Information

Departure Point

When arriving at 287 Watkins Rd Wangi, you will be able to park around the back via ( Kent street). We will introduce ourselves, provide you with any information you need and brief you with a short DVD to show you how to use the boats. We want you to feel comfortable and happy and take as long to ask any questions. After this we will walk you down to the RSL Jetty (150 meters) in which we provide carts to carry your bags. The boat will be waiting for you at the Jetty. We will drive the houseboat off the Jetty for you (as we ask that you don’t attempt to bring the boat up to any jetty’s) and give you a demonstration and test run in which we will run through the simple instructions to drive and use the houseboat. Once you are completely happy and feeling comfortable, we will leave you via our dingy to decide which area you would like to explore and set sail on your houseboat to explore magical Lake Macquarie. Each morning we will send a text message or phone call to provide you with weather reports and recommendations for the best places to visit and moorings to choose for the night. We are more than happy for you to call us at any time with questions.

motoring charge

We do not charge a motoring fee per hour instead charge fuel usage for the amount you use. The fuel usage will be calculated on return to the Mooring and will be debited from your security deposit at $2.50 per litre, most boats average $50-$150 over 2-7 days. Any damage or need for extensive cleaning will also be debited from your Security Deposit. A dinghy is complimentary with oars only. You can bring an outboard Motor up to 5hp, or for an additional charge you can hire a 3.5hp.

Night Driving

It is prohibited to drive after sunset, all houseboats must be anchored/moored prior to sunset and engines must not start till sunrise. This will be monitored on a GPS tracking system.

Deposit

A deposit of $500.00 is required to confirm bookings, the balance of the total hire charge must be paid 2 weeks prior to departure.

Payment

Full payment of your rental is required 2 weeks prior to your departure. Cash, Visa, Amex and Mastercard payments are accepted. Direct deposits/transfers are also accepted and receipts to be emailed to wangiandbeyond@gmail.com. No cheques please.

Security Deposit

Wangi and Beyond Houseboat’s require a security bond of $2000 for the duration of your holiday.  This to be done with a credit card authorization ( pending), or you can organise a direct deposit a few days prior.

Cancellations

Cancellations are allowed with more than 30 days’ notice. The deposit, less a $100 administration fee, will be returned or Deposits are transferable to alternate dates within a 12-month period if dates are available. Deposit refunds for cancellations within 30 days of the hire commencement date will only be refunded once the vessel has been rebooked for the same dates, if the dates are less than your booking a $200 booking fee will be charged from the deposit. Full payment must be made 2 weeks prior to check-in. Cancellation within 2 weeks will result in full loss of payment unless the vessel is rebooked for that period.

Prohibited

Electrical Appliances such as (Hair dryers, straiteners), Pets, Generators, Portable BBQS and fridges, Candles, Fireworks, coffee machines are strictly prohibited due to safety regulations.

GPS Tracking

The boats are fitted with GPS tracking systems to allow us to ensure you are safe at all times, we will always be available 24/7 if you need assistance or have any questions. Nothing is too hard or silly, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will call you via mobile or Radio if we have concerns regarding your location or if we are concerned about weather or if you are coming close to boundary perimeters. We will advise you on the best routes and decisions to anchor or find a mooring if we believe it is safe due to weather concerns. All bookings will be void if failure to comply with rules and regulations and by not following our recommendations. The Maritime police will be notified if any concerns.

Note:

• Swansea Channel and the Sand island are strictly prohibited as they are outside our boundaries and are extremely shallow, failure to comply may result in loss of security bond.
• It is strictly prohibited to pull up to any jetty’s or foreshore, this is why we provide a complimentary dingy to allow access to jetty’s or land.
• We recommend not anchoring within 30 meters to any shoreline

Important

You must arrive at Wangi and Beyond (287 Watkins Rd Wangi Wangi ) at least 3.5 hours before the official sunset time (please ensure you are familiar with these times or call us to discuss). This is due to the available daylight needed to pack your houseboat, receive the briefing and reach the first available anchorage before sunset. If you arrive later than this time or you take too long to depart, you will stay on your houseboat at the provided mooring and leave the next morning as it is unsafe navigating in the dark and we have a strict no cruising policy after sunset. Please ensure you have all your food and beverages prior to arrival as we like to ensure a speedy departure to reduce time on the jetty and allow other guests to get out on their adventure early also.