Luxury Boat Hire Noosa Mini Slide – 16 Person Boat – 4 Hours

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Four hours on the Noosa River in a pontoon boat for up to 16 people, with a kids' slide into the water, a gas barbecue and pizza oven, and a flush toilet. Long enough to cruise down to the sandbanks, cook lunch and swim.

Days

4 hours

Age

Driver 25+ with a boat licence; slide for children up to 70 kg

Group size

Private boat, up to 16 people

Start / finish

Noosa Marina, Tewantin / Noosa Marina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Self-drive pontoon boat with a 60hp outboard

Meals

No meals are listed as included; gas barbecue and pizza oven on board

Route

Map of Luxury Boat Hire Noosa Mini Slide – 16 Person Boat – 4 Hours

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Included experiences

Noosa River — cruise more than 20 km of river and canals from Tewantin past Noosaville
Sandbanks near Noosa Heads — anchor to swim, fish or play beach cricket
Mini slide — children slide off the boat into the river
On board — cook lunch on the gas barbecue or in the pizza oven

Luxury Boat Hire Noosa MINI SLIDE - 16 PERSON Boat - 4 HOURS

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Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT NOOSA MARINA, TEWANTIN

Your time on the water starts at Noosa Marina in Tewantin, a river town that began in the 1870s as a timber settlement. Arrive about half an hour before your start time so the driver can fill in the hire form, then the crew walk your group of up to 16 down to the pontoon with the little slide off the back. The briefing covers it all: how to steer and drop the anchor, where the life jackets are kept, and how the barbecue, pizza oven and toilet work. You also get a map of the hire area with the safe swimming spots and the good fishing spots marked, so nobody has to guess where to go.

ON THE NOOSA RIVER: DOWNSTREAM OR UP TO THE LAKE

Then the wheel is yours. The 60hp four-stroke outboard starts with the turn of a key and settles into an easy river pace. The Noosa River rises in the sand country of Cooloola to the north and runs through a chain of lakes before it reaches the sea, and from the marina you have more than 20 km of river and canals to cruise. Heading downstream you pass Noosaville, where Gympie Terrace runs right along the water's edge. Watch for pelicans in the shallows and ospreys hunting over the channel. Prefer quieter water? Head upstream past Makepeace Island, Sir Richard Branson's private island resort, to Lake Cooroibah, the first of those lakes.

THE SANDBANKS NEAR NOOSA HEADS

Near the river mouth at Noosa Heads, the channel spreads over pale sandbanks, and this is where most groups drop anchor. On the headland above, Noosa National Park is home to wild koalas. Pick a bank, set the anchor and the next few hours are yours. Swim in the shallows, throw a line in, or set up stumps for beach cricket on the sand. Children up to 70 kg can go down the slide straight into the river. Lunch goes on the gas barbecue or into the pizza oven, and with a flush toilet on board nobody has to head back early. Pre-made pizzas, an esky with ice, fishing gear and paddleboards can be ordered ahead for an extra cost.

BACK TO TEWANTIN

Keep half an eye on the clock. The boat is due back at the marina at the end of your four hours, so allow time for the cruise upriver and a quick tidy, leaving it the way you found it. The cafés at the marina are a few steps away if anyone wants a cold drink before the drive home.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Noosa Marina, 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin, on the left-hand side as you face the marina. The public car park is free for the first three hours, or come on the Noosa Ferry; there are cafes and shops at the marina. The Donnella Bridge on the way in has single-lane traffic lights, so allow an extra 10 minutes.
Departure time: From September to April, 4-hour hires run 8am to 12pm or 1pm to 5pm. From May to August you choose a start time, with the hire between 9am and 4pm. Your time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Four hours after you set off, back at Noosa Marina.
Minimum age: The driver must be 25 or older. Children of any age count as one of the 16 people.
Suits: Families, friends and groups. Dogs are welcome, up to two per boat. Beer and wine are fine in sensible amounts; spirits only as premixed cans or sealed bottles, and the driver can't drink.
Please note: A current boat licence is required for the driver of this boat, as it carries more than 12 people. The driver must also be 25 or over and a confident boat operator. The slide is for children up to 70 kg, not adults. The Noosa Everglades are upstream and outside the hire area. Bring the boat back on time and tidy, or the bond can be affected.

What to bring

The driver's current car licence and boat licence, a mobile phone and a credit card
Food and drinks for the day; catering extras need ordering at least 72 hours ahead

What is included

4 hours hire of a pontoon boat with a kids' mini slide, for up to 16 people
Safety briefing and river map
Gas barbecue and pizza oven
Flush toilet, sink and 30 litres of drinking water
Life jackets in a range of sizes

Not included

$1,000 security bond, paid by card or cash on the day
Food and drinks (bring your own or pre-order)
Captain's hats (optional extra)
Esky, ice, bait, tackle and fishing rods (optional extra)
Disposable cutlery, plates and cups (optional extra)
Barbecue utensils, cooking oil and paper towel (optional extra)
Pre-made pizzas (optional extra, collected when you board)
Stand-up paddleboards (optional extra)
Skipper (optional extra, minimum 4 hours)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.