Blackwood River Houseboat Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a houseboat holiday in Augusta? Find straightforward answers about
licences, driving, safety, facilities, activities, costs and what to bring aboard your
Blackwood River houseboat.
Can’t find the information you need? Call us on 0439 959 638 or email
admin@blackwoodriverhouseboats.com.au.
Do I need a skipper’s ticket to hire a houseboat?
No, you do not need a skipper’s ticket to hire and drive one of our houseboats.
Before departure, you will complete a comprehensive induction covering how to operate the houseboat, live aboard safely, use the designated moorings and navigate the permitted area.
Guests booking a moored floating apartment do not need to operate the houseboat.
What licence do I need to drive a houseboat?
The nominated hirer must hold a current C-class driver’s licence.
You do not need a recreational skipper’s ticket, but you must complete the induction and demonstrate that you can operate the houseboat safely.
Is a Blackwood River houseboat difficult to drive?
Driving a houseboat is manageable for most guests who listen carefully and follow the operating instructions.
The houseboats travel slowly and are controlled using forward, neutral and reverse. Your induction includes practical instruction on driving, mooring, onboard systems, the permitted cruising area and crossing the Molloy Island cable ferry route.
If you would prefer not to drive, consider booking a moored floating apartment.
Are the houseboats safe?
Yes. Our houseboats operate on inland waters and carry the safety equipment required under applicable hire-and-drive vessel regulations.
The vessels are surveyed and compliant, and guests receive safety instructions and supporting documentation before departure. Houseboat Base remains available during your stay, with backup procedures, vehicle access points and a rescue vessel in place.
We may delay or suspend a hire if weather conditions, guest competency or another issue creates a safety concern.
Will I have mobile phone reception on the Blackwood River?
Mobile phone reception is available across approximately 90% of the permitted cruising area, although coverage varies between carriers and locations.
The river includes remote areas, so bring a phone connected to a suitable network and do not rely on uninterrupted reception. Houseboat Base remains on standby throughout your stay.
How far can I travel on a Blackwood River houseboat?
Hire-and-drive guests can explore approximately 28 kilometres of the Blackwood River and Hardy Inlet between Augusta and Alexandra Bridge.
We will explain the permitted area and suggest an itinerary during your induction. Moored floating apartment guests stay at one of the designated locations around the Hardy Inlet.
Where can I moor the houseboat?
You can use the designated Blackwood River Houseboats moorings located throughout the permitted cruising area.
The moorings are flat, yellow and marked with a number. Each has a loop rope to help you secure the houseboat. You will practise using a mooring during your induction and can refer to the onboard map during your stay.
Guests in a moored floating apartment do not need to manage the mooring.
Can several families hire houseboats together?
Yes. We can recommend suitable locations for groups hiring two or three houseboats.
Group availability is limited, so contact us before booking to discuss your preferred dates, number of guests and houseboat requirements.
What should I bring for a houseboat holiday?
Bring your food, drinks, clothing, bathers, personal items and anything you would like for your time on the river.
Useful extras include:
- Fishing equipment
- Binoculars
- Books and games
- Music
- Sun protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Personal water-sports equipment
- A camera
Linen, towels and essential kitchen equipment are supplied.
What happens if I run out of food or supplies?
Basic supplies are available from the Molloy Caravan Park kiosk, depending on its opening hours and stock.
Guests near designated town moorings may also be able to access Augusta by dinghy. If you plan to use the Ellis Street Town Jetty, please arrange this with us in advance.
Guests staying near West Bay can access their vehicle more easily.
What activities can I enjoy during my houseboat holiday?
Popular Blackwood River activities include cruising, fishing, kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, birdwatching, stargazing and relaxing on deck.
You can also explore walking trails or visit nearby wineries, galleries, cafés and other Margaret River region attractions. Access to some attractions is easiest by car from Alexandra Bridge or West Bay.
Always follow your induction instructions and applicable maritime rules when undertaking water activities.
Is parking available at the houseboat base?
Yes. Secure parking is provided at Houseboat Base while you are on the river.
There is also limited space for caravans. Please let us know before arrival if you will be bringing a caravan or oversized vehicle.
What time should I arrive for my houseboat hire?
You must arrive in time to complete the induction and reach a designated mooring before 6.00 pm.
The final induction normally begins at 4.00 pm and takes approximately one hour. If you expect to arrive late, call us as soon as possible so we can discuss the available options.
