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INFORMATION - FAQs

Some frequently asked questions and answers follow below:

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Where do I find Ripples houseboats?
Ripples houseboats are located on the Hawkesbury River, close to the township of Brooklyn. We are based at Sandbrook Inlet Marina, 87 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn which is located approximately 1 hour north of Sydney off the F3 Freeway. Click for detailed directions.

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Can I come by public transport?
Yes. Brooklyn township has a railway station called the Hawkesbury River railway station. However, you must check that your train will stop at this station. On arrival at the Hawkesbury River station, just phone Ripples Houseboats, and one of our team will come and pick you up. Click for CityRail timetables.

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What if I come from overseas or interstate?
If travelling by road from the south or west, you should head for Hornsby and on to Brooklyn via the F3 Freeway. If from the north then also use the F3 Freeway, but turn off to Brooklyn before crossing the Hawkesbury River Bridge. If coming from the airport, consider using the door to door service offered by North Shore Airport Service.

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Where do I park my car?
Ripples clients have use of our locked car park which is fitted with a combination lock. Spaces for 2 cars per Elite and Resort houseboat and 1 car per Islander houseboat are provided. Although the car park is locked, we are not responsible for the safety of your vehicle. Please do not leave valuables in your car.

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How many people can I have on the boat?
The number of berths on the boat is the maximum number of people allowed to sleep on board.  Children 1 year and over count as a person.

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Can I bring my pet?
Pets, firearms and fireworks are not allowed on our boats.

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How long will it take to check in?
Allow one hour for loading and briefing prior to departure. Once your houseboat has been loaded and you have viewed the instructional DVD, a member of our marina team will complete an onboard operational briefing. This includes an agreed assessment of your houseboat’s condition, reading of the engine hour meter and driving instructions. Once we are happy you can safely control the houseboat, our marina team will disembark and you will be on your way. To allow sufficient time for this, please ensure all your crew arrives at our marina no later than 3.30pm. If you or any of your crew arrive after 3.30pm you will need to stay on your houseboat at the marina for the first night.


What if I arrive after the 3:30pm check in time?
Should you or any of your crew arrive after 3.30 pm you may be required to stay on your houseboat at the marina overnight and depart the following day.

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How do I go about paying?
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. Cheques must be received at least 14 days prior to departure, but are not accepted on the day of departure. The price quoted at the time of booking will be held firm.

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Is there a bond?
A Security Bond ($500 for the Islander, $750 for the Elite & Resort) is required before departure. Cheques are not accepted. Normal payment is a credit card imprint which is held until the boat is returned. Provided the boat is returned clean, tidy and undamaged, the voucher will be destroyed.

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I have not handled a boat before - will I need a licence?
No, you do not need a licence to drive our houseboats. You do need to be at least 18 years of age. To ensure you do have a wonderful time we explain navigation rules, brief you on the full operation of the boat and then take you for a short drive on the river to make sure you feel comfortable with the boat before setting off on your own. Ripples have developed their own DVD to assist with initial training.

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What if I need assistance out on the water?
Although you are unlikely to require assistance, Ripples Houseboats are fitted with marine radios, so you can contact our office (depending on location) or local rescue services. It is also advisable to take your mobile phone as an additional means of contact. Our office is open daily between 9 am and 5 pm and we have staff living on the river for after hours support. For your safety and security, all our houseboats are tracked by GPRS. We will ask you to give us a contact mobile phone number when you check in and to ensure the phone is turned on when you are returning to our base.

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What if I damage the boat?
The boat is fully insured but you are responsible for damages and losses of equipment up to the value of your bond, providing you have met our conditions of charter. Wilful or negligent damage is not covered, and you are responsible for damage caused by you or members of your group to other peoples property.

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What do I pack?
Our houseboats are fully equipped with cutlery, crockery, glassware, saucepans, frying pans and other kitchen utensils. Pillows and doonas are also provided. You need to bring sheets and towels, personal items, food and drink. Sheets and towels may be hired from us for $10 per person. To assist we supply you with a complete inventory of what is included on the boats when you book. Be aware when packing that storage and hanging space is limited on all houseboats and soft bags should be used in preference to suitcases. Non-slip shoes are recommended for safety on board.

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Is there any music on board?
All Ripples houseboats are equipped with AM/FM radios and CD players.

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Can I arrange for provisioning for my trip?
Hawkesbury River Provisioning can arrange to provision or reprovision your houseboat.
Contact Ross (0411 443 944) or Pip (0422 883 609) for details.

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Are there any restaurants we can visit on the Hawkesbury?
Yes. There are several restaurants located around the cruising area on the
river, some that are only accessible by water. We have included on your boat a list of these restaurants . Note however you will have to anchor your houseboat and visit the restaurant in your dinghy. See Links for details of various restaurants.

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How far can I take the boat?
You can take the boat up river as far as Spencer, although most people prefer to go down stream to Cowan Creek or Bobbin Head (24km). Your limit towards the sea is an imaginary line between Juno Point and Challenger Head. This means you can take the boat into Ku-ring-gai National Park but for your safety and well being you cannot take the boat into Pittwater, Patonga or out into Broken Bay.

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Can I travel at night?
No. Charter Boats are only permitted to travel in daylight hours and must not move between dusk and dawn.

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Are there any shops in Brooklyn?
In Brooklyn township there is a general store that provides a limited range of groceries, dairy products, newspapers and videos. There is also a hotel and bottle shop. There are no supermarkets in Brooklyn and we recommend you bring all necessary supplies with you, or contact Te Papa Provisioning (see above). There is also a small convenience shop at the marina that carries a wide range of fishing tackle and equipment for sale or hire.

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Are banking facilities available?
No, however we accept cash, EFTPOS or major credit cards. Cheques are only accepted 10 working days before departure.  The convenience store also has EFTPOS facilities.

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Do I need a fishing licence?
Fishing licences for four members of your crew are included in the charter fee. Additional licences may be obtained from the convenience shop at the marina.

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What about water and fuel?
Water tanks on board hold between 600 (Islander) and 2500 (Resort) litres of drinkable water and will last for 3-5 days. Because of the limited supply care should be taken with the use of water (particularly on the Islander houseboat). You can fill up at our base free of charge. Your boat will have a full tank of fuel which will be sufficient for approximately 30 hours of cruising time. Fuel is charged at $15 per motoring hour for the Islander, $25 per motoring hour for the Resort and $35 per motoring hour for the Elite - you are only charged for the time the motors are running. Most people motor for an average of 2-3 hours a day, and we would suggest you budget approximately $35 (Islander) or $65 (Resort) each day for fuel. However, there is an hour meter on the boat that registers motoring hours so you can check how you are going at any time.

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Is there power on the boat?
Ripples Houseboats are fitted with 12 volt D.C supply with a cigarette lighter type plug socket similar to a car. Mobile phones may be charged from this socket whilst you are motoring along. There are no facilities for 240 volt appliances such as hairdryers and microwaves.

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What about keeping food cool?
The houseboats are fitted with gas operated fridges which are of either 460 or 660 cc depending on the size of the boat you select. In addition a large insulated icebox is fitted to the deck. Block and crushed ice may be purchased at the Marina.

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What if I have to cancel?
If you cancel more than 1 month before your booking we will charge a $100 administration fee and refund the balance of your deposit.  If you cancel less than one month before the departure date you will forfeit your deposit unless we can re-let the boat.

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