HEAVEN IS ... spending a day on smooth water in total comfort, chugging along the Norman River fishing, birdwatching, croc spotting, sunbathing and barbecuing on board “Gee-Dee’s Getaway.”

It’s a DIY day with a difference when you hire the self-drive BBQ boat, which 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-Dees 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 little fleet include a new 4.5m polycraft (with esky, seats, canopy on board) and a couple of aluminium dinghies.

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

Relax in the big spa then walk down to the beach to watch the sunset or wander down to the tavern on the days when you’re not doing your own barbecue in the grounds.

Or if you want more room, there’s a three-bedroomed house available. The house is fully self contained and there is air conditioning in the lounge room and bedrooms.