Houseboat Rental Questions Answered
Find answers to the most common questions about hiring a houseboat on the Gold Coast.
General Information
Q1. What Services Do You Offer?
Operating nearly 40 years, the company provides access to waterways including Coomera River and Moreton Bay Marine Park. Fleet ranges from 2-cabin to 4-cabin vessels with spa options. Self-drive with no license required (except The Prestige) and full instruction provided.
Q2. Are Houseboats Easy to Drive?
Yes. Skippers explain vessel operation and navigation rules before departure. Briefing lasts approximately one hour, after which guests proceed with confidence.
Q3. Who Can Hire a Houseboat?
Anyone over 18 (26+ for The Prestige) with a full driver's license, attentive to safety briefings, and willing to follow maritime regulations.
Q4. Do I Need a Special License?
A full car or boat license is required. Drivers must be 18+ (26+ for The Prestige, which requires boat license and/or prior experience).
Q5. Is Support Available While on Water?
Yes. A dedicated support line operates daily with after-hours emergency assistance. Guests must carry charged mobile phones throughout the hire.
Booking & Reservations
Q6. How Do I Choose the Right Vessel?
Fleet capacity ranges 7-12 crew members. Compare sleeping configurations, amenities, and guest count. The reservation team provides personalized guidance.
Q7. How Do I Book?
Book online 24/7 via 'Book Now' button with instant confirmation. Payment ranges from 35-100% depending on selected reservation option.
Q8. Can I Hire for Just One Day?
No. Minimum hire is 3 nights with no check-in/check-out on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays.
Q9. How Does Check-In Work?
Online check-in opens 3 days before departure. Choose briefing time between 1-3pm. Boarding opens one hour prior. Arrive 30 minutes early; late arrivals result in forfeited briefing.
Q10. How Does Check-Out Work?
Be ready at 8:30am for skipper docking. Vacate by 9:30am.
Q11. Can I Return Early?
Early return possible only via additional skipper service (pre-arranged, extra charges apply). No refunds for unused time.
Q12. Late-Arriving Guests?
Guests can join at marina or via water taxi. Marina joins require motorized dinghy within 250m. Water taxi booking recommended in advance.
Vessel Information
Q13. Maximum Capacity?
Varies 7-12 crew members including day visitors. Exceeding capacity results in immediate charter termination without refund.
Q14. Do Tenders Come With the Rental?
All boats include a dinghy with oars. Motorized outboard engines (3hp-4hp) available separately, usable within 250m of houseboat.
Q15. How Fast Do Houseboats Go?
Maximum speed limited to 6 knots.
Q16. Will I Need to Refuel?
Houseboats arrive fully fueled for your hire duration. Refueling at stations strictly prohibited.
Q17. How Large Are the Fridges?
Sizes vary by vessel. Some have gas fridges reaching lower temperatures than electric models. Select vessel based on food storage needs.
Q18. Do Houseboats Have Ice Boxes?
Yes, all vessels include 80L-100L deck ice boxes. Block ice recommended and sold at marina.
Q19. Are Wheelchair-Accessible Houseboats Available?
No specific accessible vessels. Fleet inspections available by appointment only.
Safety & Regulations
Q20. Where Can I Go?
Authorized cruising spans over 50kms from Russell Island to Wave Break Island's northern side. Navigation guide provided; staying within boundaries is mandatory.
Q21. Can I Drive at Night?
No. Driving after sunset between dusk and dawn violates Maritime Safety regulations.
Q22. Is Houseboating Safe for Children?
Yes, safe for all ages. Bring children's lifejackets and maintain supervision while on water.
Q23. Is It Safe to Swim?
Yes, swimming nets accessible on South Stradbroke Island provide safe swimming areas.
Q24. Can I Bring Pets?
No pets permitted per Queensland Parks & Wildlife and health/safety restrictions.
Amenities & Services
Q25. What Should I Bring?
Bring all food, beverages, toiletries, mobile phones, beach towels, sunscreen, insect repellent, medications, fishing equipment, binoculars, and children's lifejackets.
Q26. Is Linen Provided?
Yes, bedding and bath towels provided for maximum crew capacity. Bring extra towels if needed.
Q27. What Are Extra Costs?
Motoring charges cover fuel consumption based on engine hours. Generator charges apply to select vessels. Optional outboard engine rental for tender use.
Q28. Can I Bring Electrical Appliances?
Mobile chargers compatible with all boats. Generator-equipped vessels support approved appliances. Unapproved items risk power system damage (hirer liable).
Q29. Is Fresh Water Available?
Yes, but supply is limited. Showers recommended once daily, 4 minutes or less. Be water-conscious while cooking.
Q30. Do I Clean Before Checkout?
Yes. Return vessel clean and tidy or cleaning charges apply. Guests charged for damaged/missing items.
Q31. Where Do I Park My Car?
Free off-street parking available. Secure marina parking $10 per car/trailer nightly (pre-book during check-in).
Q32. Do I Supply Ice?
No. 5kg block and party ice available for purchase at marina during check-in.
Q33. Are Supplies Available Along the Way?
Extremely limited. Bring all necessary items at check-in.
Activities & Recreation
Q34. What Activities Are Available?
Swimming, fishing, kayaking, bush walking, wildlife spotting, relaxing. Customize your experience's pace and activities.
Q35. Can I Fish?
Yes, from lower decks. Some vessels equipped with fishing boards and rod holders.
Q36. Do You Sell Bait?
Yes, large frozen bait selection available for purchase at marina.
Q37. Are Cafés or Restaurants Nearby?
Tipplers Café on South Stradbroke Island offers coffee, ice cream, breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily (early dinners Fridays/Saturdays only). No other venues accessible per marina restrictions.
Q38. Can I Bring Tinnies, Jetskis, Kayaks, or SUPs?
Must be approved by team. Some vessels have towing/size restrictions. Guests responsible for protective equipment and damage costs.
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch and we'll answer any questions you may have.
Contact Us