FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
All the Information You Need
Here at River Murray Houseboats we have compiled a list of our most commonly asked questions,
and a quick guide for what you need for your next Houseboat stay!
Our Location
Our Location All houseboats are moored at: Lock Five Road, Paringa, SA.
From Renmark: Cross the Paringa Bridge and take the first right.
From Mildura: Turn left just before the Paringa Bridge.
Follow the road along to the second houseboat marina on the right. Look for our large logo and your boat.
Arrival & Departure Times & Paringa Bridge
Boarding Time: 1:00pm SHARP. Please do not arrive earlier unless pre-arranged. If you’re arriving later than 1pm, contact us via phone or email to make alternate arrangements.
Departure Time: On your final day, vacate the boat by 10:00am.
Paringa Bridge Lift Times: The bridge lifts twice daily — 9:30am & 2:30pm. Booked automatically for 2:30pm on arrival day and 9:30am on departure day. Contact us in advance if you require a different time.
Important: The bridge will not lift if no booking is in place. Be at the bridge 10 minutes early. If you miss it, a late fee of $300 per hour (or part thereof) applies.
Bedding Arrangements
Let us know your preferred bed configuration as early as possible. Many beds can be made as either queens or singles.
Submit your preferences when completing the Booking Form and email them to info@rivermurrayhouseboats.com.au once the deposit has been paid.
If we do not receive your requirements, all beds will be made as queen beds by default. A $20 per bedroom fee will apply for any alterations.
Electrical Equipment
Please advise us in advance of any electrical devices you plan to bring.
The following are approved: CPAP machines, 1x car fridge, hair dryers/straighteners, electric shavers, bread maker, slow cooker, phone/device chargers.
Important: Additional devices (especially multiple car fridges) must be approved prior. Unapproved devices may damage the power system, and the hirer may be held liable for repairs. We do not accept responsibility for damage to non-approved items.
Coffee Machine Types (By Boat)
Desire, Desert Rose & River Tonic: Bean-to-cup machines — bring coffee beans.
Amazon Star: Takes ground coffee – bring
Murray Sunset, Class Act, Fifth Dimension, Little Gem & Orlando: Nespresso-style machines — bring Original Nespresso Pods (not Vertuo).
Boat Hire & Water Toys
Riverland Boat Hire (based in Renmark) offers: Tinnies, ski boats, SUPs and safety equipment.
Call Matt at 0400 760 386 or email www.riverlandboathire@gmail.com
Website: Riverland Boat Hire
What you'll find in Renmark
Plan ahead and stock up on supplies before boarding, as there are no shops once you leave Renmark. Fees apply for any mid-trip shopping requests.
Local Suppliers We Recommend
Arrosto Coffee
Freshly roasted beans, Nespresso-compatible pods, and cold drip concentrate.
Visit 152 Eighteenth St, Renmark or call 0427 223 853
www.arrostocoffee.com.au
Riverland Country Style Meats
Award-winning butcher offering delivery to your houseboat.
38 Renmark Ave, Renmark. Call 08 8586 6688
Riverland Country Style Kitchen
Homemade heat-and-eat meals.
1 Chapman Mall, 9 Ral Ral Ave Renmark. Call 0458 608 693
Hotel Renmark Sip n Save
Click & Collect and Drive-thru available.
Visit the bottle shop 109 Fifteenth Street, Renmark or call 08 8586 6755
Bakers Delight & Woolworths Renmark
Located at Renmark Square Shopping Centre, 277 Renmark Ave
Click n Collect only for Woolworths, No direct deliveries.
Foodland Renmark
Offers fresh and local produce
25 Ral Ral Ave, Renmark
Other Useful Information
What to bring:
Here’s a checklist to help you pack:
- Cash or card for the security bond (check T&Cs)
- Food & drinks (enough for your entire stay)
- Coffee (beans or pods – check which machine your boat uses)
- Condiments (oil, salt, sauces, etc.)
- DVDs / AUX cable
- Camera + charger
- Binoculars
- Personal toiletries
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Toilet paper (plenty!)
- Fishing gear
- Beach towels for spa/swimming
- Laundry detergent
- Personal medications
- Life jackets (recreational – adult and child, not provided)
- Fenders if you are rafting boats together
We Provide:
- All linen: sheets, quilts, pillows, bath towels, hand towels, bathmats, tea towels
- Glassware, crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils
- Coffee plunger & tea pot
- Coffee machine (see above for types)
- Gladwrap, foil, baking paper
- Garbage bags
- Dishwasher powder, dishwashing liquid, handwash
- Cleaning cloths
- Fresh drinking water
- Basic first aid kit & snake kit
- Heating & cooling
- Outdoor furniture
- Fold-out ski boat tow arm or ski V (varies by boat)
- Safety jackets (adult size, emergency use only)
- River maps (onboard)
- Secure car parking ($5 per car/caravan/trailer per night)
All Boats Offer:
- Air conditioning / heating
- Microwave & dishwasher (except Little Gem)
- Coffee machine (see individual details)
- Gas oven & cooktop
- Kettle & toaster
- Fridge/freezer & ice boxes
- Flat-screen TVs & DVD players
- Gas BBQ
- Washing machine (except Orlando) & clothes airer
- Outdoor dining set
- Fold-out ski boat tow arm or ski V (check boat specs)
- Generators with 240-volt power
A: Absolutely! No prior experience is needed. Our team will provide a full briefing and hands on instruction before you set off, covering everything from the bow to the stern. You’ll be cruising with confidence in no time.
