Bookings

See our hire Terms and Conditions link below

T&Cs

Hire Terms and Conditions

We highly recommend understanding our boat hire T&Cs prior to making your booking

Also see our hire frequently asked questions below

Hire FAQs

WHEN SHOULD WE ARRIVE?
We ask that you and your group arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled booking. This will allow time for us to take you through the safety and instructional overview before you set off. Your hire time may be reduced to ensure sufficient time for us to go through the overview and safety briefing prior to disembarking.

WHERE SHOULD WE PARK?
There are many car parks located within walking distance to Love Boats jetty, the best option is the large paid public car park located off Eastlake Parade, adjacent to Trevillian Quay at Kingston Foreshore.

WHAT CAN WE BRING ON THE BOAT?
You can bring your own food and drinks, each boat has a fridge and we can arrange ice upon request.

- Disposable containers, picnicware, plastic bottles/cups and canned drinks preferred.

- No glassware or glass drinking bottles.

- Premix alcohol, beer and wine is permitted (red wine is not recommended and may incur an additional cleaning fee if spilt).

CAN WE DECORATE THE BOAT FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION?
Love that you're celebrating a special occasion with us, and would love to help you make it as amazing and as memorable as possible. Please reach out to us ahead of time so we can coordinate and plan accordingly.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Wear whatever you’d like, the boat windows offer protection from the wind on cooler days, and allow for a breeze on warmer days.

- Boat shoes and rubber sole sneakers are encouraged for safely walking on the jetty and boarding the boat.

- Sandals, thongs and bare feet are permitted on board, however heels, dress shoes and soles that will mark the boat are not permitted. Shoe storage containers are available prior to boarding the boat.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE CONSIDER BRINGING ON THE DAY?
On arrival, the designated captain must present a valid driver’s licence and debit/credit card with $250.00 available for a pre-authorisation security hold.

We also suggest bringing food, water and other drinks, sunglasses, sunscreen, your favorite playlist, and an extra layer of clothing as lake conditions may differ to inland.

IS THE BOAT EASY TO DRIVE/ IS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?
Yes, the boat is quite simple and easy to operate, with a top speed of 5.2 knots (9 km/h) you will have ample time to steer and maneuver as you explore Lake Burley Griffin. The designated captain must be 21 years or older and must sign-off on viewing our Hire Terms and Conditions, and Safety Checklist. The captain will also receive a Safety Briefing from our crew on the dock before heading out. You will receive a detailed map that will allow you to easily follow a suggested route according to your hire period.

WHAT IS THE PASSENGER LIMIT PER BOAT?
Each boat is rated for a total of 10 people with a maximum combined weight of 815 kilograms. The passenger limit is based on Australian Maritime Safety Authority certification. There is no flexibility on passenger/weight limits. For larger groups please reach out as we may can accommodate you on our larger 30-seat ferry.

IS THERE MUSIC ON THE BOAT?
Yes, our boats have a Bluetooth stereo with multiple speakers to sync up your favorite playlist.

ARE THERE BATHROOMS ON THE BOATS?
No, the boats do not have toilets, there are public restrooms available close to our jetty which your group can use before heading out. Lake authorities only allow Love Boats' jetty as your disembarking and designated docking location, so if nature calls during your cruise, you must only return to our jetty to use the restrooms. There also must be a dock attendant on site ready to assist you dock.

ARE THE BOATS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?
Our boats are not specifically designed for handicap accessibility. Please call for more information and we will do our best to accommodate.

DO THE CANOPIES COME OFF?
The boat canopies are permanently fixed, however our window enclosures are easily opened to let the breeze flow through. We will show you and your group how to do this before you head out for your cruise.

WHAT IF THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE BOAT DURING OUR CRUISE?
We inspect and assess the boat upon your return. Any damage will be charge the person/party accordingly. A fee of $50 will be charged if there is excess rubbish removal and cleaning required.

CAN I BOOK MORE THAN ONE BOAT AT A TIME?
Yes (subject to availability), you can book up to 4 boats at one time which will accommodate a group up to 40. Please reach out to make this request and we will do our best to accommodate. The boats can cruise the lake together, but must remain a safe distance apart and refrain from any unsafe actions. There is absolutely no tying up/rafting the boats to each other.

ARE THERE ANY EXTRA FEES BESIDES THE RENTAL RATE?
A $250 debit/credit card pre-authorisation security hold is required to ensure the boat is returned without damage. The hold will be immediately released once the boat is returned to the dock without any damage or cleaning fee.

WHEN WILL MY CARD BE CHARGED?
You will be charged in full for your boat hire at the time of booking. The $250 security hold will be charged upon arrival of your hire.

WHAT'S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
As our boats are covered with full window enclosures, we continue to operate during cooler weather and light rain events.

- In severe weather conditions where deemed a risk to safety, (i.e., high winds, heavy rain, hail or rough seas), your booking will be cancelled and a full refund given, or your booking rescheduled to a later date.

- If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to your booking, you will be entitled to a full refund, excluding any transaction processing fees.

- If you cancel within 72 to 24 hours prior to your booking, you will be entitled to a full credit of your hire fee, to reschedule at a later date (subject to availability).

- If you cancel within 24 hours prior to your booking, no refunds will be given.

ARE LIFE JACKETS PROVIDED?
Yes, there is a life jacket for each passenger located under the seat cushions within the main seating area. If you have children under the age of 13, specific life jackets will be provided.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
No, all ages are welcome, however you must be at least 21 years of age in order to book a self-drive hire and captain the boat. Children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on the dock and on the boat.

ARE PETS/DOGS ALLOWED ON THE BOAT?
Although we love our furry friends, but unfortunately no pets are allowed on our boats.

CAN WE DOCK ANYWHERE AND/OR PICK-UP OR DROP-OFF PASSENGERS DURING OUR CRUISE?
You can only dock our boats at Love Boats' jetty, from where you initially disembark, this jetty has attendants available to assist - this is for your and the boat’s safety. When approaching the jetty area, use extreme caution and approach very slowly, don’t forget to have a line ready to hand-off to the attendant.

WHAT DO WE DO IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BOAT DURING MY RENTAL?
If you have a problem with the boat during your hire, contact the number provided and we will happily troubleshoot the problem/query, or in the event of a breakdown, we will come out and tow you back in.

CAN WE DROP ANCHOR AND CHILL IN ONE SPOT?
No you are not allowed to anchor the boat anywhere on the lake, however it's totally fine for you to float while the boat is in neutral gear. Please maintain awareness of lake traffic or other boats around. We have some suggested locations marked on the provided map. The captain remains responsible for any oncoming traffic and should be aware of your surroundings at all times.

CAN WE FISH OFF OF THE BOAT?
No, there is absolutely no fishing allowed from any of our boats.

CAN WE SWIM OFF OF THE BOAT?
Swimming is not permitted from our boats. Passengers cannot hang off the boat to dip legs or arms into the water.