Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
Self-Drive boat hire
Our guests must have no flu-type symptoms. Being outside in the fresh air isolated on an Aquadonut is a healthy environment that is fun and safe to do.
All our staff have been vaccinated for their safety and our guests.
Money-Back Guarantee
If you are not satisfied within 30 minutes of your journey we will provide an unconditional refund.
How many passengers can Aqua Donuts accommodate?
Our “Aqua Donuts” can seat up to 10 guests. Babies under 12 months do not count as a guest. Safety and government regulations are non-negotiable and any additional guests will be refused.
How many passengers on a Spaceship?
Up to 12 guests welcome.
Can I talk to someone on the phone for general inquiries or make a booking?
Yes call 03 8677 0899 or support@aquadonut.com and we will get back to you within 4 hours if not earlier. You can chat with us on Facebook!
How soon should I arrive for my booking?
You will need to arrive at least 15 minutes before your booking so we can brief you and go through the checklists.
Is it safe and suitable for kids and Seniors?
Our “Aqua Donuts” is very stable and safe for babies and Grand Parents. Kids and they will have a great time on it too. Let us know in advance how many children under 10 years of age are on board as they will be required to wear a PFD. There is no age limit for kids.
Do I need a boat license to operate it?
No. Our “Aqua Donuts” and “Spaceships” is designed to meet the special requirements of hire with NO boat license. You will, however, need photo identification.
What is the Age Limit for the Driver?
A person must be 18 years of age or older to operate “Aqua Donut” with a full motor vehicle license.
Is the shade waterproof?
Yes, the shade is waterproof it can protect you from a drizzle. Aqua Donuts doesn't operate in rain or strong winds. Please bring a hat with you in case we are not able to open the shade due to strong winds on an extremely hot day.
Do I need to have any boating experience?
No. We specialize in introducing people to a safe and fun experience. Our “Aqua Donuts” is very easy to self-drive the boats and you will be a pro in no time. Instructions to operate the electric motor are provided at the start and are also available on “Aqua Donuts”.
Can more than one person drive “Aqua Donut” or do we need to nominate a driver?
Someone over the age of 18 will need to be nominated to self-drive drive “Aqua Donut”. We will also take the nominated driver's driver’s license details.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your food, beverages, a camera to capture the fun moments music, and a hat in case of extremely hot weather to have a rocking time!
Is there an Esky or Cool Box onboard?
Yes, you can pre-order an Esky with ice so you don't have to bring your own. on board, you will need to bring your own, which can be easily placed at the entrance of Aqua Donut. Ice bags can be ordered in advance.
Are there any restrictions on using BBQs
Yes, we don't allow BBQs to be enabled on days exceeding 40c or winds greater than 20 knots for safety reasons. On hot days bags of Ice can be provided in small Esky's if ordered in advance and we recommend "cold cut meals" on hot or windy days.
Can I play music from my iPhone or Android?
We can provide a free Bluetooth "boom box" speaker which can be easily connected to a smartphone. Instructions to connect will be available onboard. Our Spaceships have built in stero sound system
What does the hire fee cover?
The hire fee includes driving time, safety equipment, BBQ, Cutlery (plates, forks, knives, tissues, and BBQ serving tray), and Rubbish Bag.
How far can I go with the “Aqua Donut”?
You will be driving around Victoria Harbour and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Docklands while chilling and grilling. We suggest while the BBQ is on during meals just drift around and the skipper be altert.
Can I stay out longer than the duration the “Aqua Donut” is booked for?
Yes, guests must book in advance for extra time. We operate on very strict time slots and you will have to pay extra if you are not back on time. A late fee of $50.00 per fifteen minutes will be charged. If you wish to extend your time and the Aquadonut is free you may do so however extra charges apply.
What happens if I return early?
Unfortunately, we can’t refund the hire fee if you decide to come back early.
What happens if I make a booking and the weather is bad?
We offer a bad weather guarantee for our customers who have pre-booked “Aqua Donut”. If poor weather prevents safe sailing, then you can simply reschedule dates and times over 12 months without any additional administration charges. Poor weather is determined on the www.bom.gov.au site. Winds must not exceed 20 knots be raining or have a storm or wind warning for safety reasons these conditions are non-negotiable.
