Self-Drive Hire Terms and Conditions

1. A security bond of $500 is required and taken as pre-authorisation from a valid credit or debit card before hire commences. If no damage or incident, the boat is returned on time and in a clean state, as received then the security bond is released. This may take seven (7) business days to be released depending on your bank.
2. The maximum capacity of persons stated cannot be exceeded, all children are considered a person and are included in the maximum persons allowed onboard. This strictly cannot be exceeded.
3. The hirer must arrive 15 minutes prior to hiring time for boat operation and safety briefing.
4. If you arrive late, your booking end-hire time remains the same and cannot be moved back.
5. Late return of boat will incur a charge of $50 per 15 minutes late.
6. The hirer is responsible for all damages to the boat when on hire.
7. If the boat is returned back in an unacceptable clean state not similar to received then a cleaning fee of $100 will apply.
8. The nominated driver must complete our hire agreement and be over the age of 21. Providing a copy of valid identification such as a driver’s licence will also be required.
9. No smoking onboard – If any evidence of smoking on board the $500 security bond will not be returned.
10. No fishing from the boat.
11. No swimming from the boat.
12. The nominated driver must remain under .00 blood alcohol content at all times during the hire.
13. The hirer/nominated driver must inform of any incidents or any injuries during the hire period.
14. The hirer/nominated must have a functioning mobile phone and be contactable at all times in case of emergency.
15. Melbourne Boat Hire is not responsible for any personal belongings.
16. The nominated driver must adhere to all applicable nautical rules.
17. Pricing may vary from time to time.
18. No refund will be given if the boat is returned earlier than the due time.
19. The nominated driver is responsible for the safety of all passengers on board.
20. In the event of needing assistance due to the nominated driver’s own fault and not following instructions a call-out fee of $250 will apply.
21. From time to time there are river closures out of our control, which may affect the cruising route on the Yarra River, this may be for a rowing contest, Moomba festival, or emergency response. We cannot guarantee on the day of your booking that there is not a river closure.

Cancellation Policy

1. In the event of cancellation, the hirer must provide at least 7 days’ notice and the booking can be rescheduled to another date within 12 months. If cancellation is received less than 7 days prior to booking will be forfeited.
2. If extreme weather prevents the hirer from undertaking the booking, the booking will be rescheduled to an available date within 12 months from the original booking date. No refund will be given.
3. Each change request for a booking date or time will incur an administration fee of $50.
4. Only at the discretion of the Manager will a refund be considered. In the event, a refund is given a $50 administration charge will incur.