Do I need a boat license?

No boat license is required for this hire, but boating experience is essential; you can book a licensed captain at checkout if needed.

What is the capacity?

The pontoon seats a maximum of 12 people including the driver and children older than 1 year.

Yes, dogs are allowed on board — please keep them supervised and clean up after them.

Yes, fuel is included in the hire price so you can focus on the day rather than refuelling.

What are the hire times and costs?

Half-day hires depart at 10:00am and 2:30pm for four hours and cost $400; full-day hire departs at 10:00am and costs $600. Bookings start with a $200 deposit plus fees.

Is the pontoon wheelchair accessible?

Yes — wheelchair access is available; please note your requirement in the booking notes so the operator can prepare.

Sussex Vibes Full Shade Pontoon: Private Pontoon Hire on Sussex Inlet | Boat Tour | Boat Rental

Adventure Brief

Spend a relaxed day on Sussex Inlet aboard a brand-new shaded pontoon — ideal for family outings, fishing, or small celebrations. With BBQ, esky, Bluetooth stereo, fuel included and dog-friendly policies, this hire makes exploring the estuary effortless.

4 hours (half-day) or full day (approx. 8–9 hours)

easy

From A$210.91

Sussex Vibes Full Shade Pontoon cuts a low-profile line across the calm opener of Sussex Inlet, a coastal estuary on New South Wales's south coast. From the Nielson Lane Boat Ramp at 3 Nielson Ln, Sussex Inlet NSW 2540tttt, this four-hour or full-day hire turns a local shoreline into your private floating backyard. The boat itself is the newest pontoon in the fleet, a roomy shaded deck engineered for groups up to 12 including the driver. It's designed around simple pleasures: picnics, quiet fishing lines, a barbecue between swim stops and lazy cruising past salt marshes and sandy beach edges. Fuel is included, a small but liberating detail that keeps plans flexible. The onboard kit lists a BBQ, an esky with ice and a Bluetooth stereo, everything to stage a convivial day afloat. Alcohol is permitted provided the driver remains at 0% BAC; dogs are welcome and wheelchair access is available with advance notice. Timing and pricing are straightforward. Morning and afternoon half-day hires run at 10:00am and 2:30pm for four hours; full-day hire departs at 10:00am. Half-day hire is $400, full day $600, each booking starts with a $200 deposit plus fees, with the balance payable on arrival. No boat license is required, but boating experience is essential; if you need hands-on help you can book a captain at checkout. Why book this trip? Sussex Inlet's mix of sheltered estuary, adjacent beaches and low limestone headlands gives you varied scenery without long drives. Paddle into reed-lined creeks, anchor off small sand spits for a swim or drift in shallows where wading birds quarter the water. Families and mixed-ability groups will appreciate the stable deck space and straightforward boarding from the Nielson Lane Boat Ramp. For anglers, estuary flathead and bream are common targets; for sunseekers the pontoon becomes a compact floating sunbathing platform. Practical notes for planning: BYO food and drink, the crew supplies the gear but not provisions, bring an extra esky if you like long cold drinks and pack reef-safe sunscreen. Bring a towel, soft-soled shoes for boarding and secure your valuables. Whether you're fishing, celebrating or simply seeking a relaxed day on the water, Sussex Vibes Full Shade Pontoon offers an easy social way to explore Sussex Inlet with minimal fuss and maximum space. Bookers should arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point to load gear and review safety briefings; the operator will outline emergency procedures and safe zones for anchoring. Winter mornings can bring glassy flat water while summer afternoons sometimes push a cooling south-easterly breeze, both make memorable days. This pontoon hire fits celebrations, multi-generational outings and small corporate retreats that prefer open-air privacy over crowded beaches. Reserve early for peak weekends. Always.