Important BYO Food / Drink Charter Information
+
General BYO Drinks Information
BYO Drinks:
Large Eskies is provided but please BYO ice. We are happy to help with a Drinks order. Place and pay for your drinks at Dan Murphys at Gladesville and we will collect, unpack and get drinks ready for your arrival (service fee $220 which includes ice also)
+
General BYO Food Information
BYO Food:
Please bring plenty of food to abide by RSA.
The surcharge includes all plates, cutlery, cups, eskies & BBQ use
You may use the onboard bbqs for no additional charge and we have cooking oil and bbq tongs We supply all rubbish bags & dispose of rubbish for you for no charge.
Food that is quick to prepare cook and easy to eat is recommended as sitting at tables to eat with knives & forks is limited.
+
What happens in poor weather?
INCLEMENT OR UNSAFE WEATHER
Unsafe weather as determined by Escapade operator may, in our absolute discretion, cause postponement of the charter on the day. Rain or lack of wind is not cause for postponement. Postponements initiated by Escapade operator will be rescheduled at the earliest convenient date as discussed with and approved by you.
You will have one opportunity to reschedule if we postpone. Any cancellation or postponement of your rescheduled charter by you will result in forfeiture of your full Charter Fee.
Catering Orders will not be refunded, and where applicable, arrangements may be agreed for the delivery of Catering to a mutually convenient location.
+
Are plates, glasses / cups, cutlery included?
Certainly. There are quality dining essentials are included onboard, including silverware, champagne flutes, stemless wine glasses, bamboo plates, napkins, serving platters, and utensils. This makes BYO food and drinks much easier and saves you bringing the small stuff.
+
Are BYO spirits allowed?
BYO spirits are allowed onboard, however shots, sculling, and drinking spirits neat are not permitted. This helps keep the cruise safe and enjoyable for everyone.
+
Is ice provided onboard?
No... BYO ice. 6-8 bags recommended
+
Is there a BBQ onboard?
Yes, indeed. There is a BBQ onboard and the crew will cook for you, which is a huge favourite for relaxed summer charters.
We recommend bringing easy BBQ items like thin sausages, skewers, kebabs, minute steaks, or small burger patties, as the BBQ is smaller and works best with quick-cook items. Please note there are no ovens, stovetops, or microwaves onboard for reheating food
+
Is drinking water included?
Tap water only so we do recommend guests bring their own bottled drinking water if needed, especially for longer cruises or warmer days on the harbour
+
What cool storage is there onboard?
There are two large eskies onboard.
+
Can I dropoff supplies at the boat before the charter?
You can organise food, drinks, or decorations before your cruise, supplies can be dropped to our Gladesville office where the crew will load everything onboard for you. This service includes setup and ice for a $220 fee.
If you’d prefer early access directly on the boat, approval may be possible at Yeend Street Wharf, Balmain, around 45 minutes before your charter for a $350 fee.
Please note: decorations are welcome, but strictly no confetti
+
Are glass bottles allowed onboard or just cans?
Glass bottles are allowed but consider bringing cans since they are lighter and safer since they won't smash.
+
Does the boat provide napkins/serviettes?
This is a consumable so we recommend bringing your own for BYO Charters.
+
Wharf Availability Advisory
Sydney Harbour has limited commercial wharves, many of which must be booked in advance. Availability, especially in the CBD, is limited and cannot be guaranteed - it is best to secure the wharf of your choice immediately once you decide to book.
If your preferred wharf is unavailable, the Operator will advise available alternatives, which may include a different location or a change to departure or return time.
Popular CBD wharves (including King Street Wharf and The Star Casino) often have restricted availability. Aquarium Wharf, Pirrama Park, Double Bay, and Rose Bay may experience delays, and charter time is not usually extended to compensate.
Once a charter has departed, there is generally no opportunity to return to the wharf for late guests. Organisers should ensure guests arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Wharves may be closed or restricted without notice by Transport for NSW / NSW Maritime due to maintenance or operational requirements. While outside our control, we will assist with suitable alternatives where possible.
+
Can you accommodate special dietary needs, allergies, or specific food safety concerns?
We do our best to work with our suppliers to accommodate various dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). However, because our food is sourced externally, we cannot guarantee a 100% nut-free environment or the complete absence of allergens such as gluten. We encourage you to let us know in advance about any serious allergies or dietary needs so we can liaise with our caterers.