A: No boat licence is required. All you need is a current and valid full car driver’s licence (or boat licence). The primary hirer must be 21 years or older.
A: Submit a booking enquiry via our online contact form and we’ll be in touch during business hours. Prefer to chat? Call us on 0427 899 102.
Once confirmed, a $600 deposit is due within 7 days. Your final balance is due eight weeks before departure. We’ll email you an invoice once your deposit is received.
A: Yes, we provide 24-hour phone support during your hire. You’re never on your own – we’re just a call away if you need help or have any questions.
A: Our houseboats are fully insured. If you follow our Terms & Conditions, your liability is limited to the insurance excess ($1,500 – $5,000, depending on the boat).
Damage due to negligence or misuse is not covered and will incur extra charges.
A: Definitely – ask us about early boarding options and availability
A: We offer secure parking for $5 per night per car, caravan, or trailer. This fee will be deducted from your security bond after your trip.
A: Bring your food, drinks, toiletries, DVDs, binoculars, fishing gear, and anything else for your comfort. We’ve also created a handy checklist to help you prepare.
A: Groceries: Woolworths (Renmark Square) or Foodland (town centre). Woolworths also offers Click & Collect via their app.
Alcohol: Hotel Renmark Sip n Save offers click & collect.
Other local gems include:
Riverland SunFresh (Homemade pizzas and some fresh produce)
Riverland Country Style Meats (butcher)
Arrosto Coffee (local roaster)
A: If you’re coming from interstate, don’t bring fruit or vegetables into SA – it’s illegal due to fruit fly restrictions. Discard them safely before entering.
Penalties apply. The ‘bring a receipt’ rule no longer applies in the Riverland. Call the 24hr Fruit Fly Hotline: 1300 666 010 for more info.
Support our local growers and grab your fresh produce once you arrive!
A: Supplies are limited once you’re on the water, so bring everything you’ll need. We do have a few service points along the river (conditions apply – see our Terms & Conditions).
A: All houseboats include:
- Freshly made beds with linen, doonas, pillows & towels
- Fully equipped kitchens (microwave, stove/oven, cutlery, crockery, glassware) BBQ, outdoor dining settings, upstairs sun lounges & canopies
- Handwash, dishwashing supplies, fly spray, tea towels & more
A: Each boat features a large fridge/freezer combo, plus a large esky (approx. 200–500L) for extra drinks or frozen food storage.
A: Yes – all boats have fresh drinking water. If you’re particular about taste, we suggest bringing boxed water. River water is used for washing.
A: Yes – the Murray River is freshwater and safe for swimming. There are no sharks or crocodiles, but we don’t recommend diving. Life jackets are encouraged for adults and children.
A: You may catch Murray Cod, Callop, Redfin, Carp, and even yabbies. Don’t forget your fishing gear!
A: Speeds range between 4 and 8 knots (around 7–8 km/h), offering the perfect pace for relaxation and sightseeing.
A: Fuel costs vary depending on the boat, your itinerary, solar/generator usage, and river conditions. Get in touch for an estimate tailored to your trip.
A: You can bring your own, or help yourself to block or crushed ice from our freezer at the marina. Ice costs are deducted from your bond. No need to pre-order.
A: Yes – bring your own, but we recommend also bringing your own ropes and fenders to protect your watercraft.
Note: Houseboat fenders are not to be removed.
River Murray Houseboats takes no responsibility for any damage to your personal watercraft.
A: Absolutely! Matt at Riverland Boat Hire offers tinny hire, ski boats, stand-up paddle boards, fishing gear and life jackets.
Call: 0400 760 386
Email: www.riverlandboathire@gmail.com
Visit: Riverland Boat Hire
A: Yes! It’s about a 6-hour houseboat cruise (38 km) upriver. The Woolshed Brewery serves craft beer, local wines, and soft drinks (no BYO). Cheese platters available and food vans or live music may be on during weekends or special events.
Open: Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Good Friday.
Check their Facebook page for updates.
A: After departing under the 2:30 pm Paringa Bridge lift, you’ll reach Renmark township in about 35 minutes.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery – orange limestone cliffs, morning river mist, abundant birdlife, and starlit night skies.
Each day offers a new view and unforgettable moments with nature – think swans, pelicans, and fish jumping near your boat.
On your final night, consider mooring at the Renmark Town Wharf, just 35 minutes from the 9:30 am Paringa Bridge lift the next morning.