Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE IS WISEMANS FERRY?
Hawkesbury Houseboats are located at historic Wisemans Ferry. Wisemans Ferry is located 75km from the Sydney Harbour Bridge or 75 minutes drive – not including peek hour traffic.
DO I NEED A BOAT LICENSE?
NO! You do not need a license to operate the houseboats. You will receive a full briefing and practical on how to safely operate the boat before you leave the marina.
HOW FAR CAN WE GO?
Motoring distance limits vary depending on how big the boat is that you hire. Most boats can travel down to but not beyond the M1 Mooney Mooney Bridge OR upstream to but not beyond Windsor Bridge, your distance limits will be reinforced when you receive your houseboat briefing.
HOW BIG ARE THE ENGINES?
Regardless of the size of the engines all of the Houseboats have been limited to a speed of 8 knots or 14kms which is the legal speed for an unlicensed driver.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE ONBOARD?
Maximum of 12 people on the larger houseboats at any time.
CAN I TOW A SKI BOAT OR JETSKI BEHIND THE HOUSEBOAT?
Yes, there is a public boat ramp less than 1 km from us, it is located in between the Wisemans Ferry car ferry and the Wisemans Ferry public wharf.
DOES THE HOUSEBOAT COME WITH A DINGHY?
Yes, you will receive a dinghy with oars, a small outboard engine can be hired if required.
IS FUEL INCLUDED IN THE HIRE RATE?
No, Fuel is charged separately, that way you pay for what you use.
HOW MUCH FUEL WILL WE USE?
This is up to you and how far you would like to go. The larger boats are charged at an hourly rate, this way you can budget how long you can travel for. If you travel with the tides you will arrive at your destination faster and more economically. Please email cruising@hawkesburyhouseboats.com.au to see what the current fuel rates are for the boat you have chosen.
CAN YOU FISH ON THE HAWKESBURY RIVER?
Most fishermen would want us to tell you no, to keep you away from their catch :-) But fishing is fantastic on the Hawkesbury, fish you will catch during different seasons are jewfish or mulloway, mullet, bream, flathead, flounder, luderick (blackfish), closer to Berowra you’ll find snapper, taylor and whiting. You need a current NSW fishing licence.
CAN YOU SWIM IN THE HAWKESBURY RIVER?
Yes, all of the larger houseboats have swimming ladders attached to the back deck, for easy exiting of the water.
HOW DO I BOOK?
To secure a houseboat booking you need to pay the security bond, you can pay over the phone with a Visa or Master Card, otherwise you can pay via direct deposit.