High River Our New Luxury Houseboat
Murray River Trails is proud to announce the launch of it’s new 12 berth houseboat, High River.
A custom-designed luxury houseboat, High River provides environmentally sustainable accommodation for Murray River Trail’s award-winning ecotourism experiences.
High River was officially launched by the Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism & Multicultural Affairs, on Friday 24th June on the Renmark Riverfront.
A new standard
The Murray River plays a vital role in delivering an ecotourism experience in South Australia. The creation of the luxury houseboat was supported by a South Australian Tourism Industry Development Fund grant in 2020, in response to the need for the South Australian visitor economy to recover quickly following the impacts of Covid-19. High River was built in the Riverland region, with 15 local companies involved in the build. The project has contributed to growing the local economy as well as increasing visitor spend in the region.
Managing Director of Murray River Trails Tony Sharley said “the launch of High River is a mighty step forward for houseboating and tourism on the Murray River.”
Proud owners Tony and Susie Sharley named the houseboat High River after the single most important process that keeps rivers healthy — the process of flows that rise and spill over bank, irrigating river forests and keeping wetlands healthy, triggering breeding in our native fish, frogs, waterbirds and wildlife, and creating biodiversity that enriches our lives and and inspires visitors to the Riverland region.
Facts about High River the houseboat:
- 12 berth luxury houseboat
- Dimensions 25.8 m x 8.5 m
- 6 double bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom
- Large open top deck with 5 person hot spa
- Pontoon construction commenced November 2nd 2021, completed 12th January 2022
- House above pontoons commenced January 19th 2022
- Houseboat completed April 28th 2022
- First tour – Murray River Walk 2nd May 2022
- Funded by Murray River Trails with assistance from the South Australian Tourism Industry Development Fund
- Features 11 metres of glass window on the port side
- 52 solar panels generating 20KW/hr
- No diesel generator on board (a standard feature on most commercial houseboats)
- Decking boards – Australian hardwood – Spotted Gum – Corymbia maculata
- Aluminium pontoons
- Powered by 2 Yamaha 60hp 4 stroke motors
- A side-thruster in the port side pontoon increases boat manoeuvrability
The purpose-built houseboat uses solar power that removes the need for a diesel generator. Expansive windows on the port side create superb river vistas, and a spacious top deck with spa enables wellness activities such as yoga. Containing 6 bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms, it is perfectly set up for a relaxing ecotourism experience for couples, families, or groups.
Now is the perfect time to sit back, relax and experience the wonder of the Murray River as you glide by on the deck of the High River.
Guests can enjoy the comfort of our new houseboat High River across all of our tours, Murray River Walk (Monday departures only), Murray River Safari, Murray River Escapes.
HOUSEBOAT FOR HIRE
High River the houseboat is available for hire over the summer months of December, January and February.
The houseboat is moored at our private mooring at Murtho, near Renmark South Australia.
Click here to learn more about Houseboat Hire
