Unique Riverland HouseBoat Stay

River Murray Accommodation, Renmark

Searching for a romantic holiday immersed in nature? How about a fully furnished boat all to yourselves!

Nestled on the bank of the mighty Murray River, in South Australia’s famous Riverland district, the vintage PS Julie Fay is a unique waterfront accommodation experience for couples seeking privacy in a stunning natural setting.

From the comfort of your own private boat you will experience river life on this charming paddle-wheeler without the hassle of cruising the river to find a mooring. We provide everything you need except main meals. Continental breakfast ingredients are provided.

Birds and fish abound in these world-recognised wetlands, sunsets display full glory, the stars are bright in the night sky and sunrise brings a dawn chorus of birdlife.

Exploring the Riverland is easy because PS Julie Fay is permanently moored and you can drive right up and park next to her. Wineries, breweries, restaurants and food markets are only a short drive away.

SIlver award winner for unique accommodation on her first and only foray into the prestigious South Australian Tourism Awards in 2019. This is a true nature experience that will refresh your soul.

PS Julie Fay B&B is a 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards Silver Winner

Houseboat Accommodation Features

Entertainment

Complimentary use of Kayaks

NBN Wifi

Chromecast-enabled flat-screen TV

Board games & playing cards

Swim deck

Local brewery, restaurants

Top Deck

360 degree views

Weber BBQ

Outdoor setting

Reclining chairs

Wheelhouse access

Comfort

Mains power

Air conditioner (r/c)

Combustion Stove (June, July, August)

Gift platter & local ales

Park by the gangplank

Late checkout, 11am

Kitchen

Gas stove-top

Fridge & dishwasher

Coffee maker

Microwave oven

Continental breakfast provisions

Bathroom

Shower & Toilet

Towels provided

Bathroom essentials

Eco-friendly products

Sleeping

Open plan living

1 queen bed

2 guests maximum (minimum age 13yo)

All linen provided

2-night minimum stay

Romantic Riverland Boat Stay

Play Video

PS Julie Fay B&B Reviews

“Thank you Ruth and Jim for providing the most beautiful accommodation in such a picture perfect setting. We also really appreciated you providing a genuine bed and breakfast – with breakfast! The extra touches of local beer, cheese and quince paste were so welcoming. Everything has been thought of – whatever we needed it was provided. Thank you! This is our second stay on the Julie Fay and I’m sure it won’t be the last. We loved reading her history and feel grateful to you and her previous owners for all that has been done to keep her.”  – K&A, July 2023.

“Don’t want to leave – such an amazing place you call home. PS Julie Fay is a gorgeous place to stay, has everything you need to relax and recharge. Loved reading her history. Magical. Enjoyed the stars at night and birdsong during the day. Thankyou.”  – D&S, September 2023.

“What an amazing, peaceful place to stay. Thankyou for sharing this experience, we will definitely be back. A great place to unwind and relax. Loved everything about this unique stay.”  – N&D, Oct 2023

Riverland Houseboat Location

835 Murtho Road, Murtho, SA

Ultimate Waterfront accommodation perfectly situated in her own private mooring on the Murray River.

In SA, between Renmark and the Victorian border.

5 minutes from Paringa, 10 minutes from Renmark, just over 1 hour from Victoria’s Mildura Airport.

The perfect mix of seclusion yet access to quality restaurants, sight-seeing and river activities.

 

Accommodation Pricing

Monday to Thursday:

$245 per night

Friday to Sunday:

$270 per night

2-Night Minimum

3-Night Discount: 10% off the full amount
4 or more nights Discount: 15% off the full amount

Longer stays can be arranged so feel free to contact us directly.

2 person maximum applies. No visitors thanks.

Contact Us

Names:Ruth and Jim Roberts
Phone:0409531145 or 0475 754 222
Email:hello@riverlandstay.com
Address:Canoe the Riverland
835 Murtho Road
Murtho
SA 5340

Add on a River Tour

We love helping our guests get out on the water to explore the river, creeks and lagoons.

Why not include a tour during your stay?

You can choose between a guided kayak tour and a small motorboat tour through the backwaters. Our local guides look after you, revealing the history and interpreting the environment.

