Terms and Conditions

CONDITIONS OF HIRE

1. HIRE PERIOD

1.1 Bookings start at the show out time of 3:00pm on the day of departure unless otherwise previously arranged. 

1.2 Return of the houseboat and disembarking – The Houseboat must be moored and vacated by 9:30am on the last day of hire.

1.3 The houseboat must be returned on time in a tidy condition. Additional costs will be charged for late return and/or extra cleaning if required.

 

2. PAYMENT

NORMAL AND OFF PEAK SEASON

2.1 A Deposit of $1,000.00 is due ASAP. A booking will only be held for up to 7 days 

2.2 The final balance is due 8 weeks prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this time the vessel may be open for re-leasing.

PEAK SEASON

2.1 A Deposit of $1,000.00 is due ASAP. A booking will only be held for up to 7 days 

2.2 The final balance is due 4 Months prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this time the vessel may be open for re-leasing.

 

3. SECURITY BOND

3.1 A Security Bond of $3,000.00 is payable in Cash on the day of arrival at the boat, this can also be paid via electronic transfer/direct deposit the week before. 
A Security Bond of $6,000.00 is payable for an all male or all female crew or a crew that is under 25 years of age. You must notify White Houseboats at the time of booking. Failure to do so may result in refusal of boarding at check-in with no refund.

3.2 The Bond is refunded into the nominated bank account 14 days from your return – minus any expenses including fuel (Unleaded, Diesel, Gas), ice, and wood, when no damage or loss has occurred on/to the boat. Please note that fuel costs are higher at the river due to infrastructure and delivery.

3.3 Any damages incurred will be charged accordingly.  Wilful or negligent damage is not covered under insurance and will be charged at cost.

3.4 In the event of an accident where an Insurance claim is required, providing the terms & conditions of hire are adhered to and subject to the insurance assessment, the limit of liability is the insurance excess per claim. 

3.5 In the event of an insurance claim or damages payable, the hirer forfeits the bond paid and will be required to pay all outstanding expenses including fuels within 7 days of Invoice.

 

4. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

NORMAL AND OFF PEAK SEASON

4.1 Deferrals will only be granted if the vessel is able to be rebooked for its full value for the same period of time. Bookings are only allowed to be rescheduled one (1) time. All deferrals will incur a $100.00 deferral fee. 

4.2 Deferrals will be valid for 24 months from the date of the deferred booking. 

4.3 Deferrals within 8 weeks of departure will only be confirmed once the vessel has been rebooked for the same period of time and will incur a $100.00 deferral fee. 

4.4 If we are unable to rebook the dates, a deferral will not be granted and the same conditions as our cancellation policy apply. 

4.5 The following refunds will only be given if the vessel is able to be rebooked for its full value for the same period of time; 

  • 4.5a If a cancellation is made 45 days or more prior to departure – all monies paid will be refunded minus a $200.00 cancellation fee. 
  • 4.5b If a cancellation is made less than 45 days prior to departure all monies paid will be refunded minus a $400.00 cancellation fee.
  • 4.5c If the booking is not able to be rebooked, no refunds will be made.

4.5 The owner reserves the right to cancel the hire if the balance payment is not made by the due date without prior arrangement and the hirer forfeits the deposit paid.

PEAK SEASON

4.6 Deferrals will only be granted if the vessel is able to be rebooked for its full value for the same period of time. Bookings are only allowed to be rescheduled one (1) time. All deferrals will incur a $200.00 deferral fee.

4.7 Deferrals within 4 Months of departure will only be confirmed once the vessel has been rebooked for the same period of time and will incur a $200.00 deferral fee. 

4.8 If we are unable to rebook the dates, a deferral will not be granted and the same conditions as our cancellation policy apply. 

4.9 The following refunds will only be given if the vessel is able to be rebooked for its full value for the same period of time; 

  • 4.9a If a cancellation is made 4 Months or more prior to departure – all monies paid will be refunded minus a $200.00 cancellation fee. 
  • 4.9b If a cancellation is made less than 4 Months prior to departure all monies paid will be refunded minus a $400.00 cancellation fee.
  • 4.9c If the booking is not able to be rebooked, no refunds will be made.

4.10 The owner reserves the right to cancel the hire if the balance payment is not made by the due date without prior arrangement and the hirer forfeits the deposit paid.

 

5. TRAVEL INSURANCE AND FORCE MAJEURE

5.1 We strongly encourage you to take out travel insurance for any unforeseen circumstances that may occur (including Covid 19) as the above deferral and cancellation policy applies.

5.2 ‘Force Majeure’ means any event, which White Houseboats could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure includes but is not limited to events such as adverse weather conditions, fire, flood, high river flows, pandemic, change in law and all similar events beyond White Houseboats’ control. In the case of Force Majeure, White Houseboats will not accept liability for any loss or damage you may suffer as a result of any Force Majeure events and reserves the right to change and cancel bookings without compensation to you. 

