Houseboat FAQs

01. What do I need to bring?

Food, clothes, drinks, ice, towels, fishing gear & bait, hats, camera, and don't forget a few favourite DVDs and music. Please remember space is limited on board so try to pack everything in soft bags. We supply things like garbage bags, toilet paper, glad wrap, al foil, cooking utensils, crockery, glassware, cutlery (full kitchen).

02. What facilities are there on board?

Onboard you will find a well equipped galley with sink, gas stove with 3 or 4 burners, oven and grill (45 foot boats), small refrigerator, large eskys, crockery, cutlery, tea towels, garbage bags & toilet rolls are also supplied. There is a toilet and shower, comfortable outdoor furniture, a stainless steel BBQ, bait board and a quality sound system with a CD player with Bluetooth connectivity for your phone. There is also a TV with digital stations and inbuilt DVD player. At least 4 USB charging outlets are also on board. We also supply you with a tender with an outboard at no extra cost.

03. Can I bring my small dog/pet?

Sorry but we do not allow pets onto our houseboats.

04. Do I need a boat licence?

No, you don't require a boat licence.

05. Do I need a fishing licence?

In NSW, if you are over 16, you require a fishing licence to fish. Please visit http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee for further information.

06. Do you have the facility to charge my mobile phone?

Yes, we do. We have a minimum of 4 USB sockets to charge your phone in, and we also have a 12 volt d.c. socket for mobile phones, like what's in your car.

07. I don't have any experience with boats. Will I still be able to take the houseboat?

Some boating experience is preferred as they are a large vessel. We will give you instructions and stay with you until you are are comfortable with taking the houseboat controls on your own (and we are comfortable with leaving it with you).

08. Can we drink the fresh water supplied with the boat?

Yes you can. It is our town water.

You have 2000ltrs of fresh water on our 45ft boat. The water is for the kitchen and shower. You will have enough to last for your whole week if you have only 3 minute showers.

09. What fish are in the lake?

Bream, mullet, flathead, whiting, squid & crabs are most common. The lake has most salt water species for our climate.

10. What is the best bait?

The best bait to use is prawns, mullet, squid or if you prefer, plastics.

11. Can I bring my own boat and tie it to the houseboat?

Yes you can, please ensure you let us know when booking, in which case you may want to leave our dinghy behind. Please provide your own tow rope.

12. Where can I buy groceries?

There are Coles, Woolworths & Aldi in Toronto as well as a butchery and bakery.

There is Carey Bay Cellars in Laycock St, that will look after you for ice and beverages (mention Lake Macquarie Houseboats)

13. Where can we buy extra supplies once we are on the lake?

There are general stores all around the lake.

14. Is there a microwave?

No, but we do have a stainless steel gas BBQ as well as a gas oven in the galley.

15. How big is the fridge?

The fridge is the size of a caravan fridge or bar fridge - approx 120 litres. The freezer compartment is small, should you wish to bring pre-cooked meals it is best to pack them in freezer bags and not containers. The boat's power supply cannot sustain a portable fridge.

16. Do the boats have eskies?

Yes, an approx. 130 litre esky supplied (very large).

17. How fast does the boat go?

Maximum speed is between 5 & 8 knots.

18. Is it safe to swim?

Yes, it is as safe to swim in as any coastal salt water beach/lake.

19. Is the lake tidal?

Yes, but with only minor fluctuations in water depth.

20. Where are the public moorings on Lake Macquarie?

There are courtesy moorings available for public use with a 24hr limit. These are signposted with restrictions on size and time so please check these before using them.

Lake Macquarie Public Moorings

21. Can I tour the boat before I book it?