admin September 8, 2023
The iconic Studley Park Boathouse is re-open after $5.8 million renovation. Melbourne’s original boathouse on the Yarra will enter a new era as a drinking and dining destination for Melburnians of all stripes.
Established in 1863, Studley Park Boathouse has served Melbourne residents for 160 years. Owner-operator Australian Venue Co has worked closely with Parks Victoria throughout the renovation to enhance the best of the heritage site while introducing new features for a uniquely Melbourne experience.
“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. We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors back to the revitalised space,” said Australian Venue Co. CEO Paul Waterson.
The surrounding natural parklands and Yarra River have been an instrumental focus throughout planning. Lisa Patroni, Park Victoria’s Executive Director of Visitor Experience said that the project aligned with Parks Victoria’s vision to deliver healthy parks for healthy people.
“The revitalisation of Studley Park Boathouse will help connect more Melburnians to the nature that’s on their doorstep. Great care has been taken to preserve the site’s heritage & natural beauty, while making it more accessible to the wider Melbourne community.”
Studley Park Boathouse Design
The light-filled Conservatory dining room offers stellar Yarra River and parkland views through floor-to-ceiling windows, which lets the natural surrounds take centre stage. Interiors are rustic yet refined, with historic imagery throughout, touches of rattan, white timber with black accents and hues of green, blue, and cream tying each space together.
Downstairs, the former kiosk is now the Pavilion bar, which opens onto a large outdoor dining area. A new spacious waterfront deck flows on from the Pavilion dining space and offers unmatched riverside dining. The new Pizzeria will serve 8 woodfired pizzas and the refreshed café, The Perch, will open every weekend for brunch. All food & beverage menus are available at any location in the venue.
Food & Wine
Head of Wine, Matt Skinner, has curated a 100% Victorian wine list, which prioritises wines produced within 100km of Studley Park as often as possible. The new Boathouse Wine Paddle offers a tour of Victoria’s diverse wine regions through 5 x 50ml pours, alongside a virtual guided tasting led by Skinner himself, which is accessible via QR code. The tasting paddle line up will change seasonally, and is launching with wines from Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Heathcote & the Pyrenees.
There are an impressive 16 wines by the glass, showcasing a range of styles and ensuring that adventurous wine drinkers will find plenty to explore without needing to break open a bottle. Signature cocktails have also been formulated to highlight an all-Australian line-up of spirits.
Executive Chef Christian Abbott’s food menu offers small plates, mains & classics, salads & 8 woodfired pizzas, and will be available throughout the entire venue. Dishes include Hiramasa Kingfish Tartare with compressed apple, chives and croutons; Salt Baked Beetroot with cashew cream and toasted macadamia; Lilydale free range ½ chicken with woodfired savoy and Tipsy Trifle with baileys, fig leaf custard, cherries and strawberries. The pizza line-up includes Charred Pumpkin, Sage & Ricotta; Meatball with pickled onion & blue cheese and Chorizo & N’Duja with roasted peppers.
Those wanting takeaway will be able to choose from a curated menu for bites on the go, such as a Wood-fired Chicken Club Sandwich with sourdough bread, smoked bacon, cos lettuce, tomato, and aioli and a Prawn Brioche Roll with kewpie and dill.
Studley Park Boathouse for Kids
A brand-new kids play area and Mini Explorers educational program will make Studley Park a sought-after destination for families, featuring interactive activities around nature, history, and sustainability. The weekly Sunday program is open to children aged 5-12 and will progress through new themes from planting aromatic herbs to crafting with natural materials and $1 from every Mini Explorers booking will be donated to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. There will also be an expanded Mini Explorers program running over the upcoming school holidays.
Melbourne Activities & Entertainment
The beloved boat hire is back, with row boats, canoes or kayaks available, alongside a new “Row-se” package which includes boat hire, a glass of rosé, woodfire pizza and a scoop of gelato.
With trade now extending into the evening, the iconic location will host a dynamic line-up of pop-up events and entertainment including live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with soloists and duos.
Studley Park Boathouse, Boathouse Road, Kew, 3101
