We met Dennis when he picked us up at the Aviator’s Lodge in Adelaide to provide transportation from there to Mannum and the Unforgettable Houseboats. We were not expecting the wonderful and personal services he provided. After loading all of our luggage…Read More

We met Dennis when he picked us up at the Aviator’s Lodge in Adelaide to provide transportation from there to Mannum and the Unforgettable Houseboats. We were not expecting the wonderful and personal services he provided. After loading all of our luggage into the covered trailer he was towing behind his very comfortable Nissan wagon, off we went for a tour of Adelaide.

Dennis was a very knowledgeable about the history of Adelaide and the surrounding communities. After about 45 minutes, we parked at Light’s Vision, a beautiful park overlooking the city, and while we were admiring the beauty of the place, Dennis brought out chilled glasses, fresh strawberries and Champaign. So instead of "morning tea" which is quite customary in Australia, we had Champaign & strawberries.

Next stop was a fresh seafood market where we purchased shrimp, crab, and red snapper. These safely packed in ice, we proceeded to a large supermarket where we purchased everything we would need for the next four days. All our supplies were loaded in coolers and we were on the road again. Taking the scenic route to Mannum, we drove two-lane paved roads through magnificent rolling hills, stopping several times when we saw emus and kangaroos. When we arrived at the Unforgettable docks, Dennis unloaded our supplies and luggage and placed them in the Houseboat, and stayed with us until we were settled.

Four days later, as we pulled our Unforgettable 7 into its spot at the dock in Mannum, there was Dennis, waiting for us. With us and all our luggage loaded into his vehicle again, and because we didn’t have to be at the Adelaide airport for a few hours, we did some more site seeing. Dennis took us to Melba’s Chocolate Factory, through the quaint town of Hahndorf and through some exclusive residential areas of Adelaide.

Finally, it was time to go to the airport. We were delivered to the front door at the Qantas Terminal, said our good-byes to Dennis and were off to another adventure.

You can contact C & D Transfers through the Unforgettable Houseboats.

Their brochure reads "You’ll find us absolutely unforgettable" and "the perfect holiday experience for everyone". We found out how true these statements were. We rented the Unforgettable 7, a three-bedroom houseboat with a spa room overlooking the back deck. The front lounge, dining…Read More

Their brochure reads "You’ll find us absolutely unforgettable" and "the perfect holiday experience for everyone". We found out how true these statements were.

We rented the Unforgettable 7, a three-bedroom houseboat with a spa room overlooking the back deck. The front lounge, dining room and kitchen are very well equipped with dishwasher, microwave, TV, stereo, CD player and VCR. It has bright, modern and trendy décor. A gourmet barbeque on the front deck and an upper sun deck complete the amenities.

I had made all the arrangements with a wonderful woman named Belinda who also arranged for a transfer company to pick us up in Adelaide, take us shopping for supplies then delivery us to the houseboat approximately 90k away. (But that is another story- see C&D Transfers-What a Way to Go)

As we drove up, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There in front of us was the most beautiful, modern houseboat. They were loading ice into the two separate coolers onboard. As we boarded, the first thing we saw was a large fresh flower arrangement on the table, colorful bright yellow towels on each bed with blue fish-shaped soaps and a bag of red bath crystals for the hot tub. Unforgettable Houseboats provide everything you need except food and drinks.

We were given instructions on the operation of all the equipment and a "trial run" of driving this luxury condo on pontoons. After about 30 minutes, our instructor, Chris, confident we could handle the boat, left us and we were on our way up the Mighty Murray River, 5th longest river in the world. It was already after 4:00 and we needed to get underway and find a spot to moor for the night, as running at night is not allowed. There are wonderful spots all along the riverbank to moor, as long as there is not a sign "Private" or "No Trespassing". Don’t worry if you have never driven a boat before- they teach you everything you need to know. No special licenses are required.

The next four days were incredibly relaxing. The scenery along the Murray included tall sheer cliffs, majestic red gum trees, droopy willows, vacations homes, and small settlements. Waving was a popular activity and classified as "exercise" as other houseboats came into view or a fisherman was passed on shore.

We traveled for two days, reaching the Big Bend area right on schedule to take the Big Bend by Night Tour on Wednesday evening, then on Thursday headed back to where we had started. We traveled a total of 180 kilometers. It is also possible to rent a ski boat, jet skis, or a canoe for an additional cost. Remember when you plan your trip to Australia, their seasons are different from the Northern Hemisphere.

Unforgettable Houseboats
69 River Lane
Mannum, South Australia 5238
Phone 61 8 8569 2559
Fax 61 8 8569 2822
Email: www.unforgettablehouseboats.com.au

$680.00 USD for up to 8 persons, plus insurance $130.00 USD and fuel.

The mighty Murray River has its origins in the snow-capped high country of the northeast and its course forms the border with neighboring New South Wales. The Murray’s valley produces prime vineyards and orchards. It is fed by the Darling River, which starts in…Read More

The mighty Murray River has its origins in the snow-capped high country of the northeast and its course forms the border with neighboring New South Wales. The Murray’s valley produces prime vineyards and orchards. It is fed by the Darling River, which starts in Queensland and the Murray-Darling system constitutes the longest river in Australia, 1,610 miles long. Because the land is so flat, it’s also one of the world’s slowest rivers. When there’s a flood in Queensland, it takes the water three months to reach South Australia.

As you travel on the Murray River, you will find unique towns:

BOWHILL, classified by the owner of the general store as a "settlement", is one such unique place. Owed and operated by Marc and Sandy Williams, it serves as a general store, hardware store, bait and tackle shop, ice cream parlor, souvenir shop and post office. The entire Bowhill Settlement consists of this store, the storeowners’ home that is attached to the store and several vacation homes. Marc & Sandy left the big city and purchased the store about six months ago and are very happy with their new life style. No rushing here, they always have time to chat with customers; in fact, I noticed they rather enjoyed the company.

MANNUM is the center of the Murraylands and widely recognized as the birthplace of the Murray paddlesteamer. It is an historic town with an active boating tradition and has a population of 2,000. The newly built Mannum Dock Museum, home of the fully restored "PS Marion" paddlesteamer, presents river history at its best. The main business center is conveniently located within a minutes walk from the riverfront and also offers the picturesque Mary Ann Reserve, home of the Murray Princess and stopover port for the Proud Mary.