Mary River Houseboats

Great houseboats on offer here. Went for a night with a party of 8 others (September 2021), and it was perfect. Great driving and steering of the boat, and sleeping was not an issue. Saw lots of crocs and various flora and fauna on the way too. Great for parties and bringing mates along, quality service.

Must do experience, stunning scenery, abundant bird life and plenty of crocs to see in their natural habitat. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

Cancelled our booking a few days out in the middle of peak season after we had booked months in advance and paid in full

We'd only just been in touch with them to find out when the final payment was due and no indication that it might not go ahead. Paid the remainder and then suddenly cancelled.

The billabong is beautiful but don't pin your hopes on a houseboat. So disappointed.

Staffs were very friendly and helpful. The houseboat got a lot of space. Very good kitchen with everything that needs to cook. In particular the fridge, I was worry how to keep drinks cold at 35c. But it's big enough for 2 people 2 days of food and drinks. I don't need to buy ice to keep food and drink cold.

The only problem was the bed downstairs. It was so short. I can't straighten my legs. The bed in upstart was good. My friend had it because he is tall than me. In the end, I went upstair and shared with my friend.

It was amazing, a lifetime unforgettable experience. Would love to do it again but for at least 3 days. Love you guys!

This is our 5th visit to the Corroboree Houseboats (previously ‘Mary River Houseboats’). On this visit we were shocked at the state of the Houseboat (in relation to cleanliness). There was:
- raw mince attached to the kitchen window
- a ball of 'hair' collected in the Shower drain hole
- Glass sliding doors and windows were all disgusting
- the floors were so dirty, we would not walk around without wearing socks.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Although the Houseboats are 'old' and not modern, we have always been delighted at the trouble taken to keep them clean. But this time, frankly, we felt disgusted.
The whole houseboat needs a good 'Gurney', and thereafter, thorough cleaning by someone who can actually see the dirt / grime / hair etc.
We have been recommending the Houseboats to everyone we know for years, but I feel too embarrassed to do so going forward because of the dirty state of the houseboats on our last visit.
We feel quite reluctant to return ourselves, even though this is our favorite experience of all time. It's alot of money to pay to feel disgusted with the lack of cleanliness.
The billabong and wildlife is absolutely spectacular. We believe it is the very best wildlife experience in Australia, and Australia's best kept secret.

It's been incredibly amazing! The owner is a super nice guy, and the boat was super easy to operate. I was a bit concerned about motion sickness as I am ridiculously reactive to all kinds of wave, but the boathouse was completely stable. It's phenomenal.

It's a lifetime experience and one of the highlights during our trip.

We are family of 3 with a teenage girl and stayed one night in the large houseboat. The boat was easy to drive and the river is so wide and long that you can stay anywhere overnight. The boat facilities and the linen were very clean which I concerned the most before booking. We bought some takeaways so we didn't have to worry about dinner and enjoyed the nature to the fullest.

They are nice and helpful people doing honest business. We encountered little problem but they tried their best to help us.

Great spot and great value to hire a bbq boat (takes 6) or bigger to cruise around the billabong and down the river. Friendly helpful staff will get you sorted when you arrive after booking.
Bring your fishing gear, something to throw on the bbq and a few refreshments and relax, drop a line and check out the wildlife. Spot a few crocs and hopefully catch yourself a fish.
Just be aware you shouldn't leave the boat until you return.

My partner and I hired a small pontoon boat with a gas barbeque on board. No boat licence was required, thankfully. We spent 4 fabulous hours slowly cruising the Corroboree Billabong and the Mary River, where we sighted countless birds and many crocodiles. We had taken bacon and eggs which we cooked on the barbeque, and then ate our breakfast with the boat motor turned off. It was magical; no noise but the calling of birds. We recommend this little adventure to anyone, especially those with an interest in birds.

Second overnight adventure in a houseboat on the Corroboree Billabong and another AMAZING experience. The Houseboats are clean and well set up and all the staff I have met there are friendly and accommodating. Dont worry if you have never skippered a boat, you will pick it up easy. The wildlife and flora of the Billabong is diverse and always puts on a show.on this last trip we saw a Croc that was over 5mtrs+ and about 6 other crocs on the banks and around the boat.and the next morning a Croc eating another Croc.so just keep all limbs inside the security railings.will be booking again soon, great time of year for it.

