Houseboat Heaven Quick Guide

Conditions of Hire

The number of persons hiring a houseboat must not exceed the number of berths provided. Any person driving a houseboat must be over the age of 21 years and hold either current drivers or boat operators licence, and all maritime regulations must be abided by.

The Hirer personally accepts full responsibility for the care and safety of the houseboat (which term includes all its fittings, equipment and accessories) and also accepts full responsibility for the actions of all persons on board during the period of hire.

Houseboats must not be driven at night, past Lock 4 and NSW Border, or out of the main course of the river. Instructions on handling the boat are given before departure. As our duty of care, competency must be shown at the time of induction, if not, the boat cannot be moved from the marina.

Under no circumstances are firearms, axes, chainsaws and trail bikes allowed, occupants to be towed, or for any reason persons to be on the roof section, or outside the handrails, of the upper deck of the houseboat

Pets are permitted on selected houseboats by prior arrangements.

All single-gender groups and groups with all occupants under the age of 30 must notify Houseboat Heaven at the time of booking or a higher security bond may incur which will be determined by the owners. Failure to do so may result in refusal of boarding at check-in with no refund.

Houseboat proprietors reserve the right to refuse permission to board at their discretion.

Fuel costs (ULP/ltr & DSL/hr generation) vary and are calculated and charged within 10 days of completion of the hire.

Any damages incurred will be charged, each boat has its insurance excess amount. Negligent or wilful damage won’t be covered under insurance and will be charged at cost.

Any damages incurred to the houseboat rendering it un-hireable, that will cause loss from future hires to Houseboat Heaven Houseboats will be at expense of the hirer that sustained the damaged & charged accordingly.

The Hirer is liable for any loss, damage or injury to any person or to any property which may result from anything done by the Hirer or by any person on board the houseboat. The amount payable by the Hirer pursuant to this clause is not limited by the amount of the Security Bond. To the full extent permitted by law the Hirer releases and discharges (and the Hirer hereby indemnifies) the Owner and its agents and employees from and against all claims, demands and costs on the Owner; and any loss or damage whatsoever and whenever caused to the Hirer or its invitees whether by way of death of, or injury to, any person of any nature or kind, accident or damage to property, delay, financial loss or otherwise; arising directly or indirectly from or incidental to a breakdown of, or defect in, the goods or any accident to or involving the houseboat or its use, operation, repair or maintenance (whether occasioned by the negligence of the Owner) or which may otherwise be suffered or sustained in, upon or near the houseboat.

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

The Owner (Houseboat Heaven) will endeavour to keep the houseboat motor(s) and all fittings, equipment and accessories in good working order during the hire period provided that the Hirer will not be entitled to any compensation in respect of any loss or damage sustained as a result of the unforeseen mechanical breakdown or equipment failure or any loss of time resulting from such breakdowns or failures during the hire period or as a result of any restriction to the use of the houseboat during the hire period resulting from breakdown, or river or weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.