It's an iconic Melbourne landmark and the oldest boathouse on the Yarra River, and now, after an incredible transformation, Studley Park Boathouse is welcoming back visitors.
The new Studley Park Boathouse now boasts a transformed dining, drinking and entertainment space. With more than 150 years of experience charming Melbourne residents, this revival embraces the history of the location while also showcasing modern architecture and streamlined facilities.
For elevated dining on the water’s edge, there's a new multi-level outdoor deck, a casual dining venue and a contemporary bar and restaurant showcasing local and seasonal produce. Visitors can also grab a woodfired pizza from the new pizzeria and scoops of gelato from a pop-up cart, then set up a blanket on the lush grass for a riverside picnic. The pizza line-up includes charred pumpkin, sage & ricotta; meatball with pickled onion & blue cheese and chorizo & n’duja with roasted peppers, while other dishes cover appetisers, mains and desserts.
The boathouse offers weekend breakfasts, a takeaway menu and "Row-sé" (see what they did there?) packages that include boat hire. Anticipation is high that the space will become both a private and public events hub, and the boathouse is also set to host an eclectic collection of pop-up events and live entertainment – making the most of the picturesque waterside location. There's also a brand new kids' play area, featuring interactive activities around nature, history, and sustainability.
Australian Venue Co CEO Paul Waterson said the project aims to celebrate the heritage of the legendary venue and to create a sought-after destination for not only the local community, but also tourists.
“The revitalised venue will ensure there is something for everyone and every occasion," says Waterson. "Whether it is a quick coffee from the café on a beautiful riverside walk, a long celebratory lunch with friends in the restaurant and bar, a family feast complete with woodfired pizzas and gelato from the pizzeria, or even a picnic alongside the new fire pits.”
The sun-drenched Conservatory dining room offers sweeping Yarra River and parkland views through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the interior design straddles old and modern with historic imagery, rattan, white timber and black, green, blue and cream accents tying the space together.
Downstairs, the former kiosk is now the Pavilion bar, which opens onto a large outdoor waterfront deck – perfect for catching the summer rays. The refreshed café, The Perch, will open every weekend for brunch, and all food & beverage menus are available from every location in the venue.
To book a table, go to the website.