Do I need a boat licence?

Yes. A valid boat licence is required to hire and operate the 5M Console boat.

What’s included in the hire?

The hire includes the 5M console boat with 50hp motor, life jackets, safety equipment, and a safety briefing.

Are delivery and pickup available?

Yes—free delivery to Murray Bridge reserves; delivery fees apply to other towns and are confirmed after booking.

No. Fuel is not included; return the vessel refuelled or fuel costs will be deducted from the bond.

What is the bond amount?

A $500 bond is collected and refunded within 24 hours of return, less any delivery or fuel charges and damage costs.

How many people can the boat carry?

Maximum capacity is six people; all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Murray River 5M Console Hire — 50hp Boat for Fishing & River Exploration | Boat Rental | Water Activities

On the broad bend of the Murray River at Murray Bridge, South Australia, the 5M Console Hire - 50hp puts control of a stable, easy-to-handle vessel in your hands. Whether you're targeting Murray cod from a quiet backwater or threading the main channel past red gum-lined banks, this center-console boat is built for days on the water: a roomy 5‑metre hull, a responsive 50‑horsepower outboard, and a layout that favours visibility and quick maneuvers.

Pickup and delivery are offered from Murray Bridge with free delivery to local reserves; further reaches along the river incur a modest fee. The hire includes life jackets and standard safety equipment and requires a valid boat licence. A $500 bond protects the vessel and is refunded after return, less any fuel or delivery charges. Fuel is not included, so plan to refuel before handback or have costs deducted from your bond.

The Murray River here is defined by low limestone cliffs, broad floodplain, and dense stands of river red gum. Expect sheltered lagoons, braided channels, and regular sightings of waterbirds—cormorants and egrets are common—while fishers will watch for carp and the elusive Murray cod. The region carries deep cultural significance for local Aboriginal peoples, including the Ngarrindjeri, whose connection to the river stretches back millennia.

A typical hire day begins with a safety briefing at the agreed meeting point in Murray Bridge, a hands-on walkthrough of the console and gear, then your choice of quiet backwaters for fishing or a long cruise under open sky. The boat's stability makes it comfortable for families or anglers carrying rods, coolers, and camera gear. Delivery pricing varies by drop-off point: nearby towns such as Mannum and Tailem Bend are at a lower rate while more remote launches cost more.

This offering stands out in the local scene because it blends practical power and simplicity: the 50hp motor is economical yet strong enough to maintain steady cruising speed, and the center console gives a clear sightline for navigation and casting. For visitors to Murray Bridge looking to escape the road, it’s an uncomplicated way to explore kilometres of riverine habitat without the logistics of towing a trailer.

Before you go, double-check licence requirements, bring sun protection, water, and a fully charged phone in a waterproof pouch. With straightforward booking, flexible hire durations from one to seven days, and hands-on safety instructions, the 5M Console Hire invites river exploration on your terms—fast enough to cover ground, stable enough to relax into the current. Book early in peak summer weekends to secure delivery slots, and consider hiring a small fish finder to increase your chance of a catch. Bring a basic first-aid kit and biodegradable soap for minimal-impact rinsing and sunscreen.