14 Of The Best Houseboat Holidays In Australia

Fond of sand dunes and salty air? From historic paddle steamers to floating retro havens, here are 14 of the best houseboats in Australia to hire for a cruisy holiday.

The best houseboats in Australia all have one thing in common: tranquil waterfront views. Houseboat holidays are growing in popularity around the country due to an ever-increasing desire to be on or near the water. Be it a 12-berth luxury cruiser with all the mod cons or a quirky floating retro cabin for two, the market is buoyant.

The good news is the only prerequisite to drive a houseboat is that you are over 18 years of age. And if you are not confident handling the life aquatic, you can ask an expert to be at the helm. Here are some of Australia’s best houseboat holidays where you can explore everywhere from the mighty Murray River in South Australia to the Hawkesbury River in NSW. And while some are not technically houseboats, they do provide an opportunity to test the waters in style. Whatever floats your boat.

1. Oh Buoy, Berowra Waters, NSW

You will want to dream up your fantasy future as a boaty on Berowra Waters when onboard the retro dream that is Oh Buoy . Spend the day drifting along the waterway in the 1960s-era boat which is flooded with light that winks off the water, lapping all around.

a woman resting on a hammock onboard Oh Buoy, Berowra Waters, NSW — Embrace total relaxation while holidaying on the water. (Image: Heart&Sea)

Owners Jess and Laurie Rissman have lovingly restored the boat with upcycled furniture and retro finds and what better way to holiday on the Hawkesbury. Guests onboard Oh Buoy receive a complementary fruit or cheese platter and bottle of wine on arrival and access to dinky dinghy Ginger. Oh Buoy indeed.

a ladder onboard Oh Buoy, Berowra Waters, NSW — Holiday on the Hawkesbury onboard *Oh Buoy*. (Image: Heart&Sea)

2. Lilypad, Palm Beach, NSW

Make like a leaf and float above the waters of Sydney’s Palm Beach onboard Lilypad, a floating haven that is more villa than vessel. The Mediterranean-inspired space is barnacled to a sheltered marina in Pittwater off the Barrenjoey Peninsula, some 41 kilometres north of the CBD. Book an all-inclusive package at the one-bedroom two-storey villa to enjoy chef-prepared meals and the onboard wine cellar, and private self-drive tender to explore the nearby beaches.

a drone shot of Lilypad, Palm Beach, NSW — Embrace a floating holiday in Sydney’s Palm Beach onboard Lilypad. (Image: @cocorepublic)

3. The Nook, Wellington East, SA

There’s no better way to appreciate the mighty Murray River than when cosied up in self-contained floating suite, The Nook (sister cabin to The Cube). The Nook won Best Small Home category on Season 2 of Channel 9’s Australia’s Best Homes, and is moored at the Wellington Private Marina, in SA. According to the manager of Collectiv Retreats, Trevor Burnett, The Nook is aimed at those who want to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wetlands, river and wildlife. It was built from recycled timbers and features stained-glass windows, a gorgeous galley kitchen and fireplaces.

a lounge with windows onboard The Nook, Wellington East, SA — No need to choose between crackling fire and water views onboard the Nook.

4. The Cube on the Murray River, SA

Take a tiny home. Add water. If it’s a slow stay you’re after, this floating pod stationed amid the reeds overlooking the lake in SA’s Wellington East, is where you will want to cast yourself adrift.

the waterfront balcony at The Cube on the Murray River, SA at sunset — Watch the sun sink below the horizon from your waterfront balcony on the Murray River.

The Cube , which sleeps two, was fashioned from a shipping container and placed on a pontoon. Wake to the dawn chorus of warbling birds and then curl up in one of the egg chairs on the sun deck to watch the mist roll over the Murray.

a hammock at sunset in The Cube on the Murray River, SA — Farwell last light from your hammock with a cocktail in hand.

5. High River on the Murray River, SA

Being onboard the High River on the Murray is to see one of the most scenic stretches of Australia’s longest river at its finest. The off-grid boat has 20kw of solar panels so it’s as quiet as the wind rushing through the trees.

an aerial view of the houseboat at High River on the Murray River, SA — Trace the curves of the Murray River on this off-grid escape.

