Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to cruise on the Nepean Belle?

Cruising on the Nepean Belle is as safe as we can possibly make it. We are kept up to date with restrictions and regulations by the Commercial Vessels Association, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Business Australia, enabling us to act quickly in response to NSW Health and Government regulation changes.

What are you doing to protect everyone onboard from COVID?

We have increased our cleaning regime to before, during and after each cruise for common touch areas such as railings, stairs and door handles. Tables and chairs continue to be sanitised as is our usual practice.
You will not share a table with anyone outside of your booking
We ask that you not attend the cruise if you have cold and flu symptoms.

General Cruise FAQs

Where do we board the Nepean Belle?

Boarding is at our Jetty located on Tench Avenue in Jamisontown (directly opposite Eastbank restaurants).

click here for directions and a map link

Is there parking near the jetty?

Yes, click on the blue button above for directions. There is free parking just off Tench Avenue (on the river side). All you have to do is walk on the path down to our jetty. Make sure you park in the parking area behind the green toilet block - don’t park in the trailer parking area as Council Rangers actively patrol the area.

If that parking area is full there is street parking and ample parking located behind the restaurants directly opposite.

What happens if the river floods or Warragamba Dam spills?

Your safety and the safety of our Crew and vessels are our priority. Should the river go into flood or the river height be too high for us to cruise, we will advise you as soon as possible (via text and email). Your booking will be placed into credit and can be rescheduled as soon as we are back cruising. As these events are out of our control we do not offer refunds for bookings in these circumstances.

Is public transport available from Sydney?

The closest train station is Penrith which is on the Western line, accessible direct from Central Station. The best way to get to the Jetty from the train station is via taxi or Uber. Unfortunately buses to and from the river precinct are infrequent.

Can I book and pay cash on the day?

All bookings must be paid in advance either online or via phone. Unfortunately we do not take payment on boarding. If you wish to book on a cruise running today please call our office 02 4733 1274 during office hours or email info@nepeanbelle.com.au with “URGENT” in the subject line and we will make every endeavour to get back to you.

Is the Nepean Belle air conditioned?

Yes!! The Nepean Belle is now fully air conditioned and what a difference it makes! You can still enjoy the fresh mountain air on our viewing decks.

Are there toilets on the Belle?

Yes however the toilets are upstairs which may not be suitable for passengers with mobility issues. We advise those who are unable to walk up the stairs to use the toilets at the car park near to the Jetty before boarding the Nepean Belle. Our crew are more than happy to assist people upstairs if required.

What if it’s raining?

The Nepean Belle cruises in rain, hail or shine! Don’t be disappointed if your cruise falls on a rainy or overcast day - you’ll enjoy your cruise regardless of the weather and you won’t get wet! All tables are indoors and dry. The colours on the river are amplified in the rain and the smell of the rain on our Australian bush is amazing!

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, we cater for vegetarian, gluten free, some allergies, and other dietary requirements. Let us know when making your booking via the phone or use the dietary options section when booking online.

IMPORTANT: We prepare and cater for each cruise individually and unlike land based restaurants, we are unable to “run out the back” and grab additional items! It is important to let us know about any dietary requirements at minimum 48 hours before your cruise.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is permitted on the rear outdoor decks of the boat only when the boat is moving and food is not present on tables. Our crew can direct you when you are onboard.

Can I take a walking frame on the Nepean Belle?

Walking frames are welcome on the Belle however we are limited to the number of walking frames we can accommodate at any one time. Please let us know when making your booking via the phone or use the ‘walking frame’ options when booking online.

Can someone in a wheelchair access the Nepean Belle?

The Nepean Belle is wheelchair accessible however we are limited to the number of wheelchairs we can accommodate at any one time and our customers in wheelchairs can only be placed at certain tables. Please let us know when making your booking via the phone or use the ‘wheelchair’ option when booking online.

Do we have our own table or are the tables shared?

You will be allocated your own table on the Nepean Belle. Larger groups are spread over 2 or more tables but we always aim to keep groups in the same area, as close together as possible.

