Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler & Penrith Platypus Cruises

COMPANY PROFILE

Company Name:

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler and Penrith Platypus Cruiser operate river cruises and a Cruising Restaurant and Functions from the Jetty in Tench Ave Penrith (via Jamison Rd) from just next to the M4 Motorway Bridge.

The Office is located approx 600 meters from the Jetty at 102 Factory Road, Regentville.

History of the Company:

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler was built by owners John & Helen Wakeling on the banks of the Nepean River at Regentville in 1980 and 1981. Fitted out with stained timber interiors in classic showboat style this real life paddlewheeler has become a widely known feature of Penrith. Catering for up to 120 guests for dining, the warm atmosphere, great food and hospitality of the crew have been delighting passengers for 25 years.

In 2000, the company launched the Penrith Platypus Cruiser – the modern style cruising alternative to the Nepean Belle. IN 2004 the “Platypus” was extended and refurbished to make it more suitable for larger cruising functions. This innovative cruise vessel with stunning contemporary interiors and an elegant, stylish ambience, caters for up to 132 guests when configured for seated dining or for up to 150 guests for a cocktail style function.

Products &/or Services Offered:

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler & Penrith Platypus Cruiser operate as floating restaurants and river cruises. Passengers may enjoy Morning or Afternoon Devonshire Tea cruises, Buffet Luncheon Cruises or the sumptuous three course Banquet evening dinner cruise.

Regular Day time cruises feature an interesting commentary, while after dinner on the evening cruise the onboard DJ plays a variety of music to suit those interested in both the romantic or party theme. 

Both vessels are also available for private charter for a whole range of functions.  Such functions include weddings, corporate entertaining, private parties such as birthdays, anniversaries, christenings or family reunions and school formals.  Optional themed entertainment is available for large groups and includes live musicians, Casino Cruises with gaming tables and croupiers, How to Host a Murder Cruises, Rock Roll and Retro cruises, Jazz or Back to the Movies themes. The Nepean Belle is a popular venue for fancy dress theme parties.                     

The company offers Yulefest themed cruises in July and August each year. This popular mid-year celebration involves hearty buffet menus, with the opportunity to partake in the fun of “Helping Santa to find the true Spirit of Christmas” (Dinner Cruises) or for the young or young at heart meeting Frosty . (Luncheon Cruises)  The cruises also venture into the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park and Nepean Gorge (floodlit from the vessels at night). Passengers enjoy the great scenery and Christmas cheer from the comfort of the heated cabin. With the great onboard atmosphere – and the complimentary port for the adults, (dinner only) Yulefest on the Nepean Belle is a sure way to Warm up your Winter!

Whatever the special occasion there almost certainly a suitable cruise offering available. Other  products and themes include Gift Vouchers for lunch or dinner cruises, New Years Eve Party Cruises, and special occasion cruises such as Australia Day, Valentines Day and Mothers Day.

At certain off peak times of the year, the company makes the vessels available at attractive rates for fundraisers for various churches, schools and community groups such as Rotary fund raisers.

Past Successes:

1985 – NSW Tourism Awards for Excellence – Special Commendation for a Tourist Attraction.

1998 – Penrith Small Business Awards – Winner Outstanding Restaurant

1999 – Penrith Small Business Awards – Finalist Outstanding Restaurant

2001 - Western Sydney Industry Awards – Finalist – Tourism Award

2001 - Western Sydney Industry Awards – Winner – Tourism Restaurant

2001 - Western Sydney Industry Awards – Winner – Excellence in Tourism – for most outstanding contribution to Western Sydney Tourism by a small business.

2006 – Local Cumberland Newspapers Business Awards – Finalist Formal Dining Restaurant.

2007 – Local Cumberland Newspapers Business Awards – Winner Hotel Clubs and Entertainment Venue.

2007 – Local Cumberland Newspapers Business Awards – Winner Tourism & Travel.

Future Directions of the Company:

In 2008, the company has built a smaller, faster passenger transfer vessel that will allow smaller groups and quicker access to the more distant areas of Nepean Gorge in the Blue Mountains National Park. This will allow the company to offer more regular river cruise services as well as a service that may appeal more to the adventurer inclined visitor.

Additional water based services are in the longer term plan.

Uniqueness of the Company:

The Nepean Belle product is an unique experience made up of a number of special components. These include the scenic beauty of the Nepean Gorge, the Classic vessels, good quality food in hearty servings, combined with a personal touch from the hospitable crew.

There is simply no quality cruising alternative in the West of Sydney. The Nepean Belle in particular is a vessel that relives the excitement and romance of the bygone river trade era in Australia.

Contact Details:

Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler & Penrith Platypus Cruises

PO Box 1136, PENRITH NSW 2751.
Office: - 102 Factory Rd, Regentville.

Cruises Depart from Tench Ave Penrith (via Jamison Rd) adjacent to the M4 motorway bridge.

Phone: (02) 4733 1274 or (02) 4733 1888
Fax: (02) 4733 3822

Email: info@nepeanbelle.com.au
Website: www.nepeanbelle.com.au