The houseboat has six king-size beds, each with its own ensuite. There’s also a rooftop bar and spacious outdoor dining area. High River can be hired for your own exclusive holiday, or you can enjoy a tour run by Murray River Trails , one of the leading eco-tourism operators in the region.

the houseboat exterior of High River on the Murray River, SA — Experience outback luxury onboard High River on the Murray.

6. PS Emmylou, Echuca, Victoria

The best way to get to know the curves of the Murray River is onboard paddle steamer PS Emmylou . There’s something wonderfully meditative about watching the vignettes shift along the waterway, which winds through a grove of old red river gums like a ribbon.

The replica paddle steamer, powered by a 1906 Marshall & Sons steam engine, chugs along the watery highway in accordance with the tides. Each of the luxury cabins onboard the boat, which offers three-, four- and seven-night cruises, has a private ensuite.

the PS Emmylou, Echuca, Victoria on Murray River — Wind past a grove of old red river gums onboard PS *Emmylou*.

7. Coomera Houseboats, Gold Coast, Queensland

It’s a little-known fact that the Gold Coast has more waterways than Amsterdam and Venice combined. Explore the many twists and turns of the river system onboard a 12-berth Coomera Houseboats cruiser that will see you pootling from the Gold Coast Marina through Mackenzies Channel and past Perrys Hole in style.

a blue sky Coomera houseboat in Gold Coast, Queensland — Cruise along the Gold Coast waterways onboard a Coomera Houseboat.

Pull up in the Pimpana River and put your crab pots in or drift around Tipplers Passage where you will see pods of dolphins playing in your V-shaped wake.

the interior of the Blue Sky Coomera houseboat in Gold Coast, Queensland — The amenities onboard are all top-notch.

8. The Edge, Lake Eildon, Victoria’s High Country

Home will feel like a five-star waterfront hotel when you drop anchor on Lake Eildon. Those who are happiest horizontal should centre themselves on a lounge overlooking the lake onboard The Edge, from Water’s Edge Lake Eildon Houseboat Hire .

Spend the day drifting onboard the houseboat which has wraparound windows to let in the light. Gliding over the lake will change the way you view the Central Highlands region of Victoria. The houseboat comprises four bedrooms, a galley kitchen and dining area and two luxe living areas. It’s perfect for a family or a group of friends.

The Edge houseboat on Lake Eildon, Victoria’s High Country — Drop anchor on Lake Eildon.

9. Five Star Luxury Spa, Wiseman’s Ferry, Hawkesbury River, NSW

The best houseboats for hire in Australia allow you to take in the full effect of our landscapes. Unhitch from your mooring on the Hawkesbury River and putt around this watery highway that is hemmed in by grey-green bushland. As the name suggests, the Five Star Luxury Spa has a heated 10-person spa. Out-source the skippering to your wannabe boatie mate so you can focus on soaking up the sun in the spa, glass of sparkling Australian wine in hand.

10. Cruise-Away, Walpole-Nornalup, WA

Happiness is a houseboat built for two. Cruise-Away is a four-berth houseboat better known as ‘the honeymoon boat’ moored within the magical Walpole-Nornalup National Park in WA. Pick up a few top drops from Margaret River’s best wineries to enjoy out on the sun deck, watching the huge skies stretched like a canvas above. There’s a dinghy provided so you can try your hand at fishing in one of the inlets. Hang up a rope swing and bombs away.

11. The Salty Dog, Newport, Sydney, Australia

The Salty Dog was built as a romantic houseboat for two. When you first set your sights on The Salty Dog, you will recognise it from the pages of Inside Out and House & Garden. What better way to appreciate Pittwater than when cosied up in the self-contained boathouse?

The Salty Dog houseboat in Newport, Sydney, Australia — The Salty Dog houseboat is perched on tranquil waters in Newport, Sydney.

Expect gun-barrel views of the water as you wake up in this calm and restful off-grid space with windows all around. There is a ladder for access into the water and a dingy with oars if you want to explore. Stake a claim on the back deck to watch the sun set over the view.

the dining area inside The Salty Dog houseboat in Newport, Sydney, Australia — The stylish interiors will make it easy to call this place home – and hard to leave.