Are shared platters shared with other passengers?

Each table receives their own shared platter. Tables and platters are not shared with other passengers outside of your booking.

Can I choose where I sit?

Our office will prepare a seating plan based on the number of guests in each booking, taking into account their mobility, as well as walker, pram, highchair and wheelchair requirements. To avoid disappointment unfortunately we do not take seating requests.

Can I book the Nepean Belle for a private function?

Yes! The Nepean Belle is a popular venue for all sorts of private functions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, corporate functions and team building activities. For bookings or any further details such as available dates, menu options, and pricing please contact us on 02 4733 1274 or email us at info@nepeanbelle.com.au.

Can I bring a cake onboard?

Absolutely! Let us know when you book and we will organise for our crew member to take the cake from you and place it in one of our fridges. After the main meal we will bring the cake out to you on a platter (complete with candles if you wish to supply them) along with paper plates and sporks for you to cut and serve. Please note we do charge a cakeage fee of $1.50 per person for each person in your booking.

Can I bring decorations?

You’re welcome to bring some balloons and small table setting decorations for party celebrations however we do not allow confetti or scatters or any other decorations that require being stuck to the walls or tables of the Belle.

Can we have a bar tab account?

Yes just ask at the time of your booking and we can set up a prepaid bar tab with the drinks you would like served and your nominated limit. We are fully licensed and practice responsible service of alcohol. We do not do ‘shots’ onboard, nor do we serve drinks in jugs.

Can I bring a pram on the Nepean Belle?

Absolutely! We are however limited to the number of prams we can accommodate at any one time and our customers with prams can only be placed at certain tables. Please let us know if you or anyone in your party will have a pram when booking on the phone or use the ‘Pram’ option when booking online.

Are there highchairs on the Nepean Belle?

We have 4 highchairs and 2 bumbos available that can be placed at certain tables. Please let us know if you will need the use of a highchair or Bumbo when booking on the phone or use the ‘Highchair’ or ‘Bumbo’ option when booking online.

Can I bring my own food on the Nepean Belle?

Unfortunately not. We are very proud of our menus and food and very protective of our exemplary Health and Food Safety record. We can only guarantee our own food because we are responsible for ensuring it is handled, cooked and served at the right temperature. Should a member of your group have severe food allergies please contact our office on 02 4733 1274 to discuss prior to booking.

Can I bring nibblies such as nuts or biscuits on the Nepean Belle?

To ensure the environment is safe for all of our passengers we do not allow nibblies of ANY kind onboard at any time. Oftentimes nibbly mixes and some biscuits contain nuts which, in the vicinity of a person with allergies, can cause a severe reaction and possible life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Can I BYO alcohol on the Nepean Belle?

We are fully licensed and do not allow BYO. All bags will be checked on boarding and alcohol will be confiscated and returned when you disembark. We are serious about the responsible service of alcohol. Persons found bringing and consuming their own alcohol onboard will be returned to the jetty immediately without refund.

Do you have nuts onboard?

On our Public Cruises we do not cook with or have nuts onboard however ingredients “may have traces of nuts”. If you or your guest has a nut allergy please advise us on booking. Should one of your guests be anaphylactic please ensure they bring their Epi-Pens onboard.

To enable us to keep us as allergen free as possible, please do not bring nibblies or nuts onboard the Nepean Belle.

Do you offer group discounts?

We try to keep our pricing as low as possible to ensure everyone is able to enjoy a cruise on the Nepean Belle. Discounts are available for groups of 30 customers or more on our daytime cruises only. Seniors 60+ years with a Seniors Card are entitled to seniors prices.

Discounts do not apply on Event cruises.

Do you take Companion Cards?

Unfortunately no.

What is your refund policy?

On our standard public cruises we have a NO REFUND policy if you cancel your booking:
JANUARY-OCTOBER: within 14 days of the cruise date
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER: within 30 days of the cruise date.

Our Special Event tickets are NON REFUNDABLE.

For Private Charters please refer to your Charter Agreement.