Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes. Modern houseboats are surprisingly easy to operate. Our staff will explain the operations of your boat to you, from bow to stern before you leave. After your practical instruction, you’ll be on your way with confidence and peace of mind.

A: No. A full car driver’s licence or boat licence is all that is required. The hirer must be over the age of 21 years of age. License must be current and valid.

A: Simply submit a contact form online, and we will get back to you as soon as we can within business hours. If you prefer, phone Rob at River Murray Houseboats on 0427 899 102 in business hours, to discuss boat availability and dates.

Once you have made your booking, a deposit of $600 is required and to be paid within 7 days from your email confirmation. Once this has been paid, your invoice will then be emailed to you with the deposit deducted off your total hire fee, and your final balance is due no later than eight weeks prior to departure.

A: Base contact is available 24 hours a day by mobile phone, so don’t worry we’re here to assist or answer any questions you might have.

A: The houseboat is insured. Providing the terms and conditions of hire are adhered to, the limit of liability is the insurance excess ($1,500 – $5,000 varies with each houseboat). Wilful or negligent damage is not covered by insurance and you will be charged.

A: Why not enquire about availability the night before?

A: Security Car Parking is available for $3 per car or trailer/caravan per night. The cost of the parking is deducted from your security bond at the end of your hire.

A: All you need to bring is your food, drinks, personal toiletries, DVD’s, binoculars, and fishing gear. We’ve created a checklist for you of what we suggest, however feel free to bring along anything that will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

A: You can select from either Woolworths at the Renmark Square Shopping Centre (they also have online shopping and click n collect available; you will need to download their app.) or Foodland in the town centre. Please remember that SA has no plastic shopping bags policy, you will have to bring your own or buy at the checkout. There are also other small suppliers, fruit markets (Riverland SunFresh), butchers (Riverland Country Style Meats) coffee Roasters (Arrosto Coffee) in the town too. The Renmark Hotel (SipnSave) offer a free delivery service to your houseboat if you choose to purchase your alcohol with them.

A: Due to legislation, if you are coming from interstate, no fruit or vegetables are to be brought with you and must be safely disposed of before entering SA, fines do apply. You cannot bring certain fruit and vegetables into the Riverland. Fruit and vegetables that are at risk from fruit fly cannot travel with you into the Riverland. To protect Riverland growers the ‘bring a receipt’ rule is no longer recognised. You will be fined if you are caught travelling into the Riverland with these fruit and vegetables.

The law changed on 29 July 2021. Call the 24hr Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 for more information. Grab them when you arrive and support the great range of local growers and producers in our area.

A: Supplies along the river are very limited, so we suggest you bring with you, all the provisions you think you will require for as many nights you are on board the houseboat. River Murray Houseboats do have some service points along the river (however conditions apply) please refer to our T&C’s.

A: Supplied aboard all boats are bath towels, quality bed linen (including doonas and spare blankets, pillows) and soap. In the kitchen there is handwash, dishwashing powder, fly spray, kitchen sponges, tea towels etc. All boats have fully contained kitchens with a microwave, stove/ovens, all cutlery, crockery, and glasses, including wine and champagne, and plastic ware. There are BBQs on board, plus all boats have outdoor dining tables and chairs along with sun lounges upstairs and full sun canopies too.