Can anybody drive the houseboats?

You don't need a licence to drive our houseboats but you do need to be at least 21 years of age. To ensure you have a wonderful time we explain navigation rules, brief you about the full operation of the vessel, and then take you for a short drive under supervision to make you feel comfortable before setting out on your own.

No navigation experience or knowledge is needed. Clear instruction during your briefing will show you how to use the river maps provided and our vessels are fitted with navigation instruments to help you safely travel throughout the river. As you will rarely be more than several hundred metres from the riverbank, 'line-of-sight' navigation is simple and easy. Driving is easy with forward and reverse gears and a steering wheel.

We provide our own operations manual to assist you during your charter. The Clarence River is one of the safest boating playgrounds in Australia. We make scheduled calls to you to establish your plans for the day and to confirm that you are safely anchored each night. Guests may contact us throughout the day by mobile phone.

Is houseboating safe for children?

Houseboating is a fantastic family holiday. Many charter groups comprise families with children. Please be aware that the lifejackets provided on our vessels are not suitable for babies or small children. We strongly recommend that you tell us in advance if you need small children's lifejackets so that we can ensure they're available when you arrive.

How do I know when the houseboats are available?

Our online booking page includes an availability calendar for each of our vessels, or you can call us on 02 6647 6638 to find out.

What's on the boat and what do I need to bring?

A full list of inclusions and what you need to bring is provided on each houseboat's individual page. The links from the 'Our boats' page give more details.

We provide just about everything you'd expect in a comfortable home away from home and we sell ice and frozen bait.

You can arrange to have drinks on ice (and ice on board) chilled ready for your arrival just call us with your shopping list a week before your booking.

Be aware, when packing, that storage and hanging space is limited on all houseboats. You should bring casual clothing, only as much as you need, and choose soft bags in preference to suitcases.

Is there any entertainment on board?

All of our houseboats have at least one TV, DVD player, radio and CD player as well as a selection of board games, jigsaws and books. You should bring your own DVDs and CDs. Idyll Daze is fitted with USB connectivity for your phone or MP3 player. You can view the inclusions on each boat from the links on the 'Our boats' page.

What are your business hours?

For general enquiries by phone or email we're available between 9:00am and 5:00pm. If you want to drop in and talk to us or see the boats we encourage you to call us first to make sure we're available.

What time can we check in

G2Y Houseboats close at 5:00pm. Check in time is 1:00pm houseboats must be loaded no later then 4:00pm or you may be required to stay at the Jetty overnight.

What is my cruising area?

The general cruising area is from Harwood Bridge downstream, to Rogan's Bridge beyond Grafton upstream and includes almost 200km of waterways. We provide maps on all of our boats and explain the cruising area during your briefing. Click here to view the cruising map which shows where you are allowed to go, and safe places to anchor.

You should also be aware that under NSW Maritime Regulations the vessels are not permitted to travel after sunset or before dawn. They must be safely anchored during these times.

Are there restrictions on where I can take the boat?

The on-board maps clearly mark the out of bounds areas and we explain them to hirers during the briefing. The out of bounds areas are dangerous for a variety of reasons (eg too shallow, objects in the water, unsafe for novices). Despite anything shown on our maps, hirers must obey all instructions from NSW Maritime authorities which may include temporary closures of certain areas that our maps show as available.

The vessels are not permitted to travel after sunset or before dawn. During this time they must be securely anchored.

The vessels are not permitted to be taken or secured to any jetties on the river except at the G2Y business premises.

Our boats are fitted with GPS tracking and any hirer found to be in an out of bounds area or travelling when they should be anchored will forfeit their bond and will immediately be removed from the vessel.

Is there anything I'm not allowed to bring with me?

Under NSW Maritime Regulations You are not permitted to bring on board

• pets, or any other animals

• firearms

• fireworks.

You should also be aware that there is limited 240V power on all houseboats. You should not bring, or use on board, any non-essential electrical equipment including hairdryers and gaming systems.

Where can my Pet Stay

Maclean Kennels, bring your pets with you and let them enjoy a holiday of their very own, Mention G2Y houseboats and Receive a 10% discount​

call Jayson on 0428 464 630 or book @ bookings@macleankennels.com.au

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Where can I leave my car during my holiday?

We provide free parking at the business premises for the duration of your holiday. This parking is NOT under cover.

What time does my booking commence and end?

Generally, all bookings commence at 1:00pm on the first day of hire and end at 10:00am on the last day of hire. Please note:

• we may, by prior agreement, let you commence your holiday earlier than 1:00pm, or return it later than 10:00am, if the vessel is available and we have sufficient time between bookings to clean it and conduct our routine maintenance checks;
• if you arrive at our premises later than 4:00pm you'll be able to board and occupy the vessel, but you may not be able to leave the jetty until the next day if we don't consider you have sufficient time to reach safe anchorage before dark;
• late returns without our prior agreement are subject to a late return charge which is detailed in the terms and conditions of hire.

What happens if I get into trouble or need some help?

We're only a phone call away if you have any problems. Simply call us as soon as you need help and we'll provide guidance over the phone or, if necessary, we'll come to you as soon as we can to assist. We also provide you with an after hours emergency number.

It is a condition of hire that the hirer notify the manager as soon as possible if there is any malfunction of the boat, motor or accesories, or any loss or damage equipment occurs.

What if I damage the houseboat?

All of our vessels are insured, however, under the terms and conditions of hire, the hirer is responsible for damage and loss of equipment up to the value of the bond. Wilful or negligent damage is not covered. If a hirer is found to have not followed our briefing instructions it will cause the hirer to be held personally responsible for any damage to the houseboat and equipment.

What happens when we return?

We check the boat and record the engine hours. After the engine usage charge is finalised we clear your bond. You're welcome to pre-book your next G2Y Houseboats holiday so you don't miss out.