What to bring:
Here’s a list of things to bring on your houseboat holiday. Feel free to bring anything else along you’d like too.
• Cash Security bond (check T&C’s)
• Food & drinks (enough for your nights aboard)
• Coffee Machine (If you love your coffee and can’t go without)
• DVD’s / CD’s / Ipod / AUX Cable
• Camera and charger
• Personal toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Toilet Paper (lots)
• Insect repellent
• Fishing equipment
• Beach towels for swimming/spa
• Laundry powder
• Personal medications
• Life Vests
• Other items as required

When you arrive in Renmark, there are plenty of local stores and shops you can visit to pick these items up, should you wish to do some shopping locally or in case you forget something.

Please ensure, you supply enough food and drinks for however many nights you are onboard the houseboat. Once you leave Renmark township, there are no shops. *Fees apply for any shopping lists that are required over your hire period.

We Provide:
• All linen including sheets
• Quilts, blankets & pillows
• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Bathmats
• Tea towels
• A basic first aid kit
• Cutlery
• Crockery
• Coffee plunger & Tea pot
• Kitchen utensils
• Gladwrap, baking paper and aluminium foil
• Garbage bags
• Dishwasher powder
• Dishwashing liquid
• Cleaning cloths
• Fresh drinking water
• Heating/Cooling
• Outdoor Furniture
• Fold out ski boat tow arm or ski v’s
• Safety jacket (adult size & emergency use only)
• River maps (on the boat)
• Secure Car Parking at a cost of $2 per car or trailer per night

All Boats Offer:
• Air conditioning / Heating
• Dishwasher (except Orlando & Little Gem)
• Microwave oven
• Gas oven & cooktop
• Fridge
• Ice boxes
• LCD TV’s
• DVD player
• Gas BBQ
• Washing machine (except Orlando)
• Outdoor table & chairs
• Fold out ski boat tow arm or ski v’s
• Generators, plus 240-volt power

Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical Equipment
• Are you bringing any electrical equipment on the boat? If yes, we need to ensure that anything you are bringing is compatible with our power systems. Hair dryers, electrical shavers, mobile phone and camera chargers are fine – however anything else, must be approved! Failure to gain approval for other electrical appliances, may result in damage to the power system for which the hirer is responsible.

Bedding arrangements:
• We need to know, how you would like the bedrooms on your boat made up to suit your group’s sleeping requirements. Some beds can zip apart to become singles, so please let us know what configuration you would like the beds made up in (and how many people you’re intending to sleep on board)
• Email bedding requirements to jenna@rivermurrayhouseboats.com.au at least one week before arriving. Otherwise it is assumed that all queens will be made and a fee of $20 per bedroom will be charged for alterations.

Q: I don’t have any experience with boats will I still be able to hire the boat?
A: Yes. Modern houseboats are surprisingly easy to operate. Rob 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.

Q: Do I need a boat licence?
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.

Q: How do I make a booking?
A: Simply phone Rob at River Murray Houseboats on 0427 899 102, to discuss boat availability and dates. If you prefer, you can submit a contact form online, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Once you’ve 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.

Q: What if I need to contact you while we are away?
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.

Q: Where can I stay if we arrive the night before?
A: Why not enquire about availability the night before?

Q: What do I do with my vehicle whilst on our holiday?
A: Security Car Parking is available for $2 per car or trailer per night. The cost of the parking is deducted from your security bond at the end of your hire.

Q: What should I bring?
A: All you need to bring is your food, drinks, personal toiletries, CD’s, 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.

Q: Where can I purchase groceries and alcohol?
A: You can select from either Woolworths at the Renmark Plaza (they also have online shopping and delivery 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 and butchers in the town too. Due to legislation, if you are coming from interstate, no fruit or vegetables are to be brought with you. Grab them when you arrive and support the great range of local growers and producers in our area.
The Renmark Hotel SipnSave offer a free delivery service to your houseboat if you choose to purchase your alcohol with them.

Q: Where can we buy extra supplies once we are on the river?
A: Supplies along the river are very limited, so we suggest you bring with you, all the provisions you think you’ll 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).

Q: How big is the fridge?
A: The fridge is a large fridge /freezer unit, with plenty of space. There are large eskies aboard all boats for ice, drinks or frozen foods.

Q: Is there fresh drinking water on board?
A: You have plenty of fresh drinking water on board, so no need to worry.

Q: What facilities are on board?
A: Supplied aboard all boats are bath towels, quality bed linen (including doonas and spare blankets, pillows) and soap. In the kitchen there is 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 BBQ’s on board, plus all boats have outdoor dining tables and chairs along with sun lounges upstairs and full sun canopies too.

Q: Is the river fresh water?
A: Yes, it’s fresh and yes, it is good to swim in, however caution should always be taken. There are no sharks or crocodiles, and diving is not recommended. Wearing PFD’s are recommended for adults and children.

Q: What fish will we find in the river?
A: Murray Cod, Callop, Redfin and Carp as well as yabbies.

Q: How fast does the boat go?
A: All boats range from 4 and 8 knots (between 7 and 8 kmph).

Q: How large are the ice boxes?
A: Approximately 200 – 500 litre esky.

Q: Can I bring my speedboat or Jet Ski and tie it to the houseboat?
A: Yes, you can. However, we encourage you to bring your own fenders/buoys to keep your boat/jet ski from marks and scratches. Please note that River Murray Houseboats take no responsibility for any damage caused from the houseboat to your boat or Jet Ski.

Q: Do I supply my own ice?
A: Yes, you can supply your own. However, we do have a big ice freezer at the marina, where you can grab as much block or crushed ice as you need. The cost of the ice is deducted from your security bond at the end of your hire.

Q: What is there to see along the way?
A: For those seeking a relaxing and peaceful experience you will be amazed at the majestic scenery of ancient cliffs, the river mists rising in the morning, the incredible array of bird life, and the breath-taking expanse of stars in the night skies! Imagine waking up to a different view each day, checking out the water birds skimming low across the water, fish jumping, and swans & pelicans coming within arm’s reach.
Moore your houseboat right in the centre of Renmark town and explore what is on offer and visit our beautiful Visitor Information Centre to find out more.

Q: Can we drive via houseboat to the Woolshed Brewery?
A: Yes, you sure can. The brewery is about a 6-hour houseboat drive (approximately 60kms). There microbrewery has great beer, wine and soft drink available (please no BYO), you can also select a cheese plater from their local products that they have on offer and on weekends and special times they may have a food van and live music. I would check their Facebook page for details on what’s on closer to the date. They are open 7 days a week from 11am till 5pm (ex xmas day, New Year’s Day and good Friday.)