Clipper Cruises
Host: Mel Symons
We’re getting out on the water, having some fun in the sun, and you don’t even need a boat license!
Hawkesbury River
Rising behind the Blue Mountains, they say the Hawkesbury is the largest river in NSW. It is navigable by seagoing boats from the Pacific Ocean at Pittwater all the way to Windsor - a distance of over 100km. Bordered by several National Parks, the Hawkesbury River is a beautiful and historic pathway through stunning sandstone & bushland scenery.
Running off Hawkesbury River is Cowan Creek. Off Cowan Creek is Coal and Candle Creek and off that is Akuna Bay – and it’s a hidden treasure.
Clipper Cruiser Holidays
Don’t have a boat license but still keen to get yourself out on the water? No problem!
Clipper Cruiser Holidays have the largest Clipper fleet in Australia. But that’s not all, they also have cruising catamarans, houseboats, tinnies and the newest addition to their picnic boat. And as with all their boats, you drive because there’s no license required.
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They have 15 boats in their overnight fleet and 7 boats you can hire just for the day as well as a couple of kayaks.
You do not need a boating license or any special qualification to drive a Clipper Cruiser, controls are simple and easy to use, a steering wheel just like a car and one lever for forward and reverse. Once onboard, you will receive a friendly, easy to understand operational briefing from their trained and experienced staff.
Their cruisers are powered by a safe and reliable diesel engine. No need to worry about refueling as there is ample fuel for your cruising. As you depart from the heart of a water wonderland, you are in easy reach of all the majestic and popular locations. You can drive from the extra large fly bridge area with unobstructed vision or from the main cabin.
There is no need to worry about anchoring at night as there are numerous moorings available throughout the area. On return to Akuna Bay, simply drift alongside the floating pontoon and we will be there to greet and assist you with your unloading. No need to 'park' the boat.
What’s a Clipper?
A Clipper is a brand of boat imported from the Chung Hwa boat yard in Taiwan. Imports started in the mid to late seventies and ended in the mid eighties. The boats are very tough and are a credit to the designers and the boat yard. they are powered by a 120HP Ford Lehman diesel (still the original engines) and they just keep chugging along. The boats were originally designed as a more modern hire boat to compete with the Halvorsen hire boats out of Bobbin Head (these boats have all been retired).
Weekend boat hire
The weekend hire starts from 4PM on the Friday but if the boat is in and available guests are more than welcome to come down earlier (many are aboard and gone about lunch time). Return time is 4PM on the Sunday.
30’ Clipper Sundecker
The 30' Clipper Sundecker comes complete with simple controls, 12 volt power, 1 double bed and two single beds with toilet/shower and has a spacious covered rear deck. This boat is best suited to couples, singles and small families.
This boat may be taken into Pittwater and as far west as Wiseman's Ferry. Fuel is calculated per running engine hour.
Hire on the weekend from $870 (sleeps 2-4people)
45’ Houseboat
The 45' Houseboat comes complete with simple controls, no license required but boating experience is preferred, 12 volt power, twin motors, four spacious double beds and two single beds, two separate cabins with one toilet and a fully equipped kitchen including domestic fridge/freezer with 4 burner stove. Accommodation is largely open plan with the ability to close off one double cabin to the main saloon area. It has great stability and is the prefect boat for 4 to 10 people.
The Houseboat can go as far east as Flint and Steel Point and as far west as Wiseman's Ferry, marine regulations stipulate no venture into Pittwater on a Houseboat. Fuel costs are based on consumption not engine hours.
Hire on the weekend from $1580 (sleeps 4-10)
Picnic Boat
Perfect for that family getaway, relax in splendid wonders of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Hawkesbury River and Pittwater. The best value for money holiday you may ever have, easy to drive and we give you as much instruction as you need to make you feel comfortable before you depart. Also available are 30' Clipper Sundeckers (2-4 people), 45' Houseboats (4 - 10 people) and 36' Cruising Catamarans (2 - 8 people).
Drive in and unload using the courtesy trolleys, then park your car in the large security patrolled car park. No major transport costs, your holiday starts on day one at 9:00am with no time wasted on extra travel. No pollution, the lower Hawkesbury and Pittwater are flushed out by the Pacific Ocean twice a day every day.
Hire Clipper Cruiser Holiday's newest addition, the Picnic Boat, for just $400 a day. Enjoy travelling the beautiful waterways on this new boat, then stop somewhere for a BBQ and lunch. This little day boat has a toilet, sink, shower, swim ladder and BBQ. Fuel and safety equipment are included in the hire price.
Hire on the weekend from $300 (4 hour hire)
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More Information
Clipper Cruisers
Akuna Bay Telephone: (02) 9450 0000 Prices start from $300 for half a day for picnic boats. |
Prices correct as at 29/12/07
For all your boating needs give our mates at the Boating Industry Association
a call on 1300 7 BOATS or set sail for www.bia.org.au