FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are pet-friendly under certain circumstances and there may be extra fees associated for excess cleaning.

Yes, you can tow your boat ski/tinny boat behind our houseboats

Yes, we can supply a 5m aluminium runabout with Canopy and 6-8hp motor

Yes for 18 and over. No licence is required for retirees or pensioners.

To get a fishing license, just google NSW fishing license, and you can buy one online from service NSW

Yes we stock such bait as pilchards, prawns, sea worms, mullet fillets, squid and white bait. Out of peak time we may not carry everything, just what is best for fishing for the current season.

It is highly recommended to bring garbage bags for disposal of rubbish as each HIRER is responsible for the disposal of their rubbish upon disembarkment.

Boatshed No. 1 do not have the facilities to dispose of your rubbish. Containers and snap lock seal bags for food storage. Mosquito repellent and fly spray. All toiletries, extra toilet paper and medicines required. Important suggested items include a torch, dishwashing liquid, pegs and portable speakers.

Fishing gear, along with cutting boards and knives, buckets and fishing nets. USB Chargers for phones. Bring speakers and ipod, games, books and magazines etc. and All swimming equipment and flotation devices.

NOTE: All houseboats have PFD’s (personal flotation devices) on board, if you wish to bring more or an aquatic sport PFD for personal use it is recommended

Yes fuel tanks are full when you depart and it is the responsibility of the hirer to monitor usage (approximate continuous engine time is 8-10 hrs) and if fuelling is required it must be done during business hours 0800-1700 or a $80 call out fee will be charged for after hours re-fuelling.

Getting lost and/or running out of fuel is not the responsibility of the owner.

Yes there is 4G coverage and good signal at most times, Telstra and Optus are best, Vodaphone is patchy

No. Your arrival time at the end of your trip must be discussed and pre-arranged before the start of your vacation. All hirer (s) of the houseboats MUST contact the Boatshed at least 2 hours prior to docking at the wharf to unload and disembark from your vacation IF your arrival time at the end of your holiday changes.

However during your trip you may dock at the Boatshed during business hours in a run about. This is why we advise you to bring your own runabout or hire one at the time of your booking.

It is the responsibility of the hirer(s) to be aware of the fuel in both vessels and if the tanks are getting low to drive the runabout to the Boatshed for re-fuelling. A minimum call out fee of $80.00 for customers requiring fuel after hours will be applicable

We provide detailed maps, and also Depth Sounders to make navigation as easy as possible, however All hirer(s) must take great care when hiring and driving a water vessel. It is the responsibility of the hirer(s) to ALWAYS monitor weather and tidal conditions.

If your houseboat becomes beached you will be required to inform the owner immediately. Staff at Boatshed Number 1 will not always be able to physically come to your assistance when the houseboat becomes beached as there is very little to do other than wait for the changing tides and/or weather.

This could be in the middle of the night. If the vessel becomes beached the HIRER (S) must monitor and NOT leave the vessel until the tide had shifted and responsibly start the engines and motor to a secure and appropriate position.

If the houseboat becomes beached and is put into a position whereby it cannot be removed by the tides, your bond will be kept in full and if a second party is required for extraction an extra fee will be issued.

If you end your houseboat trip and the vessel is left beached a minimum fee of $250 from your bond will be incurred. Contact and emergency numbers are located in the houseboat manual and must be used responsibly. These numbers are for use in the appropriate emergency, common sense must be used

Yes, there are serval shops, resturants and bottle shops close to the waters edge and also a general store at Coomba Park towards the back of the Wallis lake.

If you have a hire runabout or your own boat you can motor to our wharf or any public wharf (there are many around the waterways) and take advantage of Fosters shopping precinct.

Otherwise you must purchase your shopping prior to boarding the vessel. You cannot come to the Boatshed and load the boat then go shopping. STRICT departure times unless prior arrangements have be made the day before must be adhered too, as staff are required to assist with your departure and arrival

There is ample free public parking nearby to the Boatshed and close to the Forster Police Station.

The boats are fitted with solar and 12 volt systems, if you need a medical device or special eqiupment we can provide an inverter. The 12 V solar systems can charge via USB your phones, ipads and electrical devices.

Note that Engel fridges are not allowed to be used on the houseboats 12 volt system as they draw too much power, so bring your own power supply if you wish to use an Engel fridge/freezer or similar.

Yes, all linen is supplied including sheets, pillow cases, doonas, bath towels and tea towels. Your own linen can be brought or pillows etc if desired

Yes all our Houseboats are fitted with gas stoves/cooktops and most with gas ovens. Also webber BBQ’s are provided for the ultimate sunset bbq’s

The 45ft (8-10 berth) has boat has a full size fridge. The 33ft (2-6 berth) each has a bar fridge and ice box.  We stock ice at the Boatshed as well for purchase

Yes all boats are fitted with gas instant hot water systems for showering and cooking