Information

Booking

Please send us a message with your preferred dates and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Or please call us on +61 439 817 229. A booking will only be confirmed on payment of a deposit and full payment is required 8 weeks prior to the hire period. In the case of a booking being made within 8 weeks of the commencement of hire, full payment will be required.

Bond

A bond is required by the proprietor on arrival or before. This will be refunded less running cost, provided the boat is returned on time in good order
and condition.

Cancellations

This cancellation policy is widely accepted by the Houseboats Hires Association and BIA, while members reserve the right to specify individual cancellation policies.

If the unfortunate situation occurs that you must cancel, please see the guidelines below

For cancellations notified more than 90 days prior to departure, you will be entitled to a full refund of moneys paid less cancellation fee (of $100).

If a cancellation is notified less than 90 days and more than 45 days prior to departure, you will forfeit all moneys paid unless the houseboat can be re-booked for its full hire fee, in which case, all moneys paid will be refunded less cancellation fee (of $150)

If a cancellations is notified less than 45 days prior to departure, you will forfeit all moneys paid unless the houseboat can be re-booked for its full hire fee, in which case, all moneys paid will be refunded less cancellation fee (of $200)

Please note: Travel Insurance is recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances or losses.

Conditions

• Damage and loss will be charged at cost.
• The number of people on board must not exceed the number of berths under Marine and Harbour regulations.
• Anyone driving the boat must be at least 21 years of age and hold a current driving or boat licence.
• Comprehensive instructions will be give in the handling of the craft, together with river map and DMH equipment.
• Firearms, axes, chainsaws, trail bikes, animals and candles are strictly prohibited.
• Houseboats must not be driven at night.
• All Marine and Harbour regulations must be agreed and adhered to at all times.
• The owner / management reserves the right to refuse any persons the use of the houseboat/Vessels.
• The boat must be returned in a neat and tidy condition, or fees will be incurred.
• Smoking restrictions apply to the inside of the houseboats.
• No fuel to be carried or decanted on the houseboat.

Arrivals/Departures

Houseboats are moored on the river at Lock 5 Rd, Paringa SA. Approx 1km from Sturt Hwy
Arrival & boarding is 1 pm sharp. Instructions will be given on all operations of the boat in time to go under the Paringa bridge at the 2.30 pm opening.
On the last day of hire, you must be at the Paringa Bridge ready to go under at the 9.30 am opening and moor back at the bank departing the boat at 10 am.

Houseboat dimensions

• Your houseboat is 20 Meters long and 8.5 Meters wide. It weighs approximately 35 tons.
• Your Houseboat sleeps a maximum of 10 people.
• Your Houseboat travels economically at about 8 kilometers per hour (2100 to 2500 revs).
• Your Houseboat has a 600 Litres Fuel tank on Board
• Your Houseboat has 400 litres of fresh filtered water

Do I need a special licence?

No! A current car/truck/motorbike drivers licence is sufficient.

Can anyone drive a Houseboat, even if they haven’t done any boating before?

Yes! providing you are over 21 years of age. On your arrival you are given instructions on the operation and navigation of your houseboat by a fully licenced operator. You are then taken for a short instructional cruise to make sure you are comfortable handling the craft.

How many people are allowed on a Houseboat?

Maritime regulations state the number of persons on board must not exceed the number of berths. The maximum permissible is 10. Children under 12 months of age are not included in the count.  Many beds can be made in either queens or singles. Let us know your preferences.

Are Houseboat holidays suitable for children?

Yes! Houseboats are an ideal family holiday. If regulations are adhered to and common sense is used, we can all enjoy the river. Most houseboats have excellent child safety areas.

What is on the Houseboat?

Everything is provided. All linen (quilts, sheets, pillows & towels), crockery, glassware, cutlery and cooking equipment is on board. Please bring beach towels for the spa & swimming. The boat is fueled. Gas and filtered water are supplied.
Individual features appear on this web site depending on which houseboat you wish to hire.

What do I need to bring?

All you need is your food, drinks, personal clothes/toiletries and bond, Bring enough food & supplies for you length of stay as there is limited supply during your time away.

Things to consider: beach towels for spa/swimming, CD’s, DVD’s, camera, chargers, sunscreen, insect repellent, coffee beans, condiments i.e. oil, salt, pepper, sugar, sauces etc, toilet paper, laundry powder, recreational life vests for adults & children. Feel free to bring what ever will make your stay pleasurable. Are you a skier, then ski gear. Are you a fisherman, then fishing gear. Are you a birdwatcher, then maybe binoculars.

​Whether you are coming from interstate or within SA, please check https://fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreak-restrictions/fruit-and-vegetables-at-risk for restricted produce. If coming from interstate, it is best not to bring fresh fruit and vegetables as there a strict quarantine laws. Buy your food when you get here or order online.

