Topics
Seasons
The Montebello Season runs from early April through to late October.
The Perth season runs from mid November to mid March.
Prices for both seasons readily available upon enquiry with our friendly staff.
Note:
- We reserve the right to charge a fuel levy should the prices exceed normal business estimates.
- A deposit of $500 per person is required as soon after booking as possible for confirmation of booking.
- Prices are subject to change
- Balance required 60 days prior to departure to ensure your place is secured on the charter. An invoice will be sent out two months prior to charter departure date.
- We take 14 people on each charter (f you unable to get group together we can assist by joining smaller groups together).
Houseboat - 'The Full Monte'
Has accommodation for 14 people – a mattress, blanket and pillows are provided – you must bring a single sheet set and pillowcase. Both items are essential for hygiene reasons. A sleeping bag or swag is not acceptable as an alternative to sheets. If you wish to bring a sleeping bag you must also bring sheets. There are 3 bathrooms with a toilet and fresh water shower in each. The galley is a large open area with freezer, fridge, stove, sink & microwave. A large outdoor area accommodates a barbeque and is ideal for outdoor dining & relaxation. ‘The Full Monte’ is moored in a protected bay and the “Kylin”, our charter vessel, ties alongside it each night. It is also self sufficient with its own generator.
For those who wish to view their catch or stunning photographs from their digital camera we now have 37” TV and DVD player to do so, also please feel free to bring any appropriate DVD’s along for a little night time relaxing. We supply a satellite mobile number which is located on the Kylin. You are welcome to provide this to family in case you need to be contacted in an emergency. If you have a Next-G phone it does have areas & times where it has reception.
The Charter Boat - 'Kylin'
Is a 62ft West coaster and has the latest in comfort and technology. It has a traveling speed of approximately 16-17 knots depending upon weather. It has a large on deck brine tank plus a large freezer for efficient handling of the catch. Access to the water is made easy by large opening doors with steps leading down the marlin board. A large percentage of the rear deck is covered to provide protection from the elements.
Food - Prepared by Our Resident Cook
Is varied from charter to charter depending on the requirements, if any, of each particular group. If due to dietary requirements you require anything special please let us know at least two weeks in advance (as you can appreciate, all food is ordered in advance ) and we will try our best to assist. Tea, coffee, cordial and breakfast juices, are supplied but all other beverages are strictly BYO. If you would like specific foods such as lollies, chocolates we suggest you also bring your own.
A typical menu includes: Eggs, bacon, sausages, savoury mince, cereals, bread, milk, fruit juice, for breakfast. Cold meats (ham, silverside, and chicken), and salads, freshly made hamburgers, beef & gravy rolls are typically served for lunch. Evening meals include steak, mixed grill, roast (which includes choices of beef, lamb, chicken & pork) with oven roasted vegetables. It is also anticipated that fish would be served 2 to 3 times during the week, depending on the individual desires of each group. If groups desire more or less evening meals comprising fish, then just let our cooks know. One evening a week comprises the chef’s specialty - Seafood Platter. Squid and crayfish are part of the treats on this platter when available. All meals are served with fresh salads or freshly cooked vegetables. Sweet biscuits, cake, savory snacks, & delicious pre dinner nibbles are provided. Sweets such as ice cream, custards and fruit are also available. A basket of fresh fruit is always available for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone is expected to contribute with the cleaning up.
The Timetable
Weather permitting the boat leaves Onslow 1.30 Sunday afternoon. It is important not to be late, as tides can make it difficult to enter Claret Cove where the houseboat is moored if the boat doesn’t depart on time. Return is on Saturday usually arriving back in Onslow around lunchtime. If the group needs to return earlier due to airline flights, it can be arranged that travel back to Onslow is carried out during the early hours of Saturday morning, arriving back around 10am Saturday.
Please give the Skipper plenty of warning about these requirements. No real time is lost at Montebellos but the decision needs to be made with the consultation of the rest of the group.
