Australia, the largest country in Oceania, is known for its distinct geographical nature. Experience the world’s largest coral reef system, Great Barrier Reef, made with billions of tiny coral polyps. Walk the sandy beaches along Gold Coast and explore the oldest rainforests of Daintree in Queensland. Take a tour of World Heritage Sites such as Sydney Opera House. You can even choose to holiday on a carefully designed houseboat to celebrate special occasions or make any day memorable with your friends and family. The stunning views of Australia’s waterways and the ample facilities on board offer a relaxing getaway from the usual hullabaloo. In one word, it’s dreamy! Scroll down to find some of the top houseboats in Australia for a blissful retreat.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Floating hotel on Brisbane Water, Central Coast (from USD 178)
This floating hotel, or “botel”, has a serene view of the water on all sides. It is moored at Bensville Broadwater and sleeps six to eight people. It has berth beds and a fully equipped kitchenette. It is furnished with a flat-screen TV, a dining area and essentials such as towels, soaps and linens
A complimentary dingy is provided to explore the surrounding areas. There is also fishing and boat rides that are child-friendly. Additionally, water sports such as water tubing, waterskiing, kayaking and whale watching can be accessed nearby.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the host troy was awesome helped us out with everything we needed for the trip
2. Drift Flotel, Gold Coast (from USD 294)
Stay in this three-storey luxury houseboat on Russell Island for an unforgettable experience. Drift Flotel is a home away from home with two bedrooms, a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. It also features balconies and a rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of the water and the national park.
It provides all the amenities such as a dining area, fold-out bed and Smart TV for a carefree and relaxing experience. You can walk around the deck and enjoy the sun or take a ride to Kangaroo Island. You can also enjoy activities like swimming and fishing here.
3. Modern eco-pod, Tailem Bend (from USD 184)
This floating house is designed especially for couples and those who are looking for a solitary retreat on the placid waters of Murray River. It resembles a stylish cabin in the woods with everything you need for a pleasant stay. It has amenities such as a queen bed with an electric blanket and reverse-cycle air conditioning to regulate the temperature. You also get a kitchenette and lounge area.
The dining area with a bar table is a perfect place to enjoy the views from the deck. There are also loungers and egg chairs to provide you comfort. Kayaks with life jackets are available for guests to explore the river.
4. Boat in The Bush, Round Hill (from USD 55)
Boat in the Bush offers you a real sailing boat modelled into a floating house. The houseboat has a private dining area, a bathroom with hot water and a space for events and entertainment. It also has a kitchen and a double bed for a pleasant stay.
Complimentary breakfast and WiFi are also provided to the guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
yet with the well equipped kitchen and amenities it was very comfortablereally nice camp kitchen style outdoor cooking with fridge and all amenities you will needwell stocked kitchen and a fantastic bathroom set upvery cosy outdoor kitchen is greatCleanliness:
the kitchen is very well equipped and the environment was clean and comfortablethe kitchen area was amazing the bathroom unbelievably clean and nice and the boatclean and tidy and bruce was very welcoming and friendly and great at communicatingHost:
great facilities great hostawesomazing • owner: super nice and reliablebruce is a fantastic hostthe host bruce is very friendly and thoughtfulhe is a great host and he was very attentive to our needsRead more reviewsLocation:
close enough to agnes too :)something a little different and definitely pretty close to naturethe location is brilliant especially over busy periods where agnes waters gets packedcool little place different and uniquebruce’s boat in the bush is located in a peaceful and lovely setting and perfect place to unwind
5. Oasis Noosa, Noosa Heads (from USD 353)
Oasis Noosa is a perfect abode for two with the amenities of a modern villa. It is built in an eco-friendly way, keeping the environment and sustainability in mind. It has a kitchen and a Bose sound system. It also has security cameras and other safety measures for a peaceful stay.
