Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Eildon?
The Eildon township is only just over an hour's drive from Lilydale in Melbourne's northeast on the Maroondah Highway, under 2 hours from Campbellfield in the north on the Hume Freeway via Yea, or about 3 hours south of Albury/Wodonga.
What is houseboating all about?
Well, houseboating is not like camping out, for example you can change the scenery whenever you like & all the comforts of home go with you ... wherever you drift, dream or cruise.
What can I do on a houseboat holiday?
That's easy ... you can be as energetic as you like ... bring your own water craft for water skiing, wake boarding, tubing ... the rear deck of the houseboat has been modified to accept the modern boats, or decide not to destroy yourself in favour of something less energetic ... like fishing. You could even decide to do nothing at all ... it's your choice. You decide what you want to do when cruising on a houseboat holiday.
What sleeping arrangements can I expect on a houseboat?
Beyond Belief has three large cabins. The main cabin boasts a queen size bed. The second cabin is equipped with two queen size beds in bunk form & the third cabin offers four larger than normal, comfortable single bunks. A comfortable double bed settee is located in the lounge so any two of the twelve passengers can sleep in that area.
We've provided plenty of storage space in each cabin to help you enjoy your stay. Not only that ... you won't need to fill your car with bulky doonas, & pillows ... we provide them all for your comfort & convenience. Just add your own bed linen. The fact is you are sure to enjoy a refreshing sleep in any of the beds or bunks, no matter where you decide to crash.
What about cooking, eating & entertaining?
If you think preparing a meal on a houseboat would be a bit of a juggle ... you're wrong.
In fact preparing your favourite dish is a delight in our galley.
The features you would expect to find in a houseboat are all here ... from a bar area to a 2 door fridge/freezer, plus a domestic sized four burner stove complete with range hood & outdoor BBQ.
Catering for any style of dining you could wish for is a breeze. Anything at all ... from a quick snack to a sophisticated banquet.
The entertainment facilities in our hire houseboats include a colour TV / DVD as well as a quality built in sound system upstairs & down. Do remember to bring your favourite DVD/CDs though, TV reception is poor.
What is the "all up" cost of a houseboat holiday likely to be?
A houseboat holiday is not expensive when compared to most other travel options. Eildon is not far from most population centres within Victoria so travelling costs are low. The cost of hiring a houseboat can be shared amongst those on board which could number up to twelve people. When this amount is further divided by the number of days spent on board you begin to realise how affordable a houseboat holiday really is. A holiday on our boat will not cost a fortune for fuel either ... we've taken care of all that. Beyond Belief is powered by an economical & quiet four stroke outboard motor ... it just doesn't get any better than that! A generator is provided to power most 240v appliances. The generator automatically charges the 12 volt system whenever it's operating ... but that's only a "back up" system as the solar panels take care of all that "techie stuff" for you ... free & in complete silence.
What about boarding the boat?
A roll-out boarding plank wide enough for a wheelchair is fitted at the front of Beyond Belief. The boarding plank rolls back under the front deck out of the way when not in use ... it's all very easy.
Does this mean Beyond Belief is wheel chair friendly?
Yes it does. In fact, Beyond Belief may be the only wheel chair friendly houseboat available for hire on Lake Eildon. In addition to easy boarding facilities, Beyond Belief is equipped with a second shower suitable for handicapped people.
What about the deck facilities?
The front deck features a gas BBQ and a very large ice box. Most people store fillets of fresh fish in the ice box until your chef is ready to prepare a succulent mouth watering meal on the BBQ. Is there any thing better than fresh fish cooked on the barbie? Just imagine ... all this could be yours from Eildon Houseboat Hire.
What about swimming or skiing?
There are two wide gates at the rear of the lower deck which provide access from the rear deck to the full width "speed boat friendly" swimming or ski platform. A built-in swimming ladder is provided so you can easily climb back on board after that refreshing swim or ski.
What about the top deck?
A staircase from the rear deck leads up to the magnificent sun deck area complete with outdoor table & chairs. This deck is an ideal viewing platform from which to admire the stunning scenery both on & surrounding Lake Eildon ... the houseboat capital of Australia. A 90% sun block canopy covers part of the sun deck. For the evening, the sun canopy is fitted with bud lights which compliment the safety lighting on the handrails. Together they cast a pleasant glow ... ready for the party after the sun sets.
Or ... you might decide to by-pass "energetic" and do absolutely nothing ... that's what a houseboat holiday is all about.
What next?
Contact us with details of your preferred dates & we'll help with your holiday.
Any more questions?
email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring 0408 005 535
