Travel
Best houseboats for an Aussie holiday on the water
If you love the idea of waking up with waterfront views without forking out hundreds on hotels, these houseboats could be your perfect next holiday.
By Margaret McKay
What’s a houseboat holiday?
If you yearn for a simple life out on the water, with nothing to do but relax and maybe drop in a line, you might want to consider holidaying on a houseboat. No matter where you go, you always have waterfront views, and you don’t have to worry about pesky neighbours - you can just pull up anchor and float away.
And the best bit? You don’t need to own your own houseboat to live out this fantasy - there are plenty of holiday rentals that can deliver you the floating dream for a week or two. All fun, and no responsibility. Here are our favourite houseboats for your next holiday:
Oh Buoy, Berowra Waters, New South Wales
Frankly, we’d holiday on this boat for the name alone, but there’s so much more to love. It gives you 1970s dream holiday vibes, but with all the mod cons to make your holiday comfy and reliable as you float along the Hawkesbury River.
Oh Buoy offers an all inclusive escape or two, including a welcome cheese or fruit platter, champagne on arrival, a fully stocked pantry, curated complimentary inclusions, and use of a double kayak, paddle-board and motor boat.
The Salty Dog, Newport, New South Wales
If the Salty Dog looks familiar, you might have seen it in the pages of Inside Out or House and Garden magazine, or on Channel 7’s Sunrise. The quaint little floating home for two is fully self-contained for a restful off-grid holiday, and a dingy you can take to go exploring. The queen-sized bed is in a loft that comes with luxurious flax linen bedding. There are also two big bean bags to sink into during the day as you float around Newport. Your stay comes complete with a delicious continental breakfast for you to enjoy.
More info: Airbnb
Coomera Houseboats, Gold Coast, Queensland
If you want to experience the Gold Coast without the crowds, Coomera Houseboats offers a range of options. They can house groups of 2 to 12 people with no licence required. The captain hat is optional, but we strongly encourage it. The Gold Coast has more waterways than Amsterdam and Venice combined, so you can choose your own aquatic adventure - just make sure you take a map so you can find your way back.
More info: Coomera Houseboats
The Cube on the Murray River, Wellington East, South Australia
This modern floating eco-pod for 2 people was built from a shipping container, making it the perfect eco-conscious vessel for your next holiday. Relax on the decks and watch the world float by as you cruise the shores of the Murray River.
The queen bed, complete with electric blanket, will keep you warm any time of year, and the bar table on the undercover deck offers an ideal spot to enjoy a meal cooked on the barbecue.
The egg chairs and lounges are a crowd favourite when taking in the views and enjoying a drink but if you’re the more adventurous type, you also have free reign of the kayaks (and life jackets).
More info: Airbnb
PS Emmylou, Echuca, Victoria
Echuca is the paddlesteamer capital of Australia, so it’s fitting that you can get your own taste of the Murray River on the PS Emmylou. Step back in time and bask in breath-taking views of the red river gums on a 3, 4, or 7-night journey in your own luxurious private cabin. The cabin is complete with ensuite and a dedicated crew with plenty of stories about the history of the area.
More info: Murray River Paddlesteamers
Cruise Away, Walpole, Western Australia
Often called "The Honeymoon Boat" because of its popularity with newlyweds, Cruise Away is a four-berth houseboat you can take from its mooring in Walpole-Nornalup National Park down to Margaret River to visit a few wineries.
You’ve even got a small dinghy you can use to go fishing in all the small inlets you’ll come across along the way. You can also choose the six-berth Breakaway or the ten-berth Hideaway for larger groups.
More info: Houseboat Holiday
Kimberley Houseboats, Ord River, Western Australia
The Kimberley Dreaming is licensed to carry 6 but is ideal for 2 or 4 people. It comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen, two barbecues, air conditioning and floor to ceiling windows to make the most of your surroundings. You can choose from three locations - Wallaby Cliffs, Lily Creek Lagoon, or Sandy Creek - each with a different take on your Kimberley adventure.
More info: Kimberley Houseboats