Skippers ticket?
Not essential. Hire and Drive guests receive a full Induction on arrival. Moored guests are transferred to your moored houseboat at your designated location
Qualification required?
Hire and Drive - current C class Drivers License
Moored - current C class Drivers License
Level of difficulty?
Medium. Its slow with forward/neutral/reverse at the helm. A practical attitude and attention to instructions is essential. The Induction covers area of operation, how to live on board, how to drive, how to procedure for crossing the Molloy cable barge.
Moored - you dont need to worry about this one
Is it safe?
Yes. This is Inland waters.
Full safety instructions on board with documentation.
We are fully licensed with 23 years experience
The Induction is certified under AMSA.
Safety equipment on-board as per Hire-and-Drive regulations.
Vessels are surveyed and compliant.
We reserve the right to suspend a hire in the event of any safety concerns including and not limited to weather conditions or competence of the Hirer.
Am I contactable?
Yes and no, if you like.
Reception in 90% AoO.
You are in a remote location , please ensure you have a suitable carrier.
Houseboat BASE is on standby throughout your stay.
We have vehicle access points, a rescue vessel on standby and Safety backup procedures in place.
How far can I go?
Hire and Drive guests - 28km of pristine National Park, Augusta to Alexandra Bridge. We will advise an itinerary on arrival.
Moored guests - choose from the specified moorings placed around the incredible Hardy Inlet.
Where do I stop?
Our moorings are flat and yellow with a buoy number and a loop rope attached to the mooring. Hire and Drive guests will practice mooring up during the Induction. You have right of way on our moorings. The buoy numbers can be found on the floats and on the Map.
Moored Up guests, you don't have to worry about this!
What if my group has 2 or 3 houseboats?
Handpicked locations for 2 and 3 boat bookings.
What if I run out of supplies?
Molloy Caravan Park kiosk has basic items. Take the dinghy to Augusta from T1 T2 T3. Book the Ellis St jetty. Go by car from Westbay.
What do I bring?
All food, drinks, bathers, music, binoculars, books fishing gear, water toys,
What can I do?
Cruise - kayak - Fish- swim - stand up board - waterski - swim - yoga on the deck - birdwatch - stargaze - bushwalk - local wineries by car from Alexandra Bridge - lunch at a low key waterside cafe, by dinghy
Or take in a winery or two or day tour, accessible from Alexandra Bridge.
Tours to local wineries, galleries and other local attractions from Alexandra Bridge.
Parking?
Secure free parking at Houseboat Base, where you collect and return the boat. There's even room for a couple of caravans.
Arriving late?
Please call ahead. 4pm is our last Induction time. Vessels must be moored by 6pm and the Induction takes about an hour.
Or park up in Westbay and do the Induction early on Day 2.
FUEL
Hire and . only - fuel tanks are full at commencement of hire. At the end of your hire, costs are calculated on actual consumption. The average hire is 60-90 litres in the houseboats and 5-15 in the dinghy - depending on how you drive them.
Moored - no fuel charge for the houseboat or 1st tank of dinghy fuel
The Dinghy
Safety – use the on board life jackets, take the grab bag with you, max passengers 4
Safety Instructions are on board and included in the Induction
Operating instructions – are included in the lesson.
Fuel – 2-stroke mix see on board trouble shooting guide. Full at commencement of hire.
Can I drink the water on board?
Yes it is beautiful harvested rainwater as part of our off grid operation.
It is essential to be WATERWISE. Houseboats RIVER & STORM carry 1500 ltrs. Houseboat ALLIRA carries 2,000 ltrs for all needs
Usage – All water is stored on board. Conservative use will last 3 – 4 days. If you run out you will need to return to Base.
Power supply
Solar power with battery backup. A USB point at the helm. 2kva generator on board for small appliances incl microwave, cpap machine, byo coffee machine (Press is on board) Gas fridges are 260 ltr with freezer compartment, NO engels please
Blackwood River Fishing
Yellowfin and KG Whiting, black bream, tailor, herring, mullett, crabs in season.
Pets?
No, sorry. The area of operation is national park and private property. The houseboats have open railings however we know a very good local kennel.
We absolutely welcome guide dogs or a working animal on board Houseboat River. Please contact us for details, admin@blackwoodriverhouseboats.com.au
Accessibility
Accessibility has been considered for people of varying levels of ability. We have had many determined visitors that have overcome the minor obstacles and we do everything we can to get you on board. The bathrooms are not wheelchair friendly however other aspects including running a cpap machine or guests with mobility issues are addressed.
Our cleaning products
We use commercial grade, enzyme based, Australian Made cleaning products.
Recycling
Recycle bins on board. Your recycling is donated to the local Containers for Change scheme and helps community near and far.Ask for more details
COFFEE
Yes, if you love to bring your coffee machine on holidays - Yes you can.
Plungers are also on board.
View the houseboats
Yes. Please call beforehand and make an appointment to ensure the boats are available for viewing or see our-fleet page online.
The Town Jetty at Ellis St Augusta?
If you want to use the Town Jetty, please let us know before you arrive.
We will moor the houseboat for you. NB: this is a residential area and House Rules apply.