Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

Studley Park Boathouse, situated on the banks of the Yarra River, is Melbourne's oldest operating Boathouse. First opened in 1864 this wooden boathouse has been fabulously restored and now houses a restaurant, a cafe, kiosk and boat hire.

Day trippers and locals alike have flocked to Studley Park since the 1850s to soak up the park's idyllic riverside setting. It was a particularly popular leisure spot in the nineteenth century for those seeking an escape from city life. Sundays were often spent exploring, while riverside picnics were a popular Christmas and New Year tradition. Over the festive season, 'every picturesque bank of the river' would be crowded with families picnicking, boating, playing sports and sometimes even dancing. By the time of its formal reservation as a public park in 1877, Studley Park was already well-known as 'one of the most favourite resorts of private picnic parties'.

Boating was a popular leisure activity in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and boathouses sprung up to cater for visitors. Those who could not afford their own boat could hire one for the day.

Back in 1863 the Burn Family established the first boathouse on the Yarra River, and aptly named it 'Riversdale'. MacAuley Boathouse, Willow Dell (later Fairfield Boathouse), Rudder Grange and Chipperfield's followed suit soon after. Refreshment rooms were often a feature of these boathouses, offering refreshments to visitors during a leisurely day spent on the water.

Life on the Yarra was not without its difficulties. Floods were a never-ending source of concern for the many boathouses and tea rooms located on the banks of the river. Burns' Boathouse was regularly submerged by flood waters and the Burns family became adept at dealing with and managing floods throughout their long tenure at Studley Park Boathouse. After one particular flood in 1923, Mrs Burns notably stated that the furniture is getting used to it... It's giving the place a good spring cleaning anyway..!'

By the mid-1930s, the Burns family had experienced over a dozen floods. An 1878 downpour flooded the boathouse all the way to its roof. Just two years later, 'all the boats fittings and furniture were removed to a place of safety about fifty yards from the river' during yet another flood. In 1891 - in what would come to be known as the 'Great Flood' - two days and two nights of non-stop rain saw the Yarra's waters rise 14m higher than normal. Burns' Boathouse was completely submerged in the deluge.

In December 1934, 140mm fell on Melbourne. Every creek and river broke its bank, and the Yarra recorded its highest ever flow, nearly 97,000 million litres in one day. At Burns' Boathouse, the family 'spent Sunday afternoon rowing to willow trees and disentangling from the branches furniture which had been swept from their premises.'

Today, this same boathouse is known as the Studley Park Boathouse and stands fabulously restored, rich with history, and is proudly known as the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra.

The Studley Park Boathouse has long been recognised as one of Melbourne's oldest and most iconic establishments and has served as a boating and dining favourite for decades.

Activities

Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of the Yarra, the Boathouse offers three distinct dining spaces, each with its unique offering, to cater to every mood and occasion.

Conservatory - Nestled amongst old English elm trees, this impressive dining space showcases all of what Studley Park Boathouse scenery has to offer. Enjoy a mid-week meal accompanied perfectly with a Victorian glass of red, a girl's brunch paired with refreshing cocktails or a long overdue family gathering in The Conservatory.

The Perch - Overlooking the Yarra, The Perch, formally the old Studley Boathouse cafe is the ideal spot for you to sit back and enjoy a cafe-dining experience with freshly baked pastries, breakfast & brunch dishes & a wide selection of coffees, teas and juices.

The Pergola - Located just metres from the riverbank, The Pergola provides the best of the Studley Park scenery while providing cover from the elements. The partially-enclosed archway can be transformed depending on the event, with both seated and cocktail options available. No bookings are required for The Pergola, walk-ins are available 7 days a week.

Igloos - Discover the magic of Winter at Studley Park's igloos. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to dine or a magical setting for a special occasion, our igloos offer the perfect escape this winter.

Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

Boat Hire - Studley Park Boathouse is situated on the banks of the Yarra River and boasts an impressive fleet of rowboats, canoes and kayaks which are all available for hire every day of the year except Christmas Day.

Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

Boat hire is operational from Saturday - Sunday, 10am-4pm weather permitting (Last hires occur 45 minutes prior to closing).

A great way to spend the afternoon with the family is to hire a rowboat and take a leisurely row along the Yarra River. If you're after a little more exercise why not hire a canoe or kayak and put those muscles to the test. Either way it's a great way to enjoy time with family & friends. All water crafts are hired with life vests, oars & paddles. Children must be accompanied by an adult and photo ID is required.

Feed the Ducks & Geese
Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

Please don't feed the ducks and geese bread since it hurts their bellies. Duck food, which is much better for them, is available from the kiosk, ice-creamery and Mr. Yum, for $2.

Picnic Area
Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

Near the Boathouse carpark is a grassy area dotted with tall gum trees which has two shelters each with two tables, 12 unshaded tables, water taps, BBQs and toilets.

Playground
Beside the Boathouse is a playground.

Bushland Circuit Trail
Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

The Bushland Circuit Trail is a graded gravel path that makes a 950m loop around some of the park's peaceful riverside woodlands and has lots of information signs. There are bench seats situated at intervals along the path. See if you can spot some of the park's native wildlife in this preserved patch of bushland.

On the Bushland Circuit Trail, you'll find an expanse of plains grassy woodland and open forest that provides significant habitat for the park's native wildlife. See some of the park's remnant River Red Gums, Manna Gums, Box Ironbarks and regionally vulnerable Yellow Gums. In the understorey, you might spot Gold Dust Wattle, tussock grasses, sedges, everlasting daisies and saltbush.

Studley Park is home to a wide variety of native animals. You might encounter some of the park's local wildlife by the river and on the bushland walking trails. Spot Rainbow Lonkeets in the treetops and Red-rumped Parrots feeding in the grass, or listen for the distinctive call of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and the Eastern Pobblebonk Frog. River Darters and Water Dragons eye off their next catch from the riverbank. In the evening, you might spy Grey-headed Flying Foxes passing overhead, as well as Sugar Gliders, Ringtail Possums and Brushtail Possums in the trees.

An information sign also answers the perennial question, Why is the Yarra brown? - because the Yarra's natural catchment has clay soils so the river is always brown.

Dights Falls Walk
A 2.2km walk across the 1930s suspension bridge (Kanes bridge) to Dights Falls.

Kanes bridge
Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)

Go for a walk across Studley Park's historic suspension bridge and take in views of the Yarra River from above. The bridge was first established in 1929 to connect Studley Park with Yarra Bend Park, but was soon washed away by floodwaters, The bridge you see today dates back to 1935. The rush of water also swept away the original canoe club and dislodged the boathouse from its stumps.

Cost:

Boat Hire Price List

Access for Dogs:

Pets on a lead are permitted in any of the outdoor spaces.

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