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Houseboats at Lake Eildon
Lake Eildon is the only inland waterway in Victoria where houseboats are permitted to operate.
It is Goulburn-Murray Water's (GMW) role to control and manage houseboat operations, including water quality and other issues associated with over 700 houseboats. GMW must also ensure that allocated water is available for irrigators and other downstream users.
Houseboat Regulations
Regulations are essential for the long term sustainability of houseboat operations on Lake Eildon.
The Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) are now in effect following a detailed review and remake. This review was lead by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in partnership with Goulburn Murray Water (GMW). This involved working with the houseboat community and interested stakeholders in a co-design approach.
Who is affected by the regulations?
- All licenced houseboats
- All new houseboats
- Existing houseboats that require a transfer of licence.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Further information
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Houseboat Licensing
Forms
Use the Private Houseboat Licensing Form (opens in a new window) for:
- Applications to Licence, Operate or Leave a Houseboat within the Lake Eildon Recreational Area
- Restricted Term Licences for Lake Eildon
- Applications for Transfer of Houseboat Licence
- Applications to upgrade or alter existing houseboat
Other related forms:
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Houseboat Licence Fees
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Table of annual houseboat licence fees for 2024/25
| Category |
Description of licence |
Fee |
| Category 1 |
A trailable boat able to be transported without the need for a Vic Roads permit (upgradeable) - Maximum size 10m x 3.5m |
$497 |
| Category 2 |
One enclosed level, non trailable (not upgradeable) - Maximum size 10.6m x 4.5m |
$916 |
| Category 3 |
Two or more enclosed levels (upgradeable) - Maximum size 10.6m x 4.5m
Houseboat with one enclosed level (upgradeable) - Maximum size 13.7m x 5.5m
|
$1,574 |
| Category 4 |
Two or more enclosed levels (upgradeable) - Maximum size 13.7m x 5.5m
One enclosed level (upgradeable) - Maximum size 15.2m x 6.25m
|
$2,162 |
| Category 5 |
Two or more enclosed levels (upgradeable) - Maximum size 15.2m x 6.25m
One enclosed level (upgradeable) - Maximum size 18.3m x 7.25m
|
$2,624 |
| Category 6 |
Two enclosed levels (not upgradeable) - Maximum size 18.3m x 7.25m |
$3,142 |
| Category 7 |
Special - commercial vessel - Maximum size 20m x 8m |
$3,667 |
Houseboat dimensions are inclusive of all structural components which includes walkways, duckboards, ski platforms, handrails, bumpers/buffers, eaves & motors. Any part of the vessel that protrudes outside of the maximum allowable category dimension must fold or retract within the allowable category dimensions.
Note: The Corporation currently defines categories by the houseboat dimensions and the number of enclosed levels. An area is considered an enclosed level when three or four sides are constructed of a solid material, i.e. aluminium, glass, perspex, or any other cladding or material.
| Category |
Description |
Fee |
| A. |
Application fee for initial houseboat licence |
$323.80 |
| B. |
Inspection fee for both single and multi-deck houseboats at Eildon |
$525.00 |
| C. |
Inspection fee for both single and multi-deck houseboats at other locations
|
$739.90 |
| D. |
Fee for transfer of houseboat licence to another person under regulation 12 |
$323.80 |
| E. |
Application fee for restricted term licence
|
$158.60 |
General houseboat information
New Houseboat Licence Labels
Recent changes to the houseboat regulations have repealed the requirement for GMW to issue houseboat licence labels. Please be advised that you will no longer receive a label upon receipt of payment for your annual houseboat licence.
Houseboat Compulsory Inspection Program
GMW's houseboat inspection program was introduced to ensure compliance with the Regulations and to ensure that over a period of time, effluent issues that have the potential to threaten water quality and human health are minimised or removed. The program has now been in operation for ten years and has seen the majority of boats on Lake Eildon inspected. The outcomes of the inspections have ranged from some boats getting the ‘all clear' to others being removed and replaced by a new vessel.
Houseboat Rubbish
GMW is reviewing the management of waste services across all its 16 water storages. There have been some concerns with the management of the bulk rubbish associated with houseboats at Eildon. The service provided by GMW is for the removal of domestic household, or in this case, domestic houseboat rubbish. It is clearly evident that bins are being used to dispose of "hard" rubbish in the form of renovation materials, carpets, television sets, lounge suites, mattresses etc.
The cost for the service and the number of bin clearances have increased dramatically over the last 2 to 3 years and the problem has evolved without an increase in the number of houseboats on the lake.
GMW asks that operators and owners take responsibility for their waste and ensure that only domestic rubbish is placed in the bins provided. Please ensure that cardboard boxes are crushed to ensure maximum space for rubbish within the bins.
Houseboat owners should consult with their club or marina operator for all hard rubbish removal and containment requirements. GMW will monitor the bins over the current boating season and will make recommendation on changes to the present process should current practices continue.
Greywater
Greywater is any water that goes down an onboard drain, apart from toilets. It consists of the water itself and substances that enter the water from sinks, showers, basins, washing machines, dishwashers, and spas. Greywater makes up most of the wastewater generated on board a houseboat.
As part of the Water (Lake Eildon Recreational Area) (Houseboats) Regulations 2024, houseboat operators are now required to comply with updated greywater management regulations to protect water quality and the lake’s environment.
Wastewater from onboard toilets, known as blackwater, is treated separately.
For more information, please visit: Greywater and houseboats DECCA website page.
Protection of Foreshore Vegetation
When lake levels change, houseboat operators may experience some difficulty in accessing popular mooring areas around the lake. Boat owners are reminded that native vegetation is protected and must not be removed.