IF HEAVEN IS spending a day on smooth water in total comfort, fishing and doing a bit of birdwatching, then seventh heaven must be when you can fire up the barbie ... while you’re still on board.

That’s a day in the life of someone who hires the self-drive Gee-Dee’s Getaway boat. It’s a DIY day with a difference. The BBQ boat is totally roofed, has a maximum speed of 10 knots and has a radio and sounder. There are table and chairs and a toilet on board.

You don’t even have to worry about docking the boat. Jeff Batt from Gee-Dee’s Cabins is happy to jump aboard and give you a few tips before leaving you to make a clean getaway from an easy beach location – which is also where you beach the boat at the end of your day. So book the boat, pack a barbecue lunch, get your fishing and crabbing gear, binos and camera and have a great day on the water. The boat can carry up to eight people. Other hire boats available in the Gee-Dee’s little fleet include a 4.5m polycraft (with esky, seats, canopy on board) and a couple of aluminium dinghies.

Jeff and Sharon Batt also run Gee-Dee’s Cabins. The cabins are air conditioned and fully self contained.

Walk down to the beach to watch the sunset or wander down to the tavern for a few drinks and a meal on the days when you’re not doing your own barbecue in the grounds.

Or if you want more room, they have two air-conditioned flats or there’s a three-bedroomed house available. It is fully self contained and there is air conditioning in the lounge room and bedrooms.