Hendrik took over Coomera Houseboat Holidays in 2018, having fallen in love with the Broadwater years earlier. His approach is pretty simple: hire good people, maintain the boats properly, and treat every guest like a mate heading out on the water for the first time.
Our crew lives and breathes these waterways. They know which anchorage is best when the southerly picks up. Where the dolphins tend to gather near Wave Break Island. The exact spots to drop a line if you want bream for dinner.
More importantly, they genuinely care whether you have a good time. You'll notice it in the training session, when they don't rush through the details. You'll notice it when they call to check the weather and suggest a better spot. You'll notice it when something goes wrong at 9pm and someone actually answers the phone.
What Sets Us Apart
34 years of local knowledge
We've been here long enough to know things the GPS can't tell you. Like how Tipplers is the perfect first-night anchorage for nervous beginners. That South Stradbroke's northern beaches are empty when the tourist spots are packed. Where the crab pots have been dropped, and where the flathead are biting this week.
This knowledge isn't locked away in a guidebook. Our crew shares it freely—because your adventure being brilliant is the whole point.
Training that actually works
73% of our guests have never driven a boat before. By the time they leave the marina, 100% know exactly what they're doing.
That's not luck. It's 34 years of refining how we teach complete beginners. Patient, thorough, hands-on instruction that leaves you feeling confident—not overwhelmed. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you'll wonder why you were ever nervous.
Support when you need it
Our crew is available during business hours to answer questions, troubleshoot problems, or just chat about the best fishing spot. After hours, there's always someone on call for emergencies.
You're never actually alone out there—even when you've found the perfect secluded anchorage and it feels like you are.
Our Values
What we believe in
Freedom over itineraries
Your adventure, your pace. No schedules. No check-in times. Wake up when you want, go where the day takes you.
Confidence over complexity
Boating should feel achievable, not intimidating. We exist to make it easy for first-timers—not to gatekeep with jargon and requirements.
Memories over amenities
Sure, the boats have everything you need. But we'd rather you remember the sunset over Wave Break Island than the kitchen appliances.
Real connection over digital noise
There's something magical about getting your family out where the wifi doesn't reach. We've seen it transform trips—and relationships.
The Waterways
50 kilometres of protected paradise
The Gold Coast Broadwater is something special. Unlike open ocean sailing, these are sheltered waters—calm enough for first-timers, interesting enough to keep you exploring for days. From our marina at Coomera, you can reach:
South Stradbroke Island
Pristine beaches, bushwalking trails, and wildlife that includes everything from wallabies to sea eagles. The sand here squeaks when you walk on it.
Tipplers Passage
Protected anchorage perfect for your first night. Calm waters, stunning sunsets, and that moment when you realise you actually did it—you're captain of your own houseboat.
Wave Break Island
Popular for a reason. Dolphins, clear water, and the kind of snorkelling that makes kids forget about screens entirely.
The Coomera River
Mangrove-lined waterways where pelicans fish and time seems to slow down. Perfect for crabbing.
Moreton Bay Marine Park
Home to 502 bird species, 1,190 fish species, and the kind of natural beauty that makes you wonder why you don't do this more often.
Your adventure starts with a conversation
Got questions? Feeling a bit nervous? Not sure which boat suits your crew? That's exactly what we're here for.
Give us a call and chat with someone who actually knows these waters. No hard sell, no pressure—just honest advice from people who genuinely want you to have an incredible trip.
Or if you're ready to explore, check out our fleet and see what's available.
Better boats, better waterways, better memories.