12. Mandurah Houseboats, WA

Skipper your own boat, suitably called Just Chillin’ and dive right into exploring the many waterways around Mandurah. Chart your course across the Peel Inlet and into the Murray River onboard the boat, which sleeps 10. While the idea of piloting a boat may seem daunting, Mandurah Houseboats will provide an orientation lesson before you set off. Download some audiobooks; restful contemplation awaits.

13. Riverdream Boatel, Mannum, SA

The extravagance onboard Riverdream Boatel has a lot to do with the scenery along SA’s magnificent Murray River. The luxurious river boat has a glass-enclosed sky lounge, swim platform, al fresco BBQ area, gourmet kitchen and more.

the bedroom onboard Riverdream Boatel, Mannum, SA — Soak up a luxury stay while cruising the magnificent Murray River.

The houseboat has five king-bed staterooms with lavish furnishings and en suites. Want to kick back and keep your nose in a book? You can elevate your onboard experience by booking a private chef.

a private bathtub with river views onboard Riverdream Boatel, Mannum, SA — Freshen up in your private tub overlooking the scenic river.

14. Kimberley Dreaming, WA

There’s nothing Ord-inary about a houseboat holiday onboard Kimberley Dreaming . The houseboat sleeps six but is ideal for two couples keen on exploring the upper reaches of the Ord River. Watch for birds sashaying theatrically on the shoreline. Admire the dramatic gorge walls rising steeply from the water’s edge. And find crocodiles basking in the sun. Choose your own adventure: fish, watch for black butcher birds, keep your nose in a book or play board games for hours.

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

The Mornington Peninsula can be the kind of place where salt-tangled hair feels like a badge of honour – proof you’ve been somewhere wild, raw and real. Peel back the layers and you’ll discover stories that anchor this region to something other than its famed food and wine.

This land is the traditional Sea Country of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people. Long before grapevines were planted and artisanal goods were crafted, the Bunurong Traditional Owners lived in deep connection with the land and sea. Today, places such as Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary echo that tradition, with families exploring its rockpools in search of colourful sea stars and crabs at low tide and learning how these fragile ecosystems have been cared for across countless generations.

a group of people visiting the Port Nepean National Park — Take in the rugged coastal landscape at Port Nepean National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A visit to Point Nepean National Park feels like stepping back through time. The fort, built in 1882, protected the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay until the end of the Second World War. It was here that the first Allied shot of the First World War was fired – at a German cargo ship trying to escape just hours after war was declared. Nearby, the old Quarantine Station, one of Australia’s first permanent quarantine facilities, established in 1852, still stands. Walking through the hospital and disinfecting complex evokes stories of those who arrived from faraway shores.

Not far from here is a story of survival that inspired the Aussie phrase ‘you’ve got Buckley’s chance’. In 1803, escaped convict William Buckley vanished into the bush near what’s now Sorrento. Everyone thought he had no hope of surviving, but he reappeared 32 years later, having lived with local Aboriginal people.

Even the waters here hold history. The infamous stretch known as The Rip, just three kilometres wide at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, is among the most treacherous waterways. Countless ships were lost here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in 1967, Australia’s own Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared while swimming off the coast, never to be found.

a seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay — A seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

But for all its danger, the sea here also holds extraordinary beauty. Dolphins are often seen near Sorrento’s cliffs, while below the surface, seagrass meadows and rocky reefs teem with life. Marine tours offer a viewing to this underwater wonderland, while back on terra firma, walking trails lead along beaches, through coastal scrub, and over rock pools.

And if you think you’ll forget about the Mornington Peninsula once you’ve left? You’ve got Buckley’s chance.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the suite interior at InterContinental Sorrento — Luxury interiors at the historic InterContinental Sorrento. (Image: Greg Elms)

Point Nepean Discovery Tents is immersive glamping beside the historic Quarantine Station. Or upgrade to luxury at the 1875-built InterContinental Sorrento .

Playing there

an aerial view of Cape Schanck Lighthouse — Make your way to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Bayplay Adventure Tours offer eco-adventures from snorkelling with sea dragons to kayaking with dolphins and cycling Point Nepean. Cape Schanck Lighthouse is fascinating to explore on a guided tour, which takes you into the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage.

Eating there

Portsea Hotel is a beautifully restored 1876 Tudor-style pub right on the beach, serving seasonal local fare.

The life aquatic: 14 of the best houseboat holidays in Australia