If your charter is BYO (Bring Your Own) catering, please note that we are not responsible for the quality, storage, or safety of food or beverages brought on board by guests. We recommend following proper food-handling practices for any items you bring.
If you or your guests have any significant concerns or severe allergies, please contact us so we can discuss the best way to address them.
+
What is the bond for?
The bond is taken incase there are damages caused by your group during your charter.
The no.1 cause for bond claims is broken toilets so please tell your guests not to flush things like wipes or tampons down the toilets - just a small amount of toilet paper is Ok.
Vomiting around the boat will incur fees. Don't bring Sparklers, confetti balloons, glitter (candles by request only) as they will stain the boat.
+
Can we bring a baby? Is there an age limit? Are they counted as guests?
Yes babies are allowed onboard - there is no age limit. Yes, kids of all ages are included in your guest count.
If you have young kids coming, please let us know in advance.
+
What happens in poor weather?
INCLEMENT OR UNSAFE WEATHER
Unsafe weather as determined by Escapade operator may, in our absolute discretion, cause postponement of the charter on the day. Rain or lack of wind is not cause for postponement. Postponements initiated by Escapade operator will be rescheduled at the earliest convenient date as discussed with and approved by you.
You will have one opportunity to reschedule if we postpone. Any cancellation or postponement of your rescheduled charter by you will result in forfeiture of your full Charter Fee.
Catering Orders will not be refunded, and where applicable, arrangements may be agreed for the delivery of Catering to a mutually convenient location.
+
Are there any water toys onboard?
Yes! You can add the Water Play Pack for $150, which includes 2 stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), pool noodles, and a lilypad for relaxing on the water. It’s a popular extra for summer boat parties, birthday cruises, and swim stops around Sydney Harbour
+
Smoking - is it permitted and are there any restrictions?
No smoking within the saloon area
+
Is there a sound system and what connectivity is there?
There is. Escapade has an onboard sound system and guests can easily connect their own playlist using either Bluetooth or AUX connection. Whether you're planning a chilled harbour cruise or a full party vibe, you can control the music to suit your event
+
Footwear - are there any restrictions?
Please only wear Non-marking shoes or no shoes. No high heels allowed.
+
Is swimming allowed?
Yes, swimming is permitted at guests own risk. Only competent swimmers should enter the water. We do not provide life guards to supervise swimmers.
+
Can we have a DJ?
BYO DJs may be approved for a $150 fee, which includes the generator.
Your DJ will need to bring their own decks and equipment, including one speaker only. Please note that if the DJ sets up on the main table area, it may reduce food service space.
Sydney Harbour also has noise restrictions, so the skipper may ask for music volume to be reduced near wharves and residential areas. DJs must also allow enough time to pack down before guest disembarkationn.
+
Where can we pickup and dropoff?
City:
King St, Darling Harbour
Casino Wharf
Pirrama Park, Harris St Pyrmont
Towns Place, Walsh Bay
Convention Centre
North:
Lavender Bay Ferry Wharf
Mosman Bay Ferry wharf
Hayes St Neutral Bay
West:
Rozelle Bay pontoon
Balmain - Yeend St
Balmain wharf – Thames St
Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne
Blackwattle Bay, Glebe
East:
Rose Bay wharf
Double Bay Wharf (selected vessels only)
Yarranabbe Wharf, Rushcutters Bay
Watsons Bay (selected vessels only)
+
Are there any additional rules that apply to specific events (eg 21st Birthdays)?
Bucks parties on approval max 25 guests. BYO/External services – dancers, DJ’s or alcohol serving staff must be approved before the charter. Appropriate RSA licenses are required.
+
Any other rules the organisers and guests should know?
$80 delivery fee for all catering orders.
Do you require the BBQ?
Will there be any children under 12 on board? If so, ages please?
Toilet Blockage Fee $450
-NO RED WINE permitted as they stain the decks. Decorations - no confetti or coloured items that may stain decks if wet. Skipper will advise
suitable place to set up to ensure they have full visibility when driving the boat.
Please complete the required information highlighted above.
Please tick the orange boxes above to confirm you have read the relevant Vessel Rules.