Are life jackets provided on “Aqua Donut”?
Yes. Life jackets are provided and need to be worn at night. Children under 10 years of age must wear it at all times as well as all other equipment and are stored under the seats to comply with Marine Safety Victoria requirements. Please Note – If you inflate the life jacket for any reason other than an emergency, you will be charged $100 per life jacket.
Do I need to clean up?
Yes, you will need to make sure that Aqua Donut is returned in a clean state. Please put all the rubbish in the rubbish bag provided and dispose of it. You don’t need to clean the BBQ. If the Aqua Donut is not returned in a clean state, a cleaning fee of $100.00 will apply which will be deducted from the bond.
Can I drink alcohol?
The nominated driver can consume alcohol but state restrictions apply, must be less than 0.05, and passengers are allowed to have moderate alcohol. Authorities will be notified if we find out that alcohol is being consumed by the driver or if you are being abusive with our staff and you will forfeit your security deposit. The Water Police regularly patrol the area to ensure safe boating for everybody. Any drug use is strictly prohibited and offenders are automatically reported to the police.
Can I go swimming?
No. Swimming from “Aqua Donuts” is strictly not allowed as it may lead to injury to the person or damage the floating device.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. We love pets as you do, pets are allowed on board. If your pet makes a “mess” you're obligated to clean up after your pet otherwise a cleaning charge applies.
Who should I contact in case of an emergency?
Call our dedicated fleet support number 0420 784 377. It is answered at all times during your outing. Depending on where the emergency occurs, it may not always be possible for a representative of “Aqua Donut” to be the first on the scene to offer assistance. In case of a serious emergency, it may be necessary to call the Emergency Services. Police, Fire, and Ambulance can be contacted by dialling 000 or 112 from a mobile phone, even when there may not be full reception. If the vessel loses power and is at the mercy of the river current, the hirer’s first option is to call a representative of “Aqua Donut” to request assistance if required. Only after this option has failed to offer the necessary aid should one of the alternative emergency response organizations be called. For medical emergencies, 000 should be called and arrangements made with the Police, Fire or Ambulance.
How do I pay & Public Holiday Rates
You will be required to make full payment by credit card during the time of booking. A 500 security deposit is required before boarding. A bond waiver is available for $25 and no further bond is required. Please note on all public holidays there is a pricing surcharge to cover hospitality award rates.
Can I pay cash on hire?
Yes. Your funds will be returned after your outing.
What if I don’t have a credit card?
You can ask one of your guests to provide a credit card as there is no other way to complete a booking.
What happens if I make a booking and my plans change?
We understand that plans can change, therefore we provide our guests with the option to reschedule bookings to another date within 12 months. You must provide 4 days notice. Refunds are not provided. Bookings can be cancelled four days before without penalty. Within four days a $50 admin charge does apply. No admin fee for bad weather on the day!
What about security bonds and insurance?
The hirer must leave a $500 bond per “Aqua Donut” for the duration of the hire. The bond covers the insurance premium excess on each “Aqua Donut” and any damage to it. The hirer is ultimately responsible for any damage to the “Aqua Donut” for the duration of the hire. The bond needs to be paid by a credit card at the time of taking charge of Aqua Donut. You will forfeit a full security deposit if the nominated driver consumes alcohol or if passengers are too drunk, being abusive with our staff or doing any damage to the boats.
When is my bond returned?
The bond is a pre-authorization and we do not withdraw the money. The pre-authorization will be returned to your credit card within 8 - 15 business days however some banks take even longer, we have no control over this so don't call us to release the bond, please. If you place the bond by cash, the bond will be returned to you as soon as you bring back the “Aqua Donut” in the condition you took it away and obeyed the t&Cs above.
My gift card is expired can I reactivate it?
There is an administration charge of $25 to reactivate an expired gift card or voucher.
Are franchises available?
Yes, please contact us at support@aquadonut.com to discuss this further.