Dinghy Cruises

You might like to book a dinghy tour with Jim, your host and guide.

Leaving from our own launchsite, you will explore the nature-filled creeks and lagoons behind the river.  Tell Jim your preferences and he will personalise the tour to your pace, show-casing your points of interest.

These world-recognised wetlands offer over 100 species of birds, emus that swim across the creeks, kangaroos, bird nests and the occasional goanna or koala. A photographer’s delight!

Our boat has a canopy & padded seats for your comfort. Life vests are provided to all guests.

Kayak Tours

While you will have a double kayak and a map of the creeks at your disposal throughout your stay, you may prefer to consider a guided kayak tour. Our Sunset Tours are very popular.

This gentle and sensational introduction to kayaking suits everyone, even total beginners.

We will drift amid the settling birdlife under the changing colours of the evening sky and visit an Aboriginal marker tree as we interpret the history and  environment for your interest.

Conditions

Our rules are strict to ensure everyone’s comfort. Please respect our conditions.

No pets  |  No visitors  |  No motorised watercraft  |  No smoking  |  No children

Please read our full Terms and Conditions here, including advice and cancellation policy.

Riverland Houseboat Bookings

  1. Select the day you wish to check-in. You can cycle through the calendar to find available groups of days marked in green.
  2. Select the day you wish to check-out.
  3. Click Search to confirm availability (1-2 persons only). Julie Fay will appear if it is available. Select it to continue.

Full Terms and Conditions

Rules

Check-out/Check-in Times

We offer a late check-out time of 11am to help you make the most of your stay. Your check-in time is between 3pm and 8pm.

Children

The boat has been developed as a couples’ retreat and is not designed for the safety of children. Please don’t book children under the age of 12 as they cannot be permitted.

Fireplace

The fireplace may only be used while the top deck canopy is removed from 1st June to August 30th. Firewood is provided.

Smoking

Julie Fay is a strictly non-smoking area.

Pets

Sorry but we have a No Pet policy. All nature’s creatures feel safe approaching the paddle-wheeler and we don’t wish to frighten them.

Visitors

Parties, events and non-paying visitors are strictly prohibited. Julie Fay B&B is not for the purpose of hosting anyone other than those who have officially booked. As a surveyed and registered boat, legal capacity regulations apply. For this reason, hire is not available in conjunction with hire of the Captains’ Cottage.

Extra Considerations

Fruit and Vegetables

Please note that, as a food production area, Renmark is fruit-fly free. Check the current regulations before leaving home, or there are plenty of great places to buy fresh produce within the Riverland.

Busy Periods

Some times are not always peaceful on the river: Despite our relatively secluded position, the river will be very busy on long weekends and school holidays.

PS Julie Fay B&B is rocked by the wake of passing boats.

Disclaimer

While on the property, the person who books the stay (The Guest) is accepting responsibility for the actions of everyone they book for. 

The Guest agrees to leave the property in the same condition as when they arrived and accepts responsibility for any damage caused, including damage done by persons they or their group invites or allows onto the property.

The Guest will be liable for  the damage and be required to pay the cost of remedying (including cost of repair or replacement) upon request and presentation of a quote for repair and/or replacement.

The Guest and their party agree to release, indemnify and hold it’s owners, affiliates, employees and agents harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising from their stay on the property.

Cancellations and Refunds

Early Cancellations

Cancellations made within 48 hours of making the booking we will fully refund you (providing it is not within 14 days of check-in). The booking system will charge you a small fee. There is no charge to reschedule your stay at this point.

Intermediate Cancellations

After 48hrs of making your booking, cancellations made 5 -14 days before check-in will receive a refund minus a service fee of $150. (The booking system will charge you a small fee if you cancel).

Or you can opt to reschedule your stay.

Late Cancellation

If you cancel within 1-4 days of your stay, the first night will be non-refundable, but the cost for the remaining nights will be refunded (The booking system will charge you a small fee).

Cancellation During your Stay

If you cancel on or after your first night of your stay, the first two nights will be non-refundable but the cost for any remaining nights will be refunded to you. (The booking system will charge you a small fee)

We are fully vaccinated and hold ‘COVID-19 Clean Practicing Business’ accreditation through the Quality Tourism Framework