Moored Houseboat Stays in Augusta
Enjoy the Blackwood River without driving the houseboat.
Experience the beauty of Hardy Inlet from a fully equipped houseboat moored in one of six carefully selected locations near Augusta.
Drive to your designated meeting point, park your vehicle and let us ferry you and your belongings to the houseboat. There is no need to skipper the vessel, navigate the river or secure the houseboat to a mooring.
Once aboard, unpack, settle in and enjoy your private escape on the Blackwood River.Your houseboat is ready. All you need to do is relax.
A Relaxing Alternative to Hire and Drive
A moored houseboat stay gives you the comfort and atmosphere of a traditional houseboat holiday without the responsibility of driving the vessel.
Wake to peaceful river views, enjoy breakfast on deck and spend your days fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or watching the water drift past.
Our moored houseboat accommodation is ideal for couples, families and friends looking for a unique and relaxing place to stay near Augusta.
Why Choose a Moored Houseboat Stay?
- No houseboat driving or navigation required
- Six designated mooring locations around Hardy Inlet
- Parking arranged near your meeting point
- Ferry transfers to and from the houseboat
- Private accommodation surrounded by nature
- Powered dinghy, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards included
- Comfortable onboard facilities
- No houseboat fuel charges
- Eco-certified, off-grid accommodation
- Support available throughout your stay
How Your Moored Houseboat Stay Works
Choose Your Mooring Location
Select your preferred location from six designated moorings around Hardy Inlet. Each location offers a different outlook and a unique way to experience the lower Blackwood River. Mooring locations are subject to availability, weather and operational requirements.
Drive to Your Meeting Point
Select your preferred location from six designated moorings around Hardy Inlet. Each location offers a different outlook and a unique way to experience the lower Blackwood River. Mooring locations are subject to availability, weather and operational requirements.
Ferry Across to Your Houseboat
Select your preferred location from six designated moorings around Hardy Inlet. Each location offers a different outlook and a unique way to experience the lower Blackwood River. Mooring locations are subject to availability, weather and operational requirements.
Relax or Explore Hardy Inlet
Select your preferred location from six designated moorings around Hardy Inlet. Each location offers a different outlook and a unique way to experience the lower Blackwood River. Mooring locations are subject to availability, weather and operational requirements.
Return to Your Vehicle
Select your preferred location from six designated moorings around Hardy Inlet. Each location offers a different outlook and a unique way to experience the lower Blackwood River. Mooring locations are subject to availability, weather and operational requirements.
Choose Your Location on Hardy Inlet
Our six mooring locations offer convenient access to different parts of Hardy Inlet. Choose a location closer to Augusta and local amenities or escape to a quieter section of the river.
Not sure which mooring is right for you? Our team can recommend the best available location based on your group, travel dates and preferred experience.
Comfortable Houseboat Accommodation Near Augusta
Our houseboats combine the freedom of staying on the water with the comforts you need for a relaxing getaway.
Facilities and inclusions vary between vessels but may include:
- Comfortable sleeping accommodation
- Fully equipped galley kitchen
- Dining and living areas
- Hot shower and flushing toilet
- Barbecue and outdoor decks
- Solar power with battery backup
- Harvested rainwater
- Powered dinghy
- Kayaks
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Linen and safety equipment
Compare the available accommodation on our houseboat fleet page and view our current houseboat rates.
Things to Do During Your Houseboat Stay
Your houseboat remains securely moored, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Hardy Inlet and the lower Blackwood River.
You can:
- Fish from the houseboat or dinghy
- Explore nearby waterways
- Kayak or stand-up paddleboard
- Swim when conditions are suitable
- Watch local birds and wildlife
- Enjoy a barbecue on deck
- Photograph the river and surrounding landscape
- Stargaze after sunset
- Read, relax and reconnect
- Spend uninterrupted time with family and friends
Make your stay as adventurous or relaxing as you like.
Eco-Certified Accommodation on the Blackwood River
Blackwood River Houseboats operates on Wadandi Boodja in one of Western Australia’s important biodiversity regions.
Our base and houseboats operate off-grid using solar power and harvested rainwater. Sealed onboard systems and established swing moorings help minimise disruption to the riverbed, riverbanks and surrounding environment.
A moored houseboat stay allows you to experience this remarkable part of Western Australia while helping us protect it for future visitors.
Moored Houseboat or Hire and Drive?
Both options offer a memorable Blackwood River holiday. The main difference is how much responsibility and freedom you want during your stay.
| Moored Houseboat Stay | Hire and Drive |
|---|---|
| We position the houseboat for you | You skipper the houseboat |
| No navigation or mooring required | Driving and mooring induction included |
| Stay at one Hardy Inlet mooring | Explore up to 28 kilometres of river |
| Ferry transfer from your meeting point | Depart from and return to Houseboat Base |
| No houseboat fuel charges | Fuel charged according to usage |
| Ideal for a simple, relaxing escape | Ideal for a self-guided river adventure |
Choose a moored stay if you want to experience life on the river without driving the houseboat. Choose Hire and Drive if you want to cruise between different locations and explore more of the Blackwood River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Are the Moored Houseboats Located?
Blackwood Moored Houseboats are moored at Ellis Street Jetty in Augusta, Western Australia.
- Augusta cafés and shops
- Riverfront dining
- Beaches and coastal attractions
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
- Walking and cycling trails
- Fishing and water activities
- Margaret River wineries and restaurants
- Seasonal whale-watching tours
Free, secure parking is available for guests.
Do I Need a Skipper’s Ticket?
No. You do not need a skipper’s ticket or previous boating experience to stay in a Waterscape floating apartment.
The apartment remains moored at its designated location, so there is no vessel to drive, navigate or secure at different river moorings.
What Is Included with a Waterscape Stay?
Facilities and inclusions vary by accommodation and booking.
Depending on the floating apartment selected, your stay may include:
- Self-contained accommodation
- Equipped kitchen facilities
- Private bathroom facilities
- Comfortable living and sleeping areas
- Outdoor river-view spaces
- Kayaks
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Powered dinghy
- Fishing equipment
- Binoculars and birdwatching guides
- Secure parking
Visit Waterscape to confirm the complete inclusions for your preferred apartment.
What Can I Do During My Stay?
Use your floating apartment as a base for relaxing on the river and exploring Augusta and the Margaret River region.
Popular activities include:
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Birdwatching
- Stargazing
- Visiting local cafés and restaurants
- Exploring nearby beaches and trails
- Touring Margaret River wineries
- Joining a whale-watching or regional tour
Food hampers, private dining and selected wellness services may also be available by prior arrangement through Waterscape.
Book Your Moored Houseboat Stay
Escape the everyday and experience the Blackwood River from your own moored houseboat.
We will position the vessel, arrange your transfer and help you settle in. All you need to do is step aboard and enjoy the river. Choose your location and settle into river time.