Great spot and great value to hire a bbq boat (takes 6) or bigger to cruise around the billabong and down the river. Friendly helpful staff will get you sorted when you arrive after booking.
Bring your fishing gear, something to throw on the bbq and a few refreshments and relax, drop a line and check out the wildlife. Spot a few crocs and hopefully catch yourself a fish.
Just be aware you shouldn't leave the boat until you return.

The houseboats is clean & tidy, easy to move about in and easy to drive. Thoroughly enjoy the Mary river & corroboree billabong eco system. A big Thanks to Meagan and staff

Being on the water is brilliant.just cruising along at your own pace.

My Good Points:
- houseboat was clean
- great way to see the waterways
- totally diff experience - saw sooooo many crocs and probably 20+ birdlife.

And then the bad:
- we are just a team of 2, so took the small houseboat. I'm 1.7 metres and hubby is taller than me. But the bed? It was a sliver of a matress and my feet were falling waaaay off the bed. So hubby was mid shin. First night was sleepless - we actually looked at going down stairs to fold out the bunks but there is no screening on the doors - so it would have been crazy hot.

@ The end of the day, it was a great experience. We left our car and van (have been travelling for 3+ years and felt it a very safe place to leave it) but in hindsight, a BBQ boat and back to the van would have suited us better.

Maybe the bigger boats are more "sleep able" but when you're paying for a bed, I want a bed! 2 swags on the deck would honestly be better.

Being on the water is brilliant.just cruising along at your own pace.

My Good Points:
- houseboat was clean
- great way to see the waterways
- totally diff experience - saw sooooo many crocs and probably 20+ birdlife.

And then the bad:
- we are just a team of 2, so took the small houseboat. I'm 1.7 metres and hubby is taller than me. But the bed? It was a sliver of a matress and my feet were falling waaaay off the bed. So hubby was mid shin. First night was sleepless - we actually looked at going down stairs to fold out the bunks but there is no screening on the doors - so it would have been crazy hot.

@ The end of the day, it was a great experience. We left our car and van (have been travelling for 3+ years and felt it a very safe place to leave it) but in hindsight, a BBQ boat and back to the van would have suited us better.

Maybe the bigger boats are more "sleep able" but when you're paying for a bed, I want a bed! 2 swags on the deck would honestly be better.

Amazing wildlife and we caught a barra! Nick and Peter were only too happy to help us out with all our fishing gear and they were genuine top blokes. We are already planning our next trip. Thank guys!

This is a once in a lifetime experience. Hubby and I hired a large houseboat for three nights which would be comfortable for 4 or 6 people, but for the 2 of us it was fantastic!
The bed was comfortable and the sheets were crisp and clean. There's roll down screens fitted to the sitting area to keep the bugs out evening and morning and it's a good idea to hire a thermacell which really helps.
There's all your kitchen equipment and a nifty cupboard for your food plus a generous fridge.
But the absolute best thing is drifting along the Mary River amongst the numerous crocodiles and the prolific bird life including Jabiru. You find yourself doing David Attenborough impersonations (it's hard not to).
Take a warm change of clothes just in case the morning gets a bit brisk.
This is such good value and fun, and an experience you'll treasure forever.
Just do it!

One of the most beautiful places on Earth with tons of wildlife. Go on weekdays to avoid the fishos. Tons of beautiful crocodiles (both porosus and johnstoni, often basking side by side), black-necked storks, brolgas, king fishers, Asian water buffalo, and, occasionally, snakes. If you seem someone feeding or harassing a crocodile, report them immediately.

This should be on everyone's bucket list, loved it, would do it again. We did 2 nights on the House boat. Seeing the big Crocks in there own backyard and the bird life and the fishing too. Highly recommended this.

Mum and I have been out 4 times since 1st October 2018 on the party boat and we had the best time. Enough room for 4-6 ppl (I think), so for just the 2 of us it was OUTSTANDING. Fishing, birds, crocs and go where we like and have a BBQ lunch or as we did sandwiches, coffee, snacks the lot. Nic and his crew are fantastic, helpful and full of info and they have the boat looking beautiful each time.
Booked for the 1st boat in after the wet and cannot wait!
WELL DONE Nic
EXCELLENT