Other Information
Once at the Montebello’s it depends on the day’s activities which vessel is used. Our itinerary allows for 3 days deep-sea fishing, which is done on the Kylin, but island cruising, snorkelling and fishing is done from the 4 dinghies, which are also for commuting to shore for sight seeing. We also have an aluminum jet runabout ‘Nemo’, which the crew uses for various activities.
If scuba diving is required we must be notified at time of booking, as a “Dive Master” must be on board and this must be taken into account when the roster is prepared at the beginning of the season. Tanks and weight belts are supplied, but other personal gear must be provided by you. Snorkelling of course acceptable without a “Dive Master”. A light wetsuit is ideal to protect against the coral when snorkelling.
Fishing in General
We supply deep-sea boat rods and reels for bottom fishing but if you wish to bring rods, reels, lures and light gear for playing in and around the Islands please feel free, as they would be very suitable. Lure fishing is popular. The catch is filleted at the end of each day and packed in fish boxes in individual plastic bags. It is then placed in the snap freezer on the Kylin. Everyone is expected to participate in this activity. Once back at the mainland, if you do not wish to take your fish with you, you can arrange for your fish to be trucked to Perth through Northern Transport Company, with pickup at their depot in Maddington.
Please note – We especially request that you refrain from bringing glass wherever possible. Wines are acceptable but please no stubbies where possible. Drinks in glass are not permitted on the Kylin when fishing (for safety reasons), so please ensure you have cans for these days.
Traveling to Onslow
Air travel is possible via Karratha or Exmouth and then a charter plane over to Onslow. If you choose Karratha and do not wish to fly to Onslow you can hire a car or bus and driver to Onslow (approximately 3 hour drive). Avis has and agency in Onslow. Buses can be hired from Fortescue Bus Service, Ross Burridge on 9185 4377 or McLaren Bus Hire on 9185 6383. If you wish to organize and charter flight for the balance of the journey both Ashburton Air Service, which is based in Onslow and Exmouth Air Charter, have suitable planes.
By Road - Approx 1400 Kms from Perth
Another alternative that works out quite economically (presuming you did not want to bring individual vehicles) is to hire a minibus. If you choose this option we suggest you choose a bus larger than you require as it provides extra comfort for all concerned keeping in mind the distance you are traveling from Perth.
Storage of Vehicles While on Charter
There is a service in Onslow within walking distance from where the boat leaves which stores your vehicle in a locked yard for $20 for the week or $30 for a bus. This is arranged on the Sunday of your departure and no advance notice is required.
The Crew
Consists of a Skipper, Deckie and a cook. It is expected that everyone lend a hand to cook and with the cleaning up. Just think of the mountain of dishes 17 people make. Many hands make light work.
Sending Goods via Northern Transport Company
Goods for your charter can be sent up to Onslow via Northern transport Company (just ask us for details should you require this service).
NB: Customers must have any goods that they send through clearly marked with their names as the sender and receiver of the goods, and goods are COD only. NTC have advised us that they do not have Eftpos or credit card facilities available.
Communication While at the Montebello Islands
Prior to departure in Onslow, a mobile Telstra digital or Next-G will work but once the Kylin sails there is no guarantee of phone contact. No mobiles work at the Montebello’s except satellite phones or occasionally the Next-G.
Things to Bring
Snorkelling:
- Mask
- Fins
- Snorkel
- Gloves for catching crays
- Wet suit optional but it does protect from the coral.
We do have sets aboard which are quite adequate if you don't have your own favourite gear.
Scuba Diving:
- BC
- Regulator
- Snorkelling gear
- Tank and weight belt is supplied
- Dive ticket essential, No Ticket No Dive.
Note: Only available if pre arranged so as to allow us to roster our Dive Master for the charter.
Fishing Gear (Optional):
- Smallish squid jigs
- 20-30lb spinning rod and reel for dinghy fishing or baitcaster combo
- Lures.
General:
- Personal insect repellantSunscreen
- Sheets
- Pillow case (we provide blanket and pillow)
- A sleeping bag is not an acceptable alternative to sheets
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Drinks, any nibbles, chocolates or lollies that you especially like or your favourite savoury.
TUXEDO OPTIONAL
