Frequently Asked Questions

"The Murray Dream" - Self Contained Moored Houseboat 

Q     How many people are allowed on board "The Murray Dream"
A     Maritime regulations state the number of persons on board must not exceed the number of berths, being 9. Children under 12 months  
        of age are not included in the count.

Q     What is provided onboard "The Murray Dream"
A      As it is a home away from home, almost everything is provided for your houseboat holiday including:

       • Sachets of tea, coffee, sugar and small milk
       • Toilet paper (you may wish to bring extra)
       • All bed linen, pillows, bath towels (please bring own swimming towels) and soap
       • A small selection of DVD's
       • Detergent, dishcloth, garbage bags, glad wrap, alfoil, washing machine powder.
       • Kayaks can be hired at affordable rates, upon request.

Q      What do I need to bring?
A      • Swimming towels
         • Fishing rods and worms
         • Clothing
         • Ice for outdoor ice chest
         • Personal swimming life jackets (we have a small selection available for use upon request and depending on availability).
         • Food and drink - there is excellent shopping in Renmark with 2 supermarkets - Woolworths and Foodland - and a few other specialty food
           shops including butchers and bakeries.

Q     Can we take the boat out for a cruise?
A      No -our accommodation rates are at reduced prices for moored accommodation only and our houseboat and public liability
         insurances cover us only for moored accommodation. If you are interested in hiring a houseboat to travel up and down the river, please
         consider our hire and drive houseboat, "Moving Waters" (minimum 3 night hires).

Q      Is there enough water in the River for a houseboat holiday?
A      There is plenty of water in the river for you to enjoy a houseboat holiday from Renmark.

Q      Where do we leave our car during our stay?
A      Your car can be parked next to our residential premises across the road from the houseboat mooring, which is at your own risk. We can also
         provide free of charge, 1-2 undercover, enclosed parking spaces at our residence (depending on availability) for cars and boat trailers.

"Moving Waters" - Hire and Drive Houseboat

Q    Do I need a special licence?
A      No - a current car driver's licence is all you need.

Q     Can anyone drive a houseboat, even if I have not driven a houseboat before?
A      Yes - as long as you are over 18 years of age. On arrival you will be instructed on the operation and navigation of your houseboat by a fully
         licenced operator. You will then be taken on a short orientation cruise to make sure you are comfortable handling the craft.

Q      How many people are allowed on "Moving Waters"
A      Maritime regulations state the number of persons on board must not exceed the number of berths, being 10. Children under 12 months of
         age are not included in the count.

Q      How much bond do I have to pay and when do I get it back?
A      Bond is between $800-$1000. Bonds are refunded within 14 days, if the boat is returned in suitable condition and less fuel charges.

Q      Are houseboat holidays suitable for children?
A      Yes - houseboats are fantastic for family holidays. There is so much to do on a houseboat for families - swimming, fishing, kayaking,
        exploring the bush at your mooring location, collecting wood for campfires (when there is no fire ban) and cooking on the campfire, watching
        wildlife, watching the supplied DVD's and if you have a dinghy or speedboat, other water sports including kneeboarding, wakeboarding or 
        skiing.

Q      Is there enough water in the river for a houseboat holiday and if so, how far can we travel?
A      There is plenty of water in the river for you to enjoy a houseboat holiday from Renmark. You can travel as far as you like in the time that you
         have on board - remember though you have to travel back again! We recommend that you travel upstream as it is a very beautiful part of the
         river and there are many mooring spots to choose from.

Q      Can I travel at night on the river?
A      No - Houseboats cannot be driven after sunset.

Q      Fuel costs - how much will I use and what will it cost?
A      Fuel usage depends on weather (eg wind), how fast and how far you travel. The most economical speed is around 2600-2800 revs and the
         boat will use approximately 10 litres/hour. Fuel is also used for the generator, which may be minimal as the boat is supplied with a majority of
         its power from the 10 solar panels on the roof of the boat.

Q     What is provided onboard "Moving Waters"?

       •  All bed linen, pillows, bath towels (please bring own swimming towels) and soap
       • A small selection of DVD's
       • Outdoor ice chests are provided and we can purchase bagged and block ice on request
       • Detergent, dishcloth, garbage bags, glad wrap, alfoil, washing machine powder, dishwasher powder.
       • Kayaks can be hired at an affordable rate, upon request.

Q     What do I need to bring?
A      •  Swimming towels
         •  Ice for outdoor ice chest (we can arrange supply of bagged and block ice upon request).
         •  Clothing
         •  Fishing rod and worms
         •  Personal swimming life jackets (we have a small selection available for use upon request and depending on availability).
         •  Food and drink - there is excellent shopping in Renmark with 2 supermarkets - Woolworths and Foodland - and a few other specialty
            food shops including butchers and bakeries.

Q     Where do we leave our car whilst on the houseboat?
A     Your car can be parked next to our residential premises across the road from the houseboat mooring, which is at your own risk. We can also
        provide free of charge, 1-2 undercover, enclosed car parking spaces at our residence (depending on availability) and boat trailers can be
        parked on our lawn.