Houseboats on the Murray River, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Mar 21st, 2005
With beautiful scenery and calm waters to match, the Murray River is a house boating haven. There are stacks of house boats here, from budget boats to the ultimate cruisers. So if house boating is your kind of thing, contact the Houseboat Hirers' Association and they can find the best boat for you.
If you're keen to cruise the Murray without breaking the bank, then the Elfin's should fit the bill - at $290 for two people over three nights. The Elfin is actually a bit bigger than other houseboats you'd find in this price range. While most others would basically act like a caravan on water, this one actually sleeps up to 6 people, has a TV and video, BBQ, kitchen, toilet/shower and a rooftop deck. It's also one of the cheaper houseboats to run, about $6 an hour for petrol.
If you've got a bit more money to spend, next up is The Horizon. This boat is one of Buccaneer Houseboat's fleet and is great for families. It features 3 double bedrooms - sleeping 6-8 people, 2 bathrooms, an entertainment system which includes a Sony Playstation, a kitchen, canopied sun deck with child safety fencing and a lower swim deck. It may be three times the price of the Elfin, but with that, it's also three times the fun!
For a top-of-the-range boat you can't go past The Truly Unforgettable. Think Toorak on the Murray. Think a floating mansion. These luxury houseboats are first class all the way, with 6 queen-sized bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with dishwasher, a state-of-the-art home entertainment system, a third-story sundeck and even a 10-person Jacuzzi!
But no matter which boat you choose, the views stay the same - and the best part is that they're free! You can expect to cruise past unforgettable scenery and an abundance of wildlife. There are also several historic towns dotted along the way, including Mannum. This riverside town is home to the popular Pretoria Hotel. It's a favourite among house boaties, and you can get a decent serving of fish and chips for only $11. Bargain!
Further information:
Truly Unforgettable from $3200 for 3 nights
$265 a person based on 12 people.
Unforgettable Houseboats: Ph. 1800 656 323.
Horizon from $1290 for 3 nights.
Houseboat Hirers' Association: Ph. 1300 665 122.
Elfin from $290 a weekend for 2 people
Oz Houseboats: Ph. 08 8365 7776.
For more information on houseboats in South Australia contact the Houseboat Hirers' Association
Houseboat Hirers' Association: Ph. 1300 665 122.
Prices correct at 21/3/05
Suggested Reading Material: Lonely Planet.
