Introduction
These Booking Terms govern all charter bookings made through Boat Hire Pty Ltd (ABN 52 659 815 513), trading as Boat Hire Australia. By confirming a booking with us, you agree to these terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.
These terms apply to all bookings across our Sydney (NSW), Gold Coast (QLD), and Whitsundays (QLD) locations.
Booking Process
All bookings follow this process:
- Request a quote: Contact us with your preferred date, guest numbers, location, and any special requirements
- Receive a proposal: We will recommend suitable vessels and provide a detailed quote including all costs
- Confirm with deposit: To secure your booking, a 50% deposit of the total hire cost is required
- Balance payment: The remaining 50% is due 14 days before your charter date
Your booking is not confirmed until we have received your deposit and sent you a written booking confirmation.
Deposit and Payment
- Deposit: 50% of the total hire cost, due at the time of booking confirmation
- Balance: Remaining 50% due no later than 14 days before the charter date
- Late payment: If the balance is not received 14 days before the charter, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled by the customer, and the cancellation terms below will apply
- Payment methods: We accept credit card, debit card, bank transfer, and other methods as advised at the time of booking
Cancellation by Customer
Cancellations must be made in writing by email to [email protected]. The following terms apply based on when we receive your written cancellation:
- 60 or more days before the charter: Deposit refunded less a $500 management fee, only if a replacement booking is secured for the same date and vessel. If no replacement booking is secured, the deposit is non-refundable.
- 30 to 60 days before the charter: Deposit is non-refundable
- 14 to 30 days before the charter: All monies paid are non-refundable. Reasonable consideration will be given for recoverable costs such as catering, entertainment, and other third-party services not yet committed.
- Less than 14 days before the charter: All monies paid are non-refundable. No exceptions.
Cancellation by Boat Owner
In the unlikely event that a vessel becomes unavailable due to mechanical failure, sale, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will:
- Arrange a comparable replacement vessel at no additional cost to you, or
- Provide a full refund of all monies paid
The choice between a replacement vessel and a refund is yours. We will make every effort to find a suitable replacement before offering a refund.
Weather Policy
Charters proceed in all weather conditions, including rain. A cruise will only be cancelled for genuinely unsafe conditions, and this determination is made at the sole discretion of the skipper on the day.
If a charter is cancelled due to unsafe weather:
- You will receive a full refund of all monies paid, or
- You may reschedule to another date at no additional cost, subject to vessel availability
The choice between a refund and rescheduling is yours. Please note that light rain, overcast skies, or moderate wind are not considered unsafe conditions and are not grounds for cancellation or refund.
Date Changes
Requests to change your charter date are subject to vessel availability. If you wish to change your date:
- More than 30 days before the original date: We will do our best to accommodate the change at no additional cost, subject to availability
- 30 days or less before the original date: The change will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and a new booking, with the cancellation terms above applying to the original date
Guest Numbers
Final guest numbers must be confirmed at least 7 days before the charter date. This is required for catering, safety compliance, and vessel capacity planning.
No refund is provided for fewer guests attending than the number booked. Guest numbers cannot exceed the vessel's maximum licensed capacity under any circumstances.
Security Bond
A pre-authorisation on a credit card is required before boarding. The amount varies depending on the vessel and will be advised at the time of booking confirmation.
The pre-authorisation will be released within 7 business days of the charter's completion, provided there is no damage to the vessel, its fixtures, fittings, or equipment. If damage occurs, the cost of repair or replacement will be deducted from the security bond. If the damage exceeds the bond amount, you are liable for the difference.
Wharf Fees
Wharf and mooring fees are separate from the vessel hire cost and are payable by the customer. The applicable wharf fees will be advised at the time of quoting and included in your booking proposal.
Additional Charges
- Overtime: If your charter runs beyond the booked duration, overtime is charged at the vessel's hourly rate, calculated pro-rata. Overtime must be approved by the skipper and is subject to vessel availability.
- Damage: You are responsible for any damage to the vessel caused by you or your guests, beyond the security bond if applicable
- Cleaning: Excessive cleaning requirements beyond normal use may incur an additional fee
Minimum Booking Duration
The minimum booking duration is 3 to 4 hours, depending on the vessel. The minimum duration for your chosen vessel will be confirmed at the time of quoting.
Contact Us
For questions about these Booking Terms or to make a booking enquiry, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 02 9469 6620
- Entity: Boat Hire Pty Ltd (ABN 52 659 815 513)
Last updated: March 2026