The rise and return of the formerly daggy holiday of house-boating

Once considered a holiday of comfort but not glamour, the rise and resurgence of the houseboat is now upon us.

Luxury houseboats are emerging as a trend in Australians’ holiday habits, with companies capitalising on our desire for a holiday on the water surrounded by everything we need.

Though it’s not just any old houseboat holidaymakers are after, it’s the luxurious kind that’s on the rise.

In Mildura, River Dream Boatel have launched what they consider a new frontier in the houseboat experience, introducing an “all-inclusive, fully escorted luxury gourmet escape” on one of their luxury houseboats.

The package – with prices starting from $2495 per person for six nights – includes a complimentary “feast” at Trentham Estate, a 60-minute massage and a private onboard chef.

Over in Echuca, demand for houseboat holidays is “100 per cent increasing”, according to Andrew McKenzie, the owner of Echuca Luxury Houseboats. McKenzie says there is particular demand for luxury boats rather than dated, basic kinds.

“The top end of the marketplace is definitely growing massively, to the point our business model has been getting rid of the older boats completely and building more and more luxury boats. People certainly love the new product. Technology changes over the last 10 years – and even accelerating in the last three to four years – have really changed the space in terms of what we can offer.”

Of particular note, McKenzie says the company’s ability to use lithium battery technology in place of a regular generator has had a subtle, but powerful influence, meaning holiday-makers can have “every possible luxury you can imagine” without a noisy generator howling all night.

“There’s a real split in the market between the companies with boats that look like what people would historically think of as houseboats, and the ones who have kept things modern and fresh with a higher level of quality,” he says.

According to Wotif’s travel expert Chris Milligan, there’s certainly a trend of Australians searching for “alternate” accommodation when they plan their holidays.

“The rise of alternate accommodation, including houseboats, is one we’ve seen continue to grow in recent years. More than ever before, travellers are seeking out unique and authentic experiences and a houseboat, be it here in Australia or overseas, is one of the best ways to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in a destination.”

He adds while demand for luxury, too, is on the rise, “luxury means something different to each traveller”.

“For some, luxury is not always service related and does not necessary mean five-star or all-inclusive, but rather it’s about having the opportunity to switch off and immerse themselves in the destination,” he says.

“While most travellers associate luxury with a five-star rating, we’re seeing many luxury travellers are now looking for authentic experiences where they can develop a deeper sense of knowledge of the local environment, people and culture and a houseboat provides just that.

“Whether it’s a quiet holiday on a local lake or an impressive overseas expedition, there are houseboat rentals to cater to all sorts of travel preferences.”

McKenzie concurs, arguing people love the experience because it’s so immersive.

“It’s a great being down on the water because it’s a completely different feel to camping or staying on the waterway or lake. It’s has a completely different atmosphere to any other style of accommodation; it’s immersive.

“It’s different feel being on the water, rather than next to it.”