A White Houseboats holiday is unlike any other getaway.
From the moment you arrive at Mannum Waters Marina, our experienced team will guide you through every step to ensure you’re ready to enjoy a safe, relaxed and memorable holiday on the Murray River. Whether it’s your first houseboat adventure or you’ve cruised many times before, we’ll help you start your holiday with confidence.
Driving Your Houseboat
One of the unique parts of a White Houseboats holiday is the opportunity to captain your own houseboat.
Our houseboats are substantial 45–50 tonne vessels, so while no boat licence is required, every nominated skipper receives a comprehensive induction before departure.
Our experienced team will guide your nominated skipper through the operation of the vessel before heading onto the water for practical instruction to ensure they’re comfortable and confident before setting off.
Your induction includes:
- Practical on-water driving instruction
- Steering, manoeuvring and mooring techniques
- Safety procedures and emergency equipment
- Operation of the houseboat systems
- Plenty of time to ask questions before leaving the marina
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the nominated skipper must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Be confident, responsible and physically capable of operating the vessel safely.
- Complete the practical induction before departure.
Safety is always our priority. If, following your induction, no competent skipper is identified, or if you simply prefer not to cruise, we can arrange a picturesque static mooring so you can still relax and enjoy the full houseboat experience on the Murray River.
Explore Our Fleet
Every White Houseboats vessel has its own unique layout, character and features. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or as a larger group, explore our fleet below to discover the houseboat that’s right for your holiday.
Arrival & Departure
Standard boarding time is 3:00pm. However, where availability allows and your houseboat is not returning from another hire that morning, we may be able to arrange an earlier arrival. Your confirmed boarding time will be provided during the week leading up to your holiday.
Return (disembarkation) time is 9:30am. On the final morning of your hire, our experienced team will meet you on the river at approximately 9:00am and return the houseboat to its berth at Mannum Waters Marina. Once back at the marina, you’ll have time to unload your belongings before concluding your holiday.
Getting to White Houseboats
Detailed directions to Mannum Waters Marina will be provided prior to your arrival. If you’re planning your journey, our Our Location page includes information on getting to the marina, local facilities and nearby attractions to help you prepare for your holiday.
If you’re travelling from interstate or would simply prefer not to drive, we can arrange private transfers between Adelaide Airport, your Adelaide CBD accommodation or other locations and White Houseboats.
Transfers can include a one-hour stop along the way, giving you plenty of time to purchase groceries, drinks and any other holiday essentials before arriving at the marina.
If you’d like to extend your stay or experience more of the region, we can also arrange a range of optional tours, transfers and local experiences before or after your houseboat holiday.
For more information, visit our Tours & Transfers page.
What’s Provided Onboard?
Our houseboats are comprehensively equipped with almost everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Simply bring your food, drinks, clothing and personal belongings, and we’ll take care of the rest.
For a complete list of onboard inclusions, along with recommendations on what to bring, please visit our What to Bring page.
Bringing Your Ski Boat or Jet Ski
Absolutely.
Many of our houseboats feature dedicated jet ski V’s, and every vessel is equipped with fenders to safely secure your ski boat or jet ski alongside.
A public boat ramp is conveniently located within Mannum Waters Marina.
If you’ll be bringing a ski boat or jet ski, please let us know before your arrival so we can allow additional time during your induction and departure.
Fuel
Your houseboat will be fully fuelled and ready for your holiday when you arrive.
During your induction, our instructors will explain the approximate fuel consumption for your houseboat, the recommended engine revs for economical cruising and the current fuel prices, so you’ll have a good understanding of what to expect before leaving the marina.
At the conclusion of your holiday, our team will refuel the vessel and calculate your fuel usage. Fuel charges include all fuels consumed during your hire, including engine fuel, generator fuel and gas used for hot water, heating, cooking, BBQs and the spa. When your security bond is refunded, you’ll receive an itemised breakdown of all fuel usage and any additional expenses, such as ice or firewood.
Security Bond
A $3,000 security bond is required prior to departure and is refunded to your nominated bank account approximately 14 days after your return, once fuel usage and any additional expenses have been finalised.
Any damage, loss or additional costs incurred during your hire will be deducted from the security bond. Where an insurance claim is required, the security bond and any applicable liability will be managed in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.
We’ll provide our full Terms & Conditions at the time of booking, including detailed information regarding fuel charges, security bonds, insurance and hire conditions.
Travelling with Your Dog
Our entire fleet is pet friendly with prior approval, so your four-legged family members don’t have to miss out on the adventure.
We also understand that not everyone travels with a dog. That’s why we take great pride in the presentation of every houseboat and never compromise on comfort or cleanliness because we’re pet friendly.
We simply ask that you bring your dog’s food and water bowls, clean bedding and ensure they remain off the furniture and beds during your stay. Please also be mindful of excessive shedding, as additional cleaning charges may apply if extra cleaning is required following your departure.
“Well what can I say! Thank you so much Brendan and Madi for allowing us to take our 4 fur babies on your beautiful boat! We are so thankful that you allow dogs on your boat as we can all enjoy a holiday together! The dogs and us had an amazing weekend on the white water houseboat! What was a stunning boat with everything you need and much more! We had such a great weekend on your beautiful boat that soon as we got off we are already planning our next trip with you guys we will be back next year that’s for sure but this time for a week 🙂
Thank you so much from myself and my whole family!
– Katie Brown”
(See more Testimonials Here)
