Meet SA Woman Member, Kate Byford
Business/Organisation: Wow Houseboats
Job Role: Co- Founder & General Manager
Tell us a bit about you:
As the Co-Founder and General Manager of Wow Houseboats, I’m proud to run a family-owned luxury houseboat business, offering unique self-drive experiences along the stunning lower to mid-Murray region. Working closely with stakeholders in the tourism industry, I’m also a board member of the Houseboat Hirers Association, where I contribute to the growth and promotion of the houseboat sector.
Beyond my role in tourism, my passion lies in health, social care, and community support, where I bring over 15 years of experience across Australia and the UK. With a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Social Sciences), and qualifications in Youth Work and CELTA English teaching, I’ve worked across public health, mental health, disability support, and community development.
Currently, I’m expanding my expertise by completing a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of Tasmania. My focus is on providing trauma-informed and neurodivergent-inclusive care, ensuring individuals receive the support they need. I also work in the NDIS space through the Mable platform, assisting participants in navigating their journeys towards greater independence and well-being.
My career has been as diverse as my passions. I’ve worked in leadership roles in marketing, PR, HR, and senior management, and even spent time studying Naturopathy in London, which I hope to integrate into my counselling practice in the future. I also have a background in local politics, having served as the youngest Elected Member of Council in South Australia for the City of Prospect in the early 2000s.
Outside of work and study, I find balance through kitesurfing, wake-foiling, and off-the-grid camping with my partner, always accompanied by our loyal pooch and adventure buddy, Rosso. This year, I’m focusing on achieving better harmony between business, family, and personal growth, while continuing to create positive impacts in the industries I love.
I’m excited to connect with and support other inspiring women within the SA Woman network, sharing experiences, challenges, and wins as we all continue to grow.
Tell us a bit about your business or organisation/role:
Hi, I’m Kate, and together with my partner in business and life we run Wow Houseboats, a family-owned business offering luxury houseboat holidays on South Australia’s stunning Murray River. We’re passionate about creating extraordinary experiences where our guests can relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature, family, and friends.
Our houseboat, Wow Factor, is designed for ultimate comfort and indulgence. With two stories of fully enclosed 360-degree views, a spacious spa, and everything you need for a seamless getaway, it’s perfect for both summer and winter escapes. Sleeping up to 12 guests, it’s ideal for family holidays, romantic retreats, or group getaways. The rear-facing kitchen, open-plan living spaces, and high-end features add to the unique ‘Wow Factor’ experience.
We also offer one-way bookings for those wanting to explore more of the river, and we love partnering with local businesses to showcase the best of the Murraylands region. From stunning landscapes to incredible food and experiences, we make it easy for our guests to immerse themselves in all that this beautiful part of South Australia has to offer.
With a three-night minimum stay, there’s plenty of time to slow down, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and create lifelong memories.
The “WOW” in Wow Houseboats reflects our passion for infusing luxury, relaxation, and adventure into every aspect of your stay, ensuring that a houseboat holiday truly is the best break you can take in South Australia.
How can you best contact you:
Website: https://wowhouseboats.com.au/
Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | YouTube
Let’s get to know you a little more:
What has been a lesson you learnt in your career or business that has stayed with you?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business came from an incredibly challenging time, the 2022 floods that devastated the River Murray. At the time, we were the youngest startup houseboat company in Australia, and suddenly, the river, which was the heart of our business, was closed for months. It wasn’t just us; every local business along the riverfront was impacted. The stress was overwhelming, bringing financial and emotional pressure that affected every area of our lives.
What I learned from this experience is that even in the darkest moments, there is always *light at the end of the tunnel*, even if you can’t see it yet. Some things are simply out of our control, and while that can be difficult to accept, it is important to stay strong, remain aligned, and work together rather than against each other. Our family, staff, and business partners were our greatest support during this time, and we had to remind ourselves that while not everyone would be happy with every decision we made, we could only do our best.
This experience reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and unity. It continues to shape how we approach challenges in business today.
What is your favourite place in South Australia to visit?
Other than the Murray River it is The Yorke and Eyre Peninsula’s where we do off the grid caravan camping and kitesurfing.
Why is being part of SA Woman important to you?
Being part of SA Woman is more than just joining a network; it’s about connection, support, and empowerment. As a business owner, I know how valuable it is to have a community of like-minded women who understand the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences that come with running a business in South Australia.
For me, SA Woman is a space where we can support and promote each other, celebrate wins, and lift each other up through the ups and downs of business and life. It’s about fostering real connections not just for business growth, but for personal strength and resilience. Knowing that I can reach out for advice, share ideas, and learn from other women who are on similar journeys is incredibly empowering.
Being part of this network also provides inspiration and motivation. Seeing other women succeed in their fields reminds me of what’s possible and encourages me to keep pushing forward. It’s a place where collaboration is valued, where I can exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and even find potential business partnerships.
Most importantly, SA Woman is a reminder that we don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s sharing experiences, accessing resources, or simply knowing that others have faced similar challenges and come through stronger, this network helps create a sense of belonging and collective strength.
I’m proud to be part of a community that champions women in business, fosters genuine connections, and encourages us all to dream big, support each other, and grow together.
What is a quote or mantra you live by?
“You can’t control the waves, but you can learn to ride them.”
What region of South Australia are you in?:
Murraylands