Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I don’t have any experience with boats will I still be able to take the houseboat?
A: Yes you will, we will give you instructions during your briefing. We will pilot you out and stay with you until you are comfortable about taking the houseboat controls on your own and we are comfortable with leaving it with you.
Q: Do I need a boat license?
A: No License Required. Our boats travel under 10 knots, so no boat license is required.
Q: Where do I leave my car?
A: The marina has a large carpark which is under constant CC video surveillance. It is not a locked carpark but there has never been an issue with the security in the past. There is room for campervans and boat trailers as well. No extra charge for parking.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Food, drinks, bath/beach towels, toiletries. For personal belongings, we suggest hats, sunscreen, and fishing gear. Also, don’t forget your sign-in information and passwords for your Netflix/Stan accounts (There is no TV reception) Please remember space is limited onboard so try to pack everything in soft bags.
Q: What linen is provided?
A.. The 45′ houseboats have 3 double beds made with sheets, doona and pillows. One other double and 2 singles are made up of the lounge areas. You need to bring sheets if using those beds. Matress protectors, doonas and pillows in protectors and cases are provided for 10 people.
The 33′ houseboats have 1 double bed made with sheets, doona, and pillows. The other double and 2 singles are made up from the lounge and dining area. You need to bring sheets if using those beds. The matress protectors, doonas and pillows in protectors and cases are provided for 6 people.
Q: Where can I buy groceries?
A: There is an IGA store in Bulahdelah, as well as a excellent butcher and baker. Alternatively, you can order online with Coles or Woolworths and have your groceries delivered here to the Marina on your day of departure. Please check in with us regarding delivery times so that we can ensure that your cold/frozen items are immediately put into the fridge/freezer.
Q: Where can we buy extra supplies once we are on the lake system?
A: There are two stores on the lake. One is at Myall Shores (Legges Camp) and another store is available at Bungwahl which is at the top end of the lake system. Both stores have basic supplies such as milk and bread. Bungwahl Store sells both food and alcohol.
Q: Can we drink the water supplied with the boat?
A: Yes you can. It is our town’s water filtered as the boat is filled.
Q: How big is the fridge?
A: 45 ft houseboats have 190L fridge/freezers and the 33ft houseboat has a 135L fridge/freezer. These run on 12v. The boats also have 1 or 2 large eskies. The power supply will not cope with an extra portable fridge. Customers must bring their own power supply if you are bringing an extra fridge.
Q: Is there fresh water on board?
A: You have more than 2000ltrs of freshwater on our 45 ft and more than 1000ltrs on the 33ft houseboats. The water is for the kitchen and shower. The toilet draws water from outside. All wastewater is stored in tanks in the bilge and pumped out after your return.
Q: What facilities are there onboard?
A: Onboard you will find a well-equipped galley kitchen with a sink, gas stove with 3 burners, oven and grill, crockery, cutlery and tea towels are also supplied. We supply washing up, cleaning gear and toilet paper.
There is a toilet and a hot shower. Comfortable outdoor furniture, and a stainless steel BBQ. The boats also have quality Bluetooth sound systems and the houseboats have ….
- Smart TV but No TV reception please bring your USB memory sticks or Chrome Cast device – HDMI connection available
- Use your phone’s hotspot to “cast to tv”. Don’t forget to bring your passwords for your streaming services.
Q: Can I use a hairdryer on board?
A: Only 12v hairdryers/straighteners can be used.
Q: Is there a microwave?
A: No, but we do have a stainless steel, hooded gas BBQ.
Q: What is the reception like for mobile phones?
A: There is very good reception, only a few small “black spots”.
Q. Are pets allowed on the houseboat?
A. As we operate in a National Park we are not permitted to allow pets on the houseboats.
Q: Do you have the facility to charge my mobile phone?
A: Yes, all boats have USB charging ports along with a 12-volt d.c. socket and USB charging sockets for mobile phones.
Q: Is the lake freshwater?
A: Yes, it’s fresh to brackish, surrounded by National Parks with numerous sandy beaches.
Q: Is it safe to swim?
A: Yes it is safe to swim. There are no sharks, crocodiles, or other stingers you get in saltwater.
Q: Is the Myall Lake tidal?
A: No. There is no need to worry overnight or if you leave your houseboat for a long period, there will still be the same amount of water under it when you get back as when you left it. No chance of getting stranded “when the tide goes out”.
Q: What fish are in the lake?
A: Bream, mullet, flathead, bass, blackfish, and maybe the odd eel.
Q: Do I need a fishing license?
A: You will need a license unless you are under 18, an adult assisting a minor with a single rod or scoop net or a holder of a valid “Centrelink” Pensioner Concession Card. You can purchase a NSW recreational fishing license online through the Service NSW website or by calling 1300 369 365.
Q: What is the best bait?
A: Prawns and mullet
Q: How fast does the boat go?
A: Maximum speed is between 5 & 7 knots.
Q: Do the boats have eskies?
A: Yes, the 33ft has one large freestanding esky and on the 45ft there are 2 large (110 lt) eskies.
Q: Do you sell ice at the marina?
A: Yes, we sell 5 kg block ice and 4.5 kg party ice.
Q: Can I bring my speedboat and tie it to the houseboat?
A: Yes you can, in which case you may want to leave our dinghy behind. Please provide your own tow rope. You can also bring a small outboard to put on the dinghy, up to 5hp.