Most Popular
No Licence
Yellow Luxury BBQ Party Boat
Our most popular BBQ boat — 12 guests, Weber Baby Q BBQ, chaise lounges and Bluetooth stereo. No licence needed.
Up to 12 guests
From A$425 / 4 hours
Forster, NSW · Barrington Coast
Boat Hire Forster
— Boatshed Number One
Make a day of it on beautiful Wallis Lake — no licence, no stress, just good times.
Self-drive BBQ pontoons, runabouts, kayaks and scenic lake cruises on the Barrington Coast. No licence required for pontoons and standard runabouts. We give you a full safety briefing and boat orientation before you head out — your job is to bring common sense and a great attitude.
No licence required
Family friendly
Wallis Lake, Forster
Choose Your Day on the Lake
From a lazy BBQ cruise to an active morning on the paddleboard — we have the right experience for your group. You bring the good vibes, we will make sure you are safe and confident on the water.
BBQ Boat Hire
View All BBQ Boats
Popular Boats
No licence required · All safety gear included · Fuel & gas included
Wheelchair accessible (non-electric)
No Licence
Kracken Luxury BBQ Pontoon
Wheelchair accessible (non-electric chairs), 11 guests, Weber BBQ — fuel and gas included. Half day and full day options.
Up to 11 guests
Wheelchair accessible (non-electric chairs only) with boarding ramp and ample deck space
From A$425 / 4 hours
The BBQ Boat Experience
BBQ Lunch on Wallis Lake — it's that good.
Fire up the Weber, drop anchor in a quiet cove and enjoy the best BBQ lunch you've had in years. Our pontoon boats come ready with everything you need — you just bring the food, the drinks and the good company. We sort the safety gear and the briefing, you handle the fun.
- Weber BBQ and all utensils supplied
- Comfortable leather seating for up to 12 guests
- Fuel, gas and safety gear all included
- No boat licence required — full briefing provided
- Swim ladder for a dip in the lake
Lake Cruises
Wallis Lake Cruises — Sit Back and Enjoy
Prefer to leave the navigating to someone else? Kick back, relax and let our crew do the work. The Discovery Lunch Cruise aboard MV FreeSpirit serves up table service, a licensed bar and a beautiful view of the lake — no licence, no briefing, no stress.
Licensed bar on board Dolphin spotting All ages welcome
View Lake Cruises
Local Wildlife
Dolphins are frequently spotted on Wallis Lake
Why Choose Boatshed Number One?
We are a family business, not a big corporation. We may not be the flashiest operation in town, but we care deeply about giving you a genuinely great day on the water. We will sort the safety gear, the briefing and the boat — you bring the good vibes. The rest is up to you.
No Licence Required
No licence needed for our BBQ pontoons and standard runabouts — just common sense and a great attitude. We give you a full safety briefing and boat orientation before you head out, and we make sure you are confident at the helm. The Bayliner cruiser and luxury 40Hp runabout do require a current NSW boat licence.
Family Friendly
Calm, sheltered Wallis Lake is perfect for all ages. Life jackets are provided in all sizes — kids wear them at all times on the water, no exceptions. Our team will make sure everyone is comfortable and confident before you leave the dock.
Right on the Waterfront
Located on Little Street, Forster — right on the water's edge. Walk off the boat and you're done. No trailers, no ramps, no hassle.
Largest Hire Fleet in Forster
From intimate kayaks to 12-person BBQ pontoons and luxury Bayliner cruisers — we have the right vessel for your group size and budget.
Easy Online Booking
Book in minutes through our secure online booking system. Check real-time availability, pick your time and pay with confidence.
3.5 Hours from Sydney
Just 3.5 hours north of Sydney on the Barrington Coast. A genuine escape to one of NSW's most beautiful lake systems.
Plan Your Visit
Getting Here & What to Expect
Phone
0488 879 818Arrival
Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your hire time. Your safety briefing happens on site before you head out on the lake.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (protect your skin — read the ingredients before slapping it on of course), a hat, sunglasses, food and drinks, and a towel for swimming. We supply all safety equipment, BBQ gear and fuel.
Full packing guide → Which boat should I hire? → What Our Guests Say
Real reviews from real guests on Google. Read the full reviews on Google or TripAdvisor.
"Top bloke will be back every year, the other competition got nothing on Number 1 Boat Shed."
"So much fun — Joel was very kind. We missed seeing the whales but we saw dolphins, sharks, pelicans, and had such a good time on the speed boat. Loved it! We recommend to people who like having fun."
"Great day with a great guide who knew where the whales were. Great fun with a rib boat."
"Really good cruise around the lake with lunch provided."
Overnight Stays
Houseboat Hire
Stay a Little Longer on Wallis Lake
Turn your day trip into a proper getaway. Our 33-foot and 45-foot houseboats are available for overnight and multi-night stays on Wallis Lake — with dolphins, fishing and complete relaxation on the agenda.
Houseboat hire is managed through our sister website, Forster Houseboat Hire. No boat licence required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about boat hire, BBQ boats, families, accessibility and getting on Wallis Lake from Forster.
Where can I hire a boat in Forster?
Boatshed Number One is at 1 Little Street, Forster NSW 2428, directly on the waterfront of Wallis Lake. Our day-hire boats, BBQ pontoons, kayaks and SUPs depart from this location.
Can I hire a BBQ boat in Forster?
Yes. We have five self-drive BBQ pontoon boats on Wallis Lake, with options for groups of up to 15 guests. BBQ boats include the equipment listed on each product page, and no boat licence is required.
What boats are available for large groups?
Our BBQ pontoon fleet includes boats for groups of up to 11, 12 or 15 guests, depending on the boat. The individual product details show each confirmed capacity so you can choose the right option for your group.
Can families hire boats on Wallis Lake?
Yes. Wallis Lake is calm and sheltered, and families are welcome on our hire boats. We provide safety gear in a range of sizes and a full briefing before departure — we make sure everyone is comfortable before you leave the dock. Children must wear life jackets on the water at all times, no exceptions. Please let us know the ages and number of children when booking so we have the right sizes ready.
Can I hire a boat for half a day or a full day?
Yes. Confirmed hire durations vary by boat and include 2-hour, 4-hour half-day and 8-hour full-day options. Check the product page or live booking calendar for the current options for your chosen boat.
What is included with boat hire?
Every hire includes the applicable safety equipment and a full briefing before departure — we do not send anyone out unprepared. BBQ boats also include their listed BBQ equipment, while inclusions such as fuel, shade, seating and swim ladders vary by boat and are shown on each product card.
Can I hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in Forster?
Yes. Boatshed Number One offers transparent kayaks, double and single kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the waterfront on Wallis Lake. Visit the kayak and SUP hire page to compare the available options.
Is there wheelchair-accessible boat hire in Forster?
The Kracken Luxury BBQ Pontoon has a boarding ramp and is wheelchair accessible for non-electric wheelchairs. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss the setup and your group’s specific needs.
Do I need a boat licence to hire a BBQ boat?
No, just common sense and a great attitude. Our safety briefing and boat orientation will fill any gaps, and we ensure you are competent before you leave. If we do not think it is safe letting you loose, we will let you know and work out options — we may even come out with you for a drive to make sure you are confident and can drive safely. Please do not take it personally if we deem you not okay — it is for your safety and everyone else's, nothing personal.
Ready for a Day on the Lake?
Check availability and book online in minutes — or call us if you need a hand picking the right boat. Please check availability first so we know your dates. We will get you sorted, briefed and out on the water.