FAQs
Boats, Hire & Boundaries
What is included in the ‘boat hire’ only price?
4 person runabout: fuel, fishing licenses, and all safety equipment
Pontoons: same as runabouts plus cooler, cooking utensils, up to 2 parking spots (1 only for Fish & Cruise)
What time should I arrive before my booking?
You will be given more information regarding this on booking, but you will be required to be here at least 30 minutes before for a safety briefing, before you can take the boat onto the water.
Where I am allowed to take the boat?
The boundaries upstream are Bar Point to Fishermans Point. The downstream boundary is Croppy Point (or Juno Point should conditions allow - circa 14 - 15 kms of river to explore). Boats are generally not permitted up Mooney Mooney Creek, Mullet Creek or Up Berowra Waters Creek past Bar Island without prior approval. We supply a map.
Am I allowed to tow anything?
The simple answer is NO.
If I hire the boat can someone else drive it?
As long as the person holds a current driver’s license they can drive the boat, but the person on the hire agreement is responsible.
How fast do the boats go?
Boats that do not require a license to operate will not exceed 10 knots (the maximum speed allowable for an unlicensed driver). Our vessels requiring a boat license will achieve speeds in excess of 15-20 knots depending upon tide and weather conditions.
If something happens, am I insured?
The hirer assumes responsibility for the boat, so If anything happens to the boat, and it’s deemed to be the fault of the hirer or their party, they are held accountable. In the case of it not being the fault of the hirer’s party, we are insured. .
Fishing & Stuff
Do we bring our own fishing gear or can we hire or buy it?
You can bring your own. We sell a great array of bait and tackle.
We sell ready-to-go combo’s, and we also hire rods and tackle for $15.
What kind of fish can we catch on the River and what are the limits.
There is information on every boat about fish types and limits. The main species once can expect to catch are bream, flathead, snapper, whiting, tailor and the real prize …. mulloway (jewfish). We often see flathead in the 60cm - 90cm range (the Legal Limit is between 36cm and 70cm), and for those prepared to do the homework and put in the effort jewfish over the 1 metre mark are not uncommon (the minimum size is 70cms).
There is also further information at the following links:
Where do we gut and clean our catch?
Yes, we have a cleaning table set up on the water at the shop
Payments, Cancellations & Refund (Stuff Happens)
Is your online booking secure?
Yes, we partner with RentalCarManager for fleet and booking management. Our website is also hosted using on SquareSpace which ensures your privacy when you are using our website.
What if it’s pouring rain - can I get a refund?
No. Rainy weather in itself is not grounds for cancellation, but if Brooklyn Central deems it unsafe to be on the river, they will cancel and a full refund will be paid.
What if something happens and I have to cancel - do I get a refund?
If you cancel prior to 72 hours prior to the booking the deposit will be refunded less a $10 Cancellation Administration Fee.
Contact us in other circumstances.
How does the 10% online discount work during peak season/Public Holidays?
The cost of the hire will still be discounted by 10% of the peak season price
Do you supply wet weather gear?
No, but the boats, especially the larger vessels, offer substantial protection from the rain. Also, we sell ponchos in the store.
If we come back late, what’s the penalty?
Part of your bond/deposit may be forfeited
If we lose an anchor, what’s the penalty?
Part of your bond/deposit may be forfeited
Can we climb onto the roof of the pontoon boats? Can we raft pontoon boats together?
No. Such activities are highly dangerous. Failure to comply may result in the termination of your hire and forfeiture of any deposits/bonds paid.
The River
Is the Hawkesbury fresh or salt water?
Saltwater within our territory boundaries.
Can we pull up at any jetty or pier?
No there are no public piers or jetties that you can pull up to or berth the boats within our boundaries
Where is Wisemans Ferry, and can we go there?
Wisemans Ferry is out of our area boundary. It’s a little town on the Hawkesbury River, north West from Brooklyn.
Responsible Fun
Can we drink alcohol on the boat? Do you supply alcohol? Do you have coolers we can use?
We promote the responsible consumption of alcohol compliant with current legislation. The operator of the boat needs to abide by their car license and the legal alcohol limits. (Full licence = 0.05 and L & P-Platers = 0.00)
We provide 60L coolers on our pontoon boats.
We do not sell alcohol but it can be purchased in town.
Can we swim anywhere on the river off the boat?
No, we do not allow swimming directly off the boat. We also do not encourage swimming within territory boundaries. There are sharks in the river system but more importantly, there are often large tidal movements (currents).
Random Stuff People Ask Frequently
Are kids allowed on the boats?
Yes, and life jackets are provided.
Are stilettos or high heels OK on the boats?
Technically, yes they are allowed, but not advisable.
Is smoking allowed onboard?
Yes, but you must get a butt bucket from the store. Any cigarette burns on the boat will result in loss of bond
How’s the phone coverage?
Yes, there is phone coverage within our boundaries,
Is there a bank/ATM in Brooklyn? What about EFTPOS?
There is an ATM at the pub, and we have EFTPOS facilities.
Are Pets Allowed
No for all hires - most of our territory is within a National Park which does not allow pets.
What about the bathroom? How do we go to the toilet/amenities?
BBQ boats have toilets on the boat. We also have toilets at the shop. There are no public amenities within our boundaries that you can access.
Is there free parking?
Yes, BBQ Boat customers are guaranteed 2 spots. Fish and Cruise is guaranteed 1 car spot. There is also free street parking.
What if we want to go bush walking or exploring - can we leave the boat and will it be safe?
No, as the river is subject to fluctuations of the tide, boat hirers and operators may become stranded
Can I cook with my own gas cooker on the boats?
Definitely not. This is not safe so close to petrol and flammable cushions.