Bundy Belle river cruise for sale after 14 years

The owners of the Bundy Belle river cruise are setting sail, leaving in their wake the chance to make a sea change and take over one of Bundaberg’s venerable tourist operations.

The Bundy Belle river cruise is now for sale with the boat, kiosk and business all on offer at the competitive price of $225,000.

A rare opportunity for a sea-change is now available for anyone who might be dreaming of a life on the water in interesting company.

Long a Bundaberg institution, the Bundy Belle river cruise is now for sale, with the boat, kiosk and business all on offer for $225,000.

The current owner, Lisa Lockley, is moving on after more than a decade working in what she describes as “the best office in Bundaberg”.

Mrs Lockley took on the business 14 years ago after a career working as a medical receptionist.

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“Nothing remotely like what I’m doing here, that’s for sure,” she said.

A love of boats was the main inspiration for taking the leap which she hasn’t regretted for a minute.

“We just loved boats, it’s been super exciting,” Mrs Lockley said.

“Our kids were young, and they grew up on the boat with us. It’s been fun.”

Mrs Lockley encouraged anyone who was a “people person” and fancied an independent life on the river to make the same change.

“It’s quite suitable to anybody, if you love the water and you’ve got confidence with people and like being your own boss,” she said.

“If we can do it then anyone can do it.

“It can be a family business, you could go into partnership with someone, you can have it with young kids or older kids. Or you can be an older couple yourself.”

The cruise sees a steady stream of customers throughout the year, with an influx of grey nomads during the winter, locals arranging Christmas parties during summer and other events including birthday parties and wakes throughout the year.

The only qualifications needed are a Restricted Coxswain Ticket which can be obtained by a 10-day course from a local provider, or the new owner could hire one of the local skippers to run the cruises.

The business has ridden the waves of economic downturns in recent years, with domestic travellers from Brisbane and further afield eschewing overseas travel to cruise the Burnett on the Bundy Belle when visiting the Bundaberg region.

Mrs Lockley sees a steady stream of customers throughout the year, with an influx of grey nomads during the winter, locals arranging Christmas parties during summer and other events including birthday parties and wakes throughout the year.

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While she finds it hard to single out a most memorable moment – “I’ve just had so many brilliant conversations with so many different kinds of people” – Mrs Lockley enjoyed being involved with the 2022 Milbi Festival, where Taribelang Bunda people came on board to run the cruises.

Once the business changes hands, Mrs Lockley plans to do some travelling before easing into a casual or part-time job.

“Something easy – you know, just what I feel like doing at the time,” she said.

“I’ve been doing it for nearly 14 years, I’m just getting older and want to experience some other things, I suppose.

“Don’t get me wrong, I know I’ve got the best office in Bundaberg.”

Anyone interested in learning more can contact Peter Bender from Bundaberg Commercial on 0421 253 771.