FAq’s and tc’s

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Do you have a question?

Please browse through these questions and answers, but if you don't find the answer you need, please send us an email, or give our office a call on 0406 818 625.

  • To make the most of your trip, you will need a few essentials:

    • Morning tea & lunch (water & soft drinks are provided)

    • Sunscreen with a high SPF (50+ recommended)

    • Protective clothing, long sleeved shirt, light weight long pants, a good hat (wide brimmed)

    • Thongs, Crocs, Sandals, Enclosed shoes, all welcome

    • Any personal medications

    • A good set of polaroid sunglasses

    • Spray jacket or raincoat

  • That’s fine. You will find that the fishery around Hervey Bay is such an untouched and versatile fishery that almost any one can catch fish. Our guide is very experienced in all aspects of fishing.

    Your fishing experience will encompass all the guiding and tuition you need to confidently catch fish and go home having learnt a lot about fishing.

  • We supply all rods and reels needed for your trip, but if you wish to bring your own a 5-8 kg spin outfit with a 4000 size reel spooled with 20 lb - 30 lb braid, this will cover most situations depending on the time of year and target species.

    Replacement Cost Policy: Rods, Reels or Equipment lost or damaged will incur full replacement costs.

  • We would be happy for you to take a small package of fish home. However, Saltwater Playground is primarily a catch and release fishing operation. Please note, no eskys are allowed onboard due to space limitations, it is advised to keep them back at port for after the charter. We do not fillet the fish on our vessel.

  • Yes! Within reason you can supply your own Alcohol to drink during your charter. If the guide considers that there is an oversupply for the day the boat will not leave port. Saltwater Playground will not condone or be responsible for the over indulgence of alcohol. No glass is to be taken onboard the vessel.

  • The ideal time to visit varies based on the type of fish you want to catch since fishing is seasonal here. Hervey Bay is famous for landing large trophy fish, possible any time of year. Contact us by email to schedule the best dates and tides for your fishing objectives.

  • No, smoking is not permitted whilst on board.

  • Our boat departs the Public boat ramp Jetty St, Urangan, Hervey Bay. The meeting point is on the right hand side pontoon/jetty where the boat will be docked.

  • Yes, we can arrange collection from the island (Kingfisher Resort) for a small fee. Please let us know if you would like this option when making a booking.

  • There is minimal phone reception throughout the bay or along K’gari (Fraser Island). Phones will only be used to take photos on tours, they are not needed on a fishing charter as your guide will take the photos for you and pass them on at the end of the day.

  • Please see our “Stay @ The Villas” for our own private accommodation, check on dates to see if it is available.

  • Yes, there is FREE all day parking available for guests at the boat ramp. (in between the Marine Police & the Public toilet block).

  • Our centre console is a stable ride, and we only go into open waters on our wider charters, mainly bay boating. We travel mostly along K’gari (Fraser Island) giving us protection nearly all year round, but depending on the sea conditions you may experience motion sickness. If you think you may experience motion sickness, there are medications that you can take before boarding. Please talk to your doctor or pharmacy for advice on which is suitable for you. In addition to this, you can also eat ginger lollis and sao biscuits to ease this feeling.

  • Hervey Bay is filled with many great restaurants & cafes! Here are our some of our top picks!

    • Banksia (located on the esplanade, Torquay)

    • Tres Salsas (located on the esplanade, Torquay)

    • The Dock Bar & Restaurant (located at the Marina)

    • The Boat Club (located at the Marina)

    • Whale Bay Asian Cuisine (located at the Marina)

    • Beach House Hotel (located on the esplanade, Pialba)

    • Bar Soma (located on the esplanade, Scarness)

    • The Torq Hervey Bay (located on the esplanade, Torquay)

    • Tasty Thai (located in Scarness)

  • No, the vessel design is not suitable for passengers with mobility impairments due to limited accessibility features.

  • Important Notice for Guests:

    Please be advised that our charters and tours may not be suitable for individuals with pre-existing back, neck, or hip injuries, as well as for those who are pregnant. While Saltwater Playground Co. is not categorized as a thrill ride, the unique characteristics of our vessel, seating configurations, and boarding/disembarking procedures necessitate that all guests must be capable of independently supporting themselves during wave movements and when utilizing our steps and ladder.

  • If the client cancels the charter 7 days prior to the charter date, the deposit will be taken and the remaining will be refunded.

    If the client cancels the charter between 7 days and 24 hours prior to charter date, the deposit will be taken and 50% of the remaining refunded.

    If the client cancels the charter/tour 24 hours prior to charter date no refund will be given.

  • Please check your departure times and location on your booking confirmation and make sure you are ready to board at the advised boarding time. (15 mins early approx.) For the respect of all other vessels, the vessel must depart strictly at the departure time, not holding up the departure of other vessels as it is a public boat ramp. Please let us know prior if you are going to be late.

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terms and conditions

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations more than 7 days before departure: Full refund minus deposit.
Cancellations between 7 days and 48 hours before departure: 50% of total invoice.
Cancellations less than 24 hours before departure: 100% of total invoice, no refund.
Date amendments: Subject to availability.

A refund will not be given for those with COVID/illness, they only have the option to reschedule their trip.

If a person becomes unwell and requests to be returned back to port, then no refund will be given.


RECONFIRMATION OF BOOKINGS
Please reconfirm the booking 48 hours prior to departure, to assure everything is still on track.


DEPARTURE TERMS
Please be advised that all charters and tours are subject to weather conditions. Saltwater Playground Co. reserves the right to cancel any trip due to adverse weather. In the event of a cancellation due to weather conditions, the client may choose either a full refund or the option to reschedule for an alternate day, subject to availability. However, Saltwater Playground Co. will not be held liable for any ancillary costs or damages incurred as a result of such cancellations.


NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
Maximum number of passengers is 5 on PLAYTIME. Minimum number of passengers is 1 to make a booking, if no other passengers are available we can offer out for a group booking.

CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR
It is required that all customers behave in a safe and respectful manner to all staff, other customers and our property.

Replacement Cost Policy: Rods, Reels or Equipment lost or damaged will incur full replacement costs.

Damage to vessel due to negligence or unruly behaviour then the customer will be liable for replacement or repair of the item (funds will be taken from the credit card that is held for security).

The skipper/crew reserves the right to cancel a trip/return to port and payment forfeited if unruly or unsafe behaviour is displayed.


OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS
Children are charged at adult prices, and the minimum age for children is 4 years. Please inform us prior to travel if a life jacket is required for any children on board. Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the vessel; however, responsible consumption of alcohol is expected at all times.


SAFETY BRIEF
A safety brief is given on board before departure.

All customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions or any medication prior to departure (as some people may require special attention).

We have the right to ask any customer to wear a life jacket at any time.

All children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult .

GLOBAL POSITION SYSTEMS (GPS/PHONES)
All GPS are banned from the boat and may be confiscated and returned at the end of the trip.

Here at Saltwater Playground Co. we want to provide a safe and happy fishing/tour experience for our customers. However due to the nature of a fishing charter/scenic tour please be mindful that there is a remote risk of injury or even the more extreme. Please understand and appreciate the dangers involved and once aboard the vessel the customer must assume and accept all these risks.