The iconic Studley Park Boathouse has reopened after a multi-million renovation. Inspired by Victoria’s parklands, the new precinct is revitalising the banks of the Yarra River as a dining, drinking and entertainment hub. Expect a new café, a new pizzeria, “Row-sé” packages and more. The boathouse is now open daily for you to enjoy.
Studley Park Boathouse is celebrating their reopening on the first three weekends of trade, from September 2 to 17. On Saturdays and Sundays, from 2pm to 4pm, you can look forward to a welcome drink on arrival, free roving pizza, live music, kids entertainment and complimentary boat hire sessions. Ice cream for kids will be free all day, and they can check out the Mini Explorers program for free on Sundays.
Studley Park Boathouse
Established in 1863, Studley Park Boathouse has spent 160 years creating riverside memories for Melburnians. Nestled by the Yarra in Kew, not too far from Melbourne CBD, this landmark has preserved heritage features as well as introduced new and exciting elements. The team have worked closely with Parks Victoria to maintain the natural beauty of the space.
“Studley Park Boathouse is a beloved part of Melbourne’s history, so it was important to us to preserve its character while revitalising it for the modern Melbourne community,” said Paul Waterson, CEO of Australian Venue Co.
Take in gorgeous views of the Yarra River and surrounding parklands inside the Conservatory dining room. This light-filled room has floor-to-ceiling windows that will help you feel immersed in this beautiful corner of Melbourne.
Downstairs, the former kiosk has been transformed into the Pavilion bar, which opens out onto a large outdoor dining area. Flowing on from the Pavilion, you’ll find a spacious waterfront deck for quality riverside dining. Feast on eight different woodfired pizzas from the Pizzeria, and check out the refreshed café, The Perch, for brunch on weekends.
Weddings will be available for groups of up to 300 people, with sit down, cocktail and buffet style packages. The space is also perfect for other functions, like birthdays, engagements and corporate events.
Things to do
Of course, you can’t visit Studley Park Boathouse without hiring a boat! Choose between row boats, canoes and kayaks, and have fun rowing your way around the river. There’s also a new “Row-se” package, which includes boat hire, a glass of rosé, woodfire pizza and a scoop of gelato.
The venue will also have pop-up events and entertainment, including live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The kids will also have plenty of fun with a brand new kids play area and Mini Explorers educational program. Perfect for children aged 5-12, the weekly Sunday program will have interactive activities around nature, history and sustainability. They can try cool stuff like planting aromatic herbs and crafting with natural materials. $1 from every Mini Explorers booking will be donated to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The program will also have expanded sessions over the school holidays.
Food and drink
At Studley Park Boathouse, you’ll find small plates, mains, classics, salads and woodfired pizza from Executive Chef Christian Abbot. Look forward to dishes like Hiramasa Kingfish Tartare with apple, chives and croutons; Salt Baked Beetroot with cashew cream and macadamia; and free range 1/2 chicken with woodfired savoy. For something sweet, try the Tipsy Trifle with baileys, fig leaf custard, cherries and strawberries.
Meanwhile, there’s eight different kinds of pizza, including charred pumpkin with sage and ricotta; meatball with picked onion and blue cheese; and chorizo and ‘Nduja with roasted peppers.
As for drinks, look forward to a curated Victorian wine list, which prioritises wine produced within 100km of Studley Park. Sip your way through the Boathouse Wine Paddle, and taste your way through Victoria’s wine regions. This tasting paddle will change the line-up on a seasonal basis, and will launch with wines from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Heathcote and the Pyrenees.
Try 16 wines by the glass, as well as signature cocktails that highlight Australian spirits.
If you’ve got places to be, there’s also a takeaway menu, with easy bites like woodfired chicken club sandwich or prawn brioche roll.
Bookings for Studley Park Boathouse are now open. Boat hire is available every day from 9am to 4pm. Meanwhile, the venue is open from 8am to 9:30pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 8am to late on Fridays and Saturdays.