Liba Liba Houseboats: At Renmark in the Riverland region of South Australia
(Text & Photos supplied by Liba Liba Houseboats)
When one thinks of house-boating, Liba Liba Houseboats instantly come to mind. Undoubtedly, the reason behind Liba Liba’s synonymity with the river is founder Ian Showell. In 1961, he built and launched the first commercial paddle powered houseboat.
Perhaps the more mature holidaymaker will recall their earliest experience of the River Murray, aboard these unique paddlewheel holiday homes. That exceptional idea manifested into the industry that river-goers know and love today. Liane and Phil Jones are proud to continue that tradition, which began all those years ago.
Identifying a Liba Liba vessel is easy; just keep an ear open for the leisurely and methodical chug of their characteristic motors. In the past, the motors of these paddlewheel houseboats have been made from tractor and other auto parts. Not much has changed as all of the boats still use car motors to power their paddles. Many people have fallen in love with the distinctive charm of the paddles
Liba Liba boasts the largest paddlewheel houseboat fleet in Australia. There are so many advantages to the paddlewheel houseboats. They are an economical vessel to run as they use less fuel than outboard motors and are less susceptible to damage and fouling. Importantly for the novice boats man and woman, the paddlewheel houseboats are also more manoeuvrable than many of their counterparts.
The Liba Liba fleet of 19 houseboats can accommodate groups ranging from two, up to 12 people. All of the houseboats have full kitchen facilities, including microwaves, some even with dishwashers. There’s no need to drag your linen cupboard along as Liba Liba fully supply the bed linen (although it is advisable to bring extra quilts and blankets in frostier Riverland weather).
The houseboats are air-conditioned and contain TVs and videos. For those with young children there is an enclosed front deck for safety, and other bulky items such as high chairs and baby baths can be provided via prior arrangement. Even the family pet need not miss out on a holiday, as long as management approval has been gained. All houseboats are equipped with two-way radios should you need advice or help.
To enjoy river life outside the houseboat, use the dinghy attached to the houseboat for extended fishing, sightseeing and exploration. For those with more extreme activities in mind, a boat-launching ramp for ski boats and the like is just 300 metres from the moorings.
The hallmark of a Liba Liba holiday is the relaxing pace. Envisage a gentle cruise among spectacular cliffs, beautiful fauna and those magnificent icons of the Australian landscape, the river gums, all at a speed slow enough to take it all in.
Liane from Liba Liba Houseboats is well aware of the results from their holidays.
“People tell me its just so nice not to have the phone ringing, to have to do anything. It’s one of the most relaxing holidays you can have”, Liane explains.
Liba Liba offer families and groups easy-going and comfortable holidays. Hiring a paddlewheel houseboat is more affordable than you probably think. So don’t delay your Liba Liba experience any longer!
Liba Liba Houseboats
Address: PO Box 805, Renmark, 5341
Phone: 8586 6734
Fax: 8586 4520
Mobile: 1800 810 252
Email: libaliba@riverland.com.au
