Hiring a houseboat

Number of Passengers

Caloundra Houseboats’ mothership the Wallamba is licensed to carry a minimum of two and a maximum of seven passengers overnight, or 10 during the day. There are two bedrooms, a stateroom with a double bed, and a second room downstairs which contains two double beds and a single bed. An additional bed is a sofa bed in the lounge area.

The Wallamba floorplan

What to bring with you

The Wallamba is equipped with cutlery, crockery, glassware, saucepans, frying pans, other kitchen utensils, tea towels, dish cloth, scourer, dish washing liquid, garbage bags and toilet paper. Pillows, linen, blankets and one towel per person is also provided. You need to bring extra towels if needed, personal items, all food, drink and condiments. Extra appliances, such as coffee machines or hair driers should not be used due to power limitations.

Be aware when packing that storage is limited and soft bags should be used in preference to suitcases. Non-slip shoes are recommended for safety on board.

Ice can be purchased for the on-board esky.

Shopping for food and drinks

The boat is berthed at Pelican Waters Jetty…. and there are two supermarkets and a liquor store within walking distance. We recommend arriving early, doing your shopping at the nearby supermarkets, and using the shop trolleys to provision the boat. A fridge will be operating before you arrive to keep perishables fresh.

Car parking

There is plenty of car parking available in the complex, but please ensure your vehicle is secured before departing. We cannot accept responsibility for the safety of your vehicle or its contents.

Safety

Caloundra Houseboats strongly supports responsible use of alcohol. It is illegal to operate a houseboat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The motors have propellers which can cause serious injury, so do not dive or jump off the boat while it’s moving or its engines are running- and never jump or dive off the top deck. Always wear a life jacket when using a kayak or SUP board. 

Pets/Firearms/Fireworks

The Wallamba operates under a national parks permit. Pets, firearms and fireworks are not permitted.

Liability

Provided the Conditions of Hire are not breached, and you do not stray outside the area of operation your liability is limited to an excess of $2,000.

Houseboat Limits

We supply a navigation route on an easy to use tablet. Just follow the route and you’ll find the perfect anchorages for your trip, irrespective of how long you are on the water.

There’s also the option of returning to the jetty where you can enjoy a meal at the Tavern, a few drinks and a comfortable last night on the boat.

Water

Water on board is perfectly fine to drink, but we also provide a filter jug.

Power

The Wallamba is equipped with an inverter, so you can recharge your phone or lap top. However there is insufficient power to run hair driers, coffee machines etc., so please leave those at home.

Fridge

The gas fridge on board is not as effective as your home fridge. We recommend you use the onboard eskies for drinks and other items that you need to access frequently. We will even provide the ice for the esky. 

Fuel

Unlike other houseboat hirers, we do not charge for the fuel, gas or oil that you use. This is included in your rental fee.

Communications

The Wallamba is equipped with a marine radio. However, your mobile phone is the most effective and reliable form of communication.

Kayak

A double kayak is provided with two sets of paddles. The kayak can only be used during the day and only with the users wearing life jackets. More kayaks or SUP boards can be hired.

Entertainment

A tv is provided to play DVDs but be aware the monitor is a heavy power user and we would not recommend more than one movie a day. A stereo compatible with most mobile phones provides music to both the upper and lower decks.

Cancellation

If you cancel more than one month before your booking, we will charge a $100 administration fee and refund the balance of your deposit. If you cancel less than one month before your departure date, you will forfeit your deposit unless we are able to re-let the boat.

Fishing

You will need to supply your own fishing gear.