For recreation, the guests get a row boat, a pair of kayaks, a paddle board, masks, snorkels and fishing rods. You can also hire a surfboard and go surfing in one of the world’s most renowned surf reserves.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the eco-friendly floating villa is superbly designed clean and comfortableHost:
thank you so much kane you were an amazing hostkane was a lovely host and we would recommend this getaway to everyonethe host is very accommodating with check in easy to communicate with and is warm and welcomingkane’s a great host he made sure we knew how everything worked even helped us carry our stuffkane was an amazing host and went above and beyond to ensure we were well looked afterRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is private and breathtakingwhat an amazing location and vibe this is such a gem on the noosa riverkanes’ little oasis is just the perfect place to get away and do something a little differenti would definitely recommend the place if you’re looking for a unique accommodation
6. Oh Buoy, Berowra (from USD 714)
Oh Buoy is an all-Australian houseboat with a 1970s vibe in Berowra Waters. Spend a luxurious holiday in this beautiful houseboat with great views on all sides. It has a fully equipped galley with cooking essentials, Laguiole cutlery, a crockpot and a fishing basket to enjoy a fresh catch.
The bedroom has a queen bed and some rare books to read when you are bored. The bathroom has a supply of hot water and L’Occitane toiletries. There are amenities such as a Bluetooth sound system, barbecue grill, beach essentials and a hammock to enjoy the scenic view. A motorboat, kayak and paddle board are provided to cruise the river and reach nearby attractions and dining spots such as Berowra Waters Inn.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
all the amenities were provided including breakfast provisions and a welcome platter and winegood bed and great lounge and reading chairthe houseboat was incredibly comfortable retro-fitted and spacious for two peopleoh buoy is so comfortable to eat sleep and relax onHost:
they were a very accommodating friendly and helpful hosts that went above and beyondwe were met by the owners at the wharf and felt very welcomehad an incredible stay here the hosts were very helpful and accommodatingwhat a great space amazing hosts highly recommend a weekend here to relax and take stockjessica and laurie are very hospitable and very welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location near ferry and can jump on small boat to go to local restaurants
7. Coomera Houseboats, Gold Coast (from USD 773)
Coomera Houseboats offer you a range of bright and fully furnished houseboats with spectacular river and mountain views. All of them have a sitting area with a sofa, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area. The vessel is easy to operate and you will be guided initially for a hassle-free and safe ride.
There is a terrace with stunning views and facilities such as a wardrobe, a TV, a radio and CD/DVD players. There is also a space for having a barbecue party on the deck. There are a lot of amenities nearby such as a bar, golf courses, theme park and restaurants.
8. Murray Dream, Renmark (from USD 208)
The Murray Dream is a three-bedroom houseboat moored on Murray River. It is set in a picturesque location next to parklands and very close to the main township. It has a large lounge with a dining area, a self-contained kitchen, three bedrooms and a spacious full bathroom. Air conditioning and heating are also provided for your comfort.
Kayaks are also available to explore the waters. There is a large barbecue grill and a coffee machine, so you can enjoy your meals and drinks while enjoying the scenery. There is a playground for the kids and amenities such as shops, cafes and restaurants nearby.
9. The River House, White Sands (from USD 230)
This houseboat is a perfect getaway for the whole family. It has a breathtaking 180-degree view of the river from the kitchen, dining area and rear lounge. It has a mini bar with a fridge and a lounge area with a sofa bed for extreme comfort. There are three bedrooms with one being kid-friendly.
The whole place is child-friendly and made accessible to the mobility impaired. There is a complete and spacious kitchen with all the modern necessities. The top deck has a covered space with lounges and a table where you can dine or play games. Additionally, there are temperature-control facilities such as air and portable heating.
10. The Hex, Mannum
This unique accommodation is situated in Mannum and gets its name from the hexagonal shape of the floating house. It has a 180-degree view of the water with pelicans and ducks roving around. The house is fully air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen and a barbecue grill. There is a patio in the private garden where you can enjoy your meals.
Some of the nearby attractions are The Big Rocking Horse, Monarto Zoo and Riverglen Marina. The nearest airport is Adelaide Airport, at a distance of 66.4 mi (107 km) from the location.
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it is a hexagonal room with seperate bathroom but is surprisingly spacious and delightfulour accomodation was perfectly clean and a great locationHost:
david and wendy were extremely welcoming and helpful able to be flexibleRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for a romantic getawaynice location looking out over the waterbest part is it’s location floating over the watergreat place to stay for a few nights
A serene retreat on the water
Houseboats can give you an unforgettable vacation experience. If you are planning a holiday on a houseboat, book one of these options and enjoy a unique getaway in Australia.
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