Hire & Drive –
Houseboat Experience
Hire & Drive –
Houseboat Storm – 5 Berth
Your fully self-contained hire-and-drive houseboat offers the ultimate river adventure. Perfect for couples or families wanting to explore the Blackwood River at their own pace, it’s a unique way to unwind and connect with nature.
Cruise this peaceful, ancient waterway surrounded by birdlife, bushland and hidden coves. Pull in for a paddle, try your luck at crabbing or soak in the sunset from the top deck. Your houseboat includes kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a motorised dinghy for shore trips or exploring further upstream.
With Margaret River just 30 minutes away and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse nearby, this is your chance to slow down, switch off and create unforgettable memories on the water.
Rooms Overview
Welcome aboard Storm—a stylish, five-berth floating haven designed for those who crave space, comfort and a splash of adventure. From the full-length upper deck with shaded lounging to the private rear swim platform, every detail invites you to slow down and soak up the Blackwood River magic.
Inside, a spacious main cabin features a double bed, while a separate bunk room offers twin singles for kids or friends. The airy central lounge includes two fold-down double beds, a well-equipped galley kitchen, indoor dining and a hot shower bathroom—bringing all the comforts of home onboard.
Enjoy alfresco meals on the bow deck with all-weather blinds, catch some sun up top, then launch off for a paddle or cruise with your motorised dinghy.
Your Hire and Drive Experience Includes:
Bookings
Book your chilled-out, relaxing stay on the Blackwood River today.
check_circleMid-week, Tuesday – Thursday 2 night stay
$2000
check_circleWeekend, Friday to Monday 3 night stay
$3000
check_circleWeek, Tuesday -Monday, six night stay
$4000
Peak
check_circleMid-week, Tuesday – Thursday 2 night stay
$2,500
check_circleWeekend, Friday to Monday 3 night stay
$3,500
check_circleWeek, Tuesday-Monday, six night stay
$5,000
check_circleChristmas/New Year’s and Easter 4 night stay
$4,500
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ALLIRA In Town - Private Jetty, Ellis Street Augusta
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions –
Hire & Drive
Not required. Hire-and-drive guests receive a full induction on arrival.
You must hold a current C-class driver’s licence.
Medium. It moves slowly with simple forward, neutral and reverse controls. A practical approach and attention to instructions are essential. Full training is provided on arrival.
Yes. These are inland waters. Full safety instructions and equipment are provided onboard. We’re fully licensed with over 23 years of experience. Vessels meet all Hire-and-Drive regulations and AMSA standards. We reserve the right to suspend hire if safety concerns arise.
Generally yes, but coverage can vary. You will have mobile reception in most areas but as this is a remote location, ensure your mobile carrier provides suitable coverage. We’re always on standby if you need assistance.
You have access to 28 km of pristine National Park waters from Augusta to Alexandra Bridge. We’ll recommend an itinerary when you arrive.
Clearly marked moorings are available with flat, yellow buoys featuring buoy numbers. You’ll practise mooring during your induction.
Fuel tanks are full at commencement of hire. At the end of your hire, costs are calculated on actual consumption. The average hire is 60-90 litres in the houseboats and 5-15 in the dinghy – depending on how you drive them.
Safety – use the on board life jackets, take the grab bag with you, max passengers 4. Safety Instructions are on board and included in the induction.
Operating instructions – are included in the lesson.
Fuel – 2-stroke mix see on board trouble shooting guide. Full at commencement of hire.
Solar power with battery backup. A USB point at the helm. 2kva generator on board for small appliances incl microwave, cpap machine, byo coffee machine (Press is on board). Gas fridges are 260 litre with freezer compartment, no engels please.
Yes it is beautiful harvested rainwater as part of our off grid operation. It’s essential to be WATERWISE. Houseboats RIVER & STORM carry 1500 litres.
Usage – all water is stored on board. Conservative use will last 3 – 4 days. If you run out you will need to return to base
Basic items are available at Molloy Caravan Park kiosk. You can use your dinghy to reach Augusta from moorings T1, T2, and T3 (booking required for Ellis St jetty), or travel by car from West Bay.
All food, drinks, bathers, music, books, fishing gear.
On request, we can arrange: a private chef, pre-stocked food and beverages, local take-away meals, seasonal produce hamper and a barbeque hamper.
Have your favourite supermarket deliver to our private jetty.
Included are: paddle boards, kayaks, motorised dinghy, fishing gear, binoculars and bird-spotting books, bikes and e-bikes.
Waterscape Floating Apartments are moored in the heart of Augusta, a charming coastal hamlet, nestled in the Hardy Inlet, Blackwood River and a stone throw from the Southern and Indian Oceans. We’re just 3.5 hours’ drive south of Perth, only 30 minutes from Margaret River and a short 5-minute drive to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Relax, fish, swim, stand up board, waterski, birdwatch, stargaze, visit many of the award-winning wineries and restaurants in the region. Enjoy everything this charming hamlet has to offer from boutique shopping to lovely cafes and waterside dining at the Colour Patch.
Private yoga session, beauty treatment, massage service, or hairdresser can be arranged. Please get in touch to arrange this in advance.
Free, secure parking is available.
Pick-ups and deliveries can be arranged on request. A surcharge will apply.
There are lots of tours available in the area from wild fishing, winery hopping, river tours, whale watching and restaurant tours to name a few. Let us know what you’re looking for and we can look into this for you, all part of the service.
Accessibility has been considered for people of varying levels of ability. The private jetty has an accessible ramp. Some vessels have lipped wet areas and narrow corridors, check with us when you book in. We have had many determined visitors that have overcome the minor obstacles of the vessels and we do everything we can to get you on board.
No, sorry. The area of operation is national park and private property. The vessels have open railings. We highly recommend a nearby kennel for your fur family.
Guide dogs or therapy animals are welcome.
Recycle bins are onboard. Your recycling is donated to the local Containers for Change scheme. This is run by Lions Club of Leeuwin, who support charities near and far.
Yellowfin and KG Whiting, black bream, tailor, herring, mullet, crabs in season.
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