Is fuel included in the houseboat hire price?
For hire-and-drive bookings, the houseboat and dinghy are supplied with full fuel tanks. You pay for the fuel used at the end of your stay.
A typical hire uses approximately 60 to 90 litres of houseboat fuel and 5 to 15 litres of dinghy fuel, depending on how far and how efficiently you travel.
For moored stays, there is no houseboat fuel charge, and the first tank of dinghy fuel is included.
Is a dinghy included with the houseboat?
Yes. A powered dinghy is included with the houseboat.
Operating and safety instructions are provided during your induction. The maximum dinghy capacity is four people, and passengers must use the supplied life jackets and take the safety grab bag.
The dinghy is supplied with a full tank of two-stroke fuel at the beginning of the hire.
Can I drink the water on the houseboat?
Yes. The onboard water is harvested rainwater and is suitable for drinking.
Because all water must be stored aboard, guests need to use it carefully. Houseboats River and Storm carry approximately 1,500 litres, while Houseboat Allira carries approximately 2,000 litres.
With conservative use, the supply should last three to four days. If the water runs out, the houseboat must return to base for refilling.
What power is available on the houseboat?
The houseboats use solar power with battery backup and include a USB charging point at the helm.
A 2 kVA generator is available for approved small appliances, including a microwave, CPAP machine and personal coffee machine. Please contact us before arrival if you need to operate medical equipment or another essential electrical device.
Large portable fridges and high-powered appliances are not suitable for the onboard power system.
Do the houseboats have a refrigerator and freezer?
Yes. The houseboats have an approximately 260-litre gas refrigerator with a freezer compartment.
Please do not bring an Engel or similar portable refrigerator, as the onboard electrical system is not designed to support it.
Can I use a CPAP machine on the houseboat?
Yes. The onboard generator can operate a CPAP machine.
Please tell us when booking if you need to use medical equipment so we can confirm the power requirements and the most suitable houseboat arrangements.
Can I bring a coffee machine?
Yes. You may bring a suitable domestic coffee machine, subject to the capacity of the onboard generator.
Coffee plungers are also supplied if you prefer a simple, low-power option.
What fish can I catch in the Blackwood River?
Fish commonly caught in the Blackwood River and Hardy Inlet include black bream, yellowfin whiting, King George whiting, tailor, herring and mullet.
Blue swimmer crabs may also be available in season. Fishing conditions and species vary, and all guests must follow current Western Australian fishing rules, size limits and bag limits.
Can I bring a pet on the houseboat?
No. Pets are generally not permitted because the cruising area includes national park and private property, and the houseboats have open railings.
Guide dogs and other recognised assistance animals may be accommodated aboard Houseboat River. Contact us before booking so we can discuss your needs and confirm the arrangements.
Are the houseboats wheelchair accessible?
The houseboats are not fully wheelchair accessible, and the onboard bathrooms are not designed for wheelchair use.
We have assisted guests with different mobility requirements and will do what we reasonably can to make boarding and staying aboard easier. Contact us before booking to discuss mobility needs, CPAP equipment or other accessibility requirements
What cleaning products are used on the houseboats?
We use commercial-grade, enzyme-based cleaning products made in Australia.
These products support our cleaning requirements while complementing our efforts to minimise the environmental impact of the operation.
Can I recycle during my houseboat holiday?
Yes. Recycling bins are provided aboard the houseboats.
Eligible containers are donated through the Containers for Change program, helping support community initiatives.
Can I inspect the houseboats before booking?
Yes. You can arrange an appointment to inspect the houseboats when they are available at the base.
Please call before travelling, as the vessels may be away on hire and the marina is not open to the general public.
You can also view the houseboat fleet online.
Can I use the Ellis Street Town Jetty in Augusta?
Yes, but use of the Ellis Street Town Jetty must be arranged with us before your arrival.
We will position and moor the houseboat for you. The jetty is located in a residential area, so local house rules and noise requirements apply.
Who can I contact if I have another question?
Call Blackwood River Houseboats on 0439 959 638 or email admin@blackwoodriverhouseboats.com.au.
Pam and James can answer questions about the houseboats, availability, group bookings, accessibility requirements and planning your stay.
Ready to Plan Your Blackwood River Holiday?
Choose your preferred houseboat, check available dates and start planning your Augusta River escape.