Imagine a tranquil escape nestled by the Yarra River that’s only fifteen minutes from Melbourne CBD. That’s Studley Park Boathouse, Kew – your destination for a great family day out.
The boathouse offers a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect location for family meals and catchups.
Discover a treasure trove of ideas for making your next visit to Studley Park Boathouse truly special!
Studley Park Kew Boathouse
Studley Park is Kew’s hidden gem – the bush setting is so quiet that you won’t believe you’re still in the city.
The boathouse started as a humble 19th-century structure and after a recent renovation, the site now has a beautiful indoor and outdoor glow-up that’s befitting of its iconic status.
What hasn’t changed is Studley Park Boathouse’s scenic location – the perfect blend of nature and history along the serene Yarra River.
It’s not just a summer destination either. Visit for the vibrant autumn leaves and the misty winter mornings as well.
The Joy of Rowing: Studley Park boat hire
For a family outing that’s a little bit different, I highly recommend hiring a boat, canoe or kayak to gently row down the Yarra.
While the river is very calm, rowing is still an exercise in teamwork and patience if you’re an amateur! Lady AB (12 years old) and I spent the majority of our session going around in circles – but it was still lots of fun.
Once you get the hang of it, there’s a rhythm to working with the water’s currents that becomes almost meditative.
On busy days I highly recommend you book your row boat, canoe or kayak ahead of time. Make it an early morning or late afternoon session – at lunchtime the sun is high and with the water’s reflection it can get very hot on the water.
Note the price is per boat, not per person. You can bring your dog on the boat, and there are no age restrictions for boat hire. Children aged 3 and up are welcome. Everyone wears life vests. Standard sessions are 60 minutes in total, and you’re probably going to be pretty tired by the end!
Riverside Delights: Dining with a View
After a morning of rowing, what could be better than a meal with a view?
Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal or enjoying a simple snack, Studley Park Boat House’s riverside setting adds a special touch.
The best spots I think are under the shady umbrellas by the river bank, so you can watch the rowers and the ducks float by. Note there are steps to get to the tables right next to the river, so you’ll need to carry your pram.
But The Conservatory and The Porch also offer river views in a more sheltered setting, especially if the weather is not so great.
The Studley Park Boathouse menu offers Australian seasonal produce with lots of familiar favourites. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and you can order at the bar or at your table.
There’s nothing too challenging here – lots of pub/bistro staples – plus the scones and retro cakes are still around!
The Studley Park cafe offers a small kids menu too. The woodfired pizza is impressively bubbly with a fermented sourdough crust and it is enormous – it could easily feed an adult.
Unwind and Play: Activities for the Little Ones
The boathouse’s renovation has added a fenced kids’ playground near the entrance, with equipment that caters for the youngest visitors. That means there’s something to keep everyone engaged during your visit!
Plus every Sunday kids 6-12 years old can enjoy the Mini Explorers program. Kids can participate in fun and interactive activities that promote learning through nature and crafts, such as planting aromatic herbs or crafting nature journals.
The 45-minute sessions are at 9.45am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, and 1.45pm. Bookings cost $5 per child (supervising adults free), with $1 of each registration going to support the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Corporation. I highly recommend booking ahead as there is a maximum capacity of 15 Mini Explorers per session.
Hidden Trails: A Family Adventure
After enjoying your meal, take a wander around the trails of Studley Park. Cross bridges, follow the river’s flow and embark on a nature adventure – maybe you’ll even be able to spot wildlife!
How to get to Studley Park Boathouse
Parking is available in the main parking area, off Boathouse Rd (located next to the Studley Park Boathouse and picnic area).
Additional parking is available further up on Yarra Boulevard, but you’ll need to walk down (and up) the hill if you park up there.
Otherwise you can catch the 200 or 207 bus to bus stop Yarra Bend Park/Studley Park Rd, Kew VIC 3101. Again you’ll need to walk down (and up) the hill.
The nearest train station to Yarra Bend Park/Studley Park Rd (Kew) is Victoria Park, a 14-minute walk away.
There is a designated area for Ride Share drop-offs and pick-ups, past the main parking area. From this point there is a short walk to the Conservatory or the outdoor spaces.
And of course – you could arrive by boat!
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