Prepare Yourself

Step 1: What You Need to Know Before Booking

First time hiring a houseboat? No worries — it’s easy. All you need is a full driver’s licence. No boat licence needed.
Not confident driving? We can move the houseboat for you on request.
Our houseboats are kid-friendly, with safety rails and gates onboard. Life jackets are available on request. Some houseboats also offer pet-friendly options!

Bringing your own boat — whether it’s for fishing, jet skiing, or wakeboarding? There’s plenty of room to tie it up at the back of the houseboat, and we can show you how it all works if needed.
All houseboats run on solar and battery systems to reduce generator use, and black and grey water is stored in onboard tanks and safely emptied after each hire — helping keep the Murray clean and beautiful.

We also offer a large, secure parking area for trailers, caravans, and vehicles — monitored 24/7 by CCTV. Powered sites are available on request to keep fridges and batteries running while you’re on the river.

Whether you’re out exploring wineries and riverside pubs or escaping into the bush for some peace and quiet, the Murray has something for everyone.

Step 2: Choosing Your Houseboat

Once you’re familiar with how everything works, it’s time to choose the houseboat that best suits your trip. We have a wide range of boats available — from cosy couples’ escapes to large family-friendly options. Each boat has a gallery, floor plan, and walkthrough video to help you explore before booking.

Be sure to check each houseboat’s individual page to make sure it includes the features you’re after. Some houseboats are pet-friendly, offer unlimited high-speed Starlink internet, have spa baths, washing machines, or smart TVs with streaming services. Kitchen layouts and bedroom setups vary, so it’s worth checking that the bedding configuration suits your crew.
All boats come with fresh town water in onboard tanks, fully equipped kitchens, and extra eskies in the outdoor areas. Ice is available for purchase on-site.

If you’re after a more traditional houseboating experience, our Classic Fleet offers simpler features and self-starting generators — a great option for those who prefer an old-school vibe on the water.
Everything you need to know about what’s included can be found on each houseboat’s listing page — so take your time and make sure the boat you pick has everything you need for the perfect river escape.

Step 3: Check Availability & Secure Your Booking

Select your trip dates and duration (minimum 3 nights). Our Itineraries page is a great place to start — it includes suggested trip lengths, things to do, and an interactive map to give you a rough idea of travel times and places to explore along the river. While the itineraries are houseboat-focused, there are plenty of other attractions nearby if you’d like to walk into town or use your car during the day.

Please note: our booking system does not allow arrivals to start on weekends during non-school holiday periods. If you require a weekend arrival outside of those times, please email us — we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

To make a booking, simply use our online booking system. If you experience any issues, feel free to email us and we’ll help you get it sorted.

All bookings require an $800 deposit to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due two months before your hire date — this is standard practice with houseboat holidays. Bookings made within two months of arrival require full payment at the time of booking.

Before placing your booking, please make sure to read our Terms & Conditions so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 4: Confirmation & Information Pack

After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation from our team, along with an information pack containing everything you need for your trip. If you’ve selected any add-ons (e.g., small boat hires or special bedding), we’ll confirm the details with you.

Step 5: What to Expect on Arrival & During Your Stay

Arrive by 3:00 PM for check-in. Please don’t arrive earlier, as your boat may not be ready — but if it is, we’ll call to offer an earlier boarding time.
Need groceries? Midway IGA in Buronga delivers directly to your houseboat on the day of hire. If your order arrives before you do, our team will place your groceries on board and have them ready for your arrival.

Once you’re here, we’ll walk you through:

  • The check-in paperwork
  • A guided tour of your houseboat
  • A basic driving lesson (takes around 30–60 minutes)


During your stay, enjoy the freedom of cruising the Murray River at your own pace. Fish, explore, or simply relax — your houseboat comes equipped with everything you need:
Full kitchens, entertainment systems, spas (on many boats), and block & crushed ice available for purchase onsite.

To help you get the most out of your trip:

  • Our Itineraries page features an interactive map and list of popular destinations to visit along the river
  • On board, you’ll find our “Good Book” — a handy guide filled with:
    • Operating instructions
    • Estimated travel times to key destinations
    • Suggested places to visit
    • Local knowledge and tips from our crew 


Need help while you’re out? Our 24/7 duty phone is always available for assistance.

Step 6: Returning Your Houseboat

Check-out is by 10:00 AM on your departure day. Return the boat to 57 Caravan Park Road for our team to inspect it and process your bond refund, minus any fuel or cleaning charges. We’d also love your feedback—let us know about your experience or how we can improve!

The Mighty Murray River Awaits