Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance — especially during school holidays, long weekends and summer. The best way is to use the Check Availability button on any product page to see real-time dates and pricing, then book online in a few minutes. If you have a specific question or cannot find what you need online, call us on 0488 879 818 — but please check availability first so we know which dates you are looking at. We want to get you on the water, not playing phone tag.

For boat hire and BBQ boats: more than 7 days before your booking, cancellations are accepted minus a 10% fee. Within 3–7 days, a 20% fee applies. Less than 3 days, the booking is non-refundable. During peak periods (school holidays, long weekends), if the boat cannot be rehired for the same slot the full amount is forfeited. Rescheduling is available for a fee subject to availability. For houseboat hire, cancellations 60+ days before departure incur a 20% fee; less than 60 days, cancellations are only granted if the houseboat can be rehired. A $250 rebooking fee applies. See our Terms page for full details.

If conditions are genuinely unsafe — heavy rain, strong winds, storms or small craft warnings — we will offer you a complimentary reschedule or a full credit toward a future booking. Safety comes first, full stop. But a bit of cloud or a light shower does not make conditions unsafe, and boating in mild weather is still perfectly safe and enjoyable. In that case, standard cancellation terms apply. During peak periods, if you choose not to go ahead due to mild weather and the boat cannot be rehired, the booking is forfeited. If you are unsure, call us — we are happy to talk it through and give you honest advice about what it actually looks like on the water.

You can book well in advance through our online booking system — we recommend booking early for peak periods such as January, Easter, school holidays and long weekends. Checking availability online is the quickest way to see what dates and times are open. If you cannot work out which boat or package is right for your group, call us after checking availability so we can help you choose.

Same-day bookings may be available. Please check availability online first to see what is open today, then call us on 0488 879 818 if you need help confirming your booking or working out which option suits your group.

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.

We have a weather page with a live forecast from WillyWeather. But here is the important thing: most weather apps for our area are based on data from Taree, which is inland at the foot of the Barrington Mountains. Taree gets more rain and cloud than Forster does. Because we are right on the coast, our actual weather is 9 out of 10 times much better than the forecast suggests. Use the forecast as a loose guide — if it says a few showers, it is often clear and calm on the lake. If you are unsure, call us and we will tell you what it actually looks like on the water right now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bring sunscreen (protect your skin — but make sure you read the ingredients before slapping it on your skin of course), a hat, sunglasses, food and drinks, and a towel if you plan to swim. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. Thongs or non-slip footwear are ideal on deck. We supply all safety gear, a BBQ and cooking utensils.

Yes, you are very welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Our BBQ boats are fully equipped with a Weber BBQ, cooking utensils and all the equipment you need for a great lakeside BBQ.

Absolutely. Wallis Lake is a calm, sheltered lake that is ideal for families with children. Children must wear life jackets at all times on the water, which we supply in various sizes. Please let us know the ages and number of children when booking.

You are welcome to bring and consume alcohol responsibly on self-hire boats — it is your day, enjoy it. But here is the non-negotiable part: whoever is operating the vessel must remain sober at all times, in line with NSW maritime law. No exceptions. If you are sharing driving duties, plan accordingly.

Wallis Lake has a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and sightings are very common. There are no guarantees with wild animals, but our local team can advise the best areas to head to for a chance to spot them.

Yes. Wallis Lake is a calm, sheltered lake with clear water. All of our boats have swim ladders for easy re-entry after a swim. Children must wear life jackets — no exceptions. If you have concerns about specific areas, ask our team during your briefing and we will point you to the best spots.

We give you a full briefing before departure and a local contact number in case you need assistance. Our team knows the lake well and can reach you if needed. Follow the safety briefing, stay within the recommended areas, and call us if anything comes up — that is what we are here for.

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.

We are located at Little Street, Forster NSW 2428 — right on the waterfront. Forster is approximately 3.5 hours north of Sydney on the Barrington Coast. Detailed directions and a Google Maps link are on our Contact page.

There is parking available near the boatshed on Little Street. For the latest parking information, please contact us directly as availability can vary, particularly during peak periods.

Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your scheduled hire time. This is when your safety briefing and boat orientation happen — it is not optional, and it is what keeps you safe and confident on the water. Turning up late means less time on the lake, so do yourself a favour and arrive early.

Yes. We offer both a 33-foot and a 45-foot houseboat for overnight stays. Houseboat bookings are managed through our sister website, Forster Houseboat Hire. Visit the Houseboat Hire page for details and booking links.

No boat licence is required to operate our houseboats on Wallis Lake. A full briefing is provided before departure — we make sure you are confident with the controls, the safety equipment and the map of recommended moorings before we let you head off.