5.3 The owner may at their discretion offer a credit deferral.

 

6. RESTRICTIONS

6.1 Strictly no Firearms, dangerous goods, or fuel cans allowed on the boat. No driving under the influence of Drugs and or Alcohol. No smoking is permitted on any of the Houseboats a $200 cleaning fee will apply if this is not adhered to.

6.2 There is strictly no driving of the houseboat at night – Driving a Houseboat is only permitted before Sunset and after Sunrise. Please note sunset times prohibit hirers from travelling further than Mannum on their first night. You must be moored before Sunset. 

6.3 The number of persons on board must not exceed the number on the Maritime Certificate.

6.4 Hirers must present a current drivers and/or boat licence and must be at least 18 years old in order to receive the temporary skippering licence of the houseboat for their hire. Only one skipper can be appointed for your hire and is required to drive for the entirety of your trip.

6.4 Houseboats are not permitted to moor under/against over hanging trees or trees within or along the waterline, or anything solid such as a wharf. We recommend mooring at least 20m from any trees overhead, within or along the waterline to minimise the risk of accidental damage.

 

7. NOMINATE SKIPPER COMPETENCY 

7.1 The nominated skipper is required to undergo a comprehensive instruction and driving lesson. 

7.2 If during instruction there is no competent skipper identified after 90 minutes of training, White Houseboats has the right to refuse you to drive the vessel and will park you on the river for the duration of your hire. No compensation will be payable to you. 

7.3 Please note, a drivers or boat licence does not automatically qualify you to drive the houseboat, this will be determined on the day by the instructor.

 

8. DAMAGE AND LOSS

8.1 In the event of an accident or damage, we reserve the right to terminate the hire without compensation to conduct repairs as seen necessary by us.

8.2  We will endeavour to ensure that the houseboat, motor and all fittings, equipment and accessories are in good working order during the Hire Period as the hirer is not entitled to any compensation in respect to any loss, damage sustained or restrictions of use of the houseboat as a result of unforeseen mechanical issues, breakdowns or failures during the hire period, including unforeseen river/weather conditions.

8.3 Any damage to the vessel or its contents caused by the hirer will be charged at cost to the hirer and deducted from the bond. Should you find the vessel damaged prior to your stay, please advise us immediately. Failure to do so will deem you to be totally responsible for the condition of the vessel on departure.

8.4 We will not be held liable for the loss or damage of any property or belongings whilst on our boats, this is the responsibility of the hirer.

 

9. PETS

9.1 All of our boats are pet friendly, however please notify us at the time of booking as some restrictions may apply at the discretion of the Owner. Please ensure you bring clean Bedding and provisions for your pet/s as none are provided.

9.2 Pets are strictly prohibited from going on the Furniture or Bedding. Please be mindful of shedding as excess cleaning charges may apply.

9.3 Pets must be housetrained, any damage caused by the pet/s will be charged at cost to the bond. 

 

10. GENERAL

10.1 Conditions of hire include but are not limited to the above, further details and information will be provided and explained during the show out procedure on the day of commencement of hire. For further conditions of hire, please see the Houseboat Hirers Association “AGREEMENT FOR HIRE” Form.

10.2 Payment of the deposit and or hire fee denotes that you have read, understood and accepted these terms and conditions. You agree that you are the designated Hirer and will be held responsible for all other persons on board and that you are responsible for ensuring each person complies with the Terms and Conditions of Agreement For Hire.


11. SPA USE

11.1 The spa will be cleaned and filled with fresh filtered water before your hire. White Houseboats are not responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the spa during your hire period.

11.2 You are responsible for the daily maintenance, checking, and supervision of the spa during the hire period. This includes:

  • Denying access to anyone with open wounds, sores, or suspected contagious diseases.
  • Enforcing a no-diving and no-swallowing policy.
  • Requiring adult supervision for all children using the spa.
  • Limiting spa usage to a maximum of 20 minutes per session.
  • Denying access to anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Enforcing proper hygiene by requiring users to be clean and wear clean clothing.
  • Prohibiting spitting, squirting water, or releasing bodily fluids in the spa pool.
  • Excluding animals from the spa.

11.3 Spa Maintenance

  • Ensuring the water temperature stays below 38 degrees Celsius.
  • Verifying the filter is running whenever the spa is in use.
  • Monitoring water quality and ceasing spa pool use if the water becomes unclean or unclear.
  • Contacting the houseboat manager immediately if water quality issues arise
  • Do not refill spa with Murray water from the tap as this will spoil the water.
  • Keep a lid on when travelling to avoid spillage.

11.4 DO NOT USE THE SPA POOL IF INTOXICATED.

11.5 The hirer acknowledges and agrees that White Houseboats shall not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages arising from the use of the spa during hire.

 

The owner reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

 

If you have any questions regarding the conditions of hire please do not hesitate to contact us.

Brendan Taylor – 0418 810 110 Madeleine Taylor – 0404 888 288

brendan@whitehouseboats.com.au madeleine@whitehouseboats.com.au