What is there to do in the area or on the river?

Enjoy all that the river has to offer with swimming, kayaking, skiing , fishing,  bird watching or exploring. Or just take in nature while cruising along and admire the red gum lined banks and amazing multi coloured cliffs.  Slow down and savour the moment—curl up with a good book on a sun lounge beneath the sunshine or soak in the spa’s calming bubbles 

There are also books and puzzles on board and of course Wi-Fi.

Renmark is situated on a very pretty part of the river which has a sweeping riverbank that can accommodate houseboats if you would like to explore the town or have a meal at the restaurants.  Renmark is home to the Bunyip & Argo Barges, and PS Industry – all icons of the area from times gone by.  Olivewood historic museum captures the area’s history.  There are several wineries, distilleries, a coffee roaster and Almond Co has a selection of the area’s almonds.

Further upstream, you can see orchards or spectacular multi coloured cliffs that light up at sunset.  Wilkadene Woolshed brewery, on the bank of the river, accepts houseboats where you can sample their award-winning brews with a platter enjoying a view over the river.  On weekends they also have events & food trucks.  The homestead and woolshed can also be explored.

Where do I leave my car?

There is secure parking for cars and boat trailers at the marina for a small fee.

How much bond will I have to pay and when do I get it back?

Bonds are: Fifth Dimension $1500 | Class Act $1500. Bonds are usually refunded within 7 working days minus fuel costs and if any damage incurred.

What happens if I damage the boat?

The Houseboat is insured. Providing the terms & conditions of hire are adhered to. Wilful or negligent damage is not covered.

How far can I travel?

Houseboats travel at an average speed of approx. 8 km per hour. Most people average approx. 4-5 hours per day traveling. Keep in mind the time you have available giving sufficient time for your return journey.

Renmark/Paringa houseboats must not travel further north than Devils elbow (just south of Lock 7)

Can I drive the Houseboat at night?

No! Houseboats must not be driven after sunset.

Where can I moor the boat ?

When you are ready to “park” your houseboat, you need to look for a suitable spot (not private property) along the river where there are  at least 2 big trees with no overhanging branches.  Use the ropes onboard to tie the houseboat to the trees.   Mooring is also available at the Renmark Riverside Wharf.

How is the houseboat powered?

The houseboat has 2 outboard unleaded fuel engines at the rear which propel the houseboat along.  The steering wheel is located at the front of the boat.  It is called the helm.
These houseboats are some of a few houseboats on the river where the power to run the lights & appliances is sourced from the sun through solar panels and stored in lithium batteries.   The generator is only there as a backup and will come on automatically if the stored power is low.
This means you have a totally quiet houseboat operating with power just like home. Peace and tranquillity to enjoy the river!

How much fuel will I use and how much will it cost?

Fuel usage and costs depend on many variables i.e.. length of travel, currents, wind etc. The houseboats are fitted with twin fuel injected economical motors which run the most economical at 2200 revs (7-8km/hr)  and so you can expect to use approximately 15-20 lt/hr.
The fuel used will be calculated on your return and the cost will be deducted from your bond.

What happens if I need help?

Houseboats are fitted with two-way radios and / or use your mobile phone in case you need assistance. As the houseboats have Wi-Fi, use Wi-Fi calling if you are out of range. 

Personal Data Collection.

Personal information may be collected from you in various ways during your online experience, being:

Contact request submissions or Booking forms.

Marketing

Personal information is, but not limited to Name, Phone Number, E-mail Address, postcode or Country.

Using Personal Data

Your personal information provided is used to communicate information or a booking with you. This allows both parties to correspond together for the mutual cause of providing a houseboat rental. The information may also be used for marketing and internal record keeping.

Third-Party Disclosure

We may disclose personal information only to provide products and services to you. When supplying your personal information to make a booking, we will notify our on-site managers of your details to facilitate the booking process. We will not share your personal information with any outside companies except for the facilitation of a business-related process or financial transactions on your behalf.

Personal Data Protection

We are committed to ensuring that your personal information is stored securely and only used for the purposes of conducting business with you and to facilitate our business-related functions.

Rights of Users

If you believe that the information stored about you is incorrect or misleading, you have the right to contact us to modify or delete your personal data.

Notifications of Changes

Platinum Houseboats reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time without notice. You should check periodically to review our Privacy Policy for any changes.

Contact Information

Your use of Platinum Houseboats website constitutes your consent to this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you may contact us at:

 

bookings@platinumhouseboats.com.au
Or
Platinum Houseboats
P.O. Box 777
Bentleigh East Vic 3165