If you are hiring a boat on Wallis Lake for the first time, the two options most people weigh up are a BBQ pontoon and a runabout. They suit completely different days — here is a practical comparison so you can pick the right one without guesswork.
What you are choosing between. A BBQ pontoon is like a floating loungeroom — a large, flat-deck boat with a Weber BBQ, shade cover, Bluetooth stereo and comfortable seating for a bigger group, with plenty of room for your crew to spread out. It is designed for anchoring, cooking and relaxing. A runabout is a smaller, open or half-cabin boat built for cruising and fishing. Neither requires a boat licence for our standard models, but the experience on the water is quite different.
Group size. Our BBQ pontoons seat 11 to 15 guests depending on the model, which makes them the natural choice for families, birthday groups and celebrations. Our standard runabouts seat up to 8, and our luxury 40Hp runabout is best for smaller groups of around 5. If your group is larger than 8, a pontoon is the practical answer.
Licence requirements. No boat licence is required for our BBQ pontoons or our standard open and half-cabin runabouts. Our luxury 40Hp runabout and the Bayliner cruiser do require a current NSW boat licence. The Bayliner also requires boating experience, and our team typically accompanies hirers for safe handling and setup. If you do not hold a licence, stick with a pontoon or a standard runabout.
Shade, toilets and accessibility. Not every boat has every feature, so it is worth checking before you book. All BBQ pontoons have a shade cover (Bimini) and Bluetooth stereo. An onboard toilet is available on Big Yella only among the pontoons — the other pontoons do not have one, but there are public toilets on some of the islands around Wallis Lake, and these are marked on the area map you receive when you hire. Wheelchair access is available on the Kracken pontoon (for non-electric chairs) only. Standard runabouts have a shade canopy on some models but no toilet. If a toilet or wheelchair access matters for your day, choose accordingly.
What the day feels like. A pontoon day is leisurely — you cruise to a quiet cove, drop anchor, fire up the Weber and spend the afternoon swimming, eating and relaxing. A runabout day is more about covering ground: exploring further into the lake, pulling up to fish, and moving between spots. Both are easy to drive, and every hire includes a full safety briefing and a map of the lake from our team before you head out.
Which should you hire? Choose a BBQ pontoon if you have a larger group, want to cook lunch on the water, value shade and comfort, and do not hold a boat licence. Choose a standard runabout if your group is smaller, you want a nimble boat for cruising and fishing, and you do not need a licence. Choose the luxury 40Hp runabout if you want premium comfort and fishing electronics and hold a NSW boat licence. Check the relevant product page for current pricing before booking. If you are still unsure, call us on 0488 879 818 with your group size and plans and we will match you to the right boat.
Ready to book?
Visit the relevant page to check availability and book your experience on Wallis Lake.
