HISTORY

 

Australia's oldest operating boathouse is found in Boroondara.

 

Fortunately, for those with a love of rowing and nostalgia, the boathouse has survived some near disasters and neglect in its 130-year history and was recently restored to its former glory.

 

1863

A small boat-hire business was opened by the Burn family, in what was then popular picnic grounds on the outskirts of a rapidly growing Melbourne, at Studley Park.

 

1890s

The area had become so popular for rowing and other recreational activities that many other boathouses had sprung up nearby.

 

1934

Floods ravaged Melbourne and Studley Park facilities were virtually washed away. These included the original Kanes Bridge, built in 1920, and two boathouses up stream.

 

World War II brought servicemen on leave and eager to make the most of their time off.

 

Studley Park Boathouse was again a popular recreation spot and a favorite locale for many of Melbourne's famous characters like John Wren, who lived nearby, and Dame Nellie-Melba.

 

It has been the location for Australian period films and TV series including the `Sullivans', `Squizzy Taylor', `Power Without Glory' and `Neighbours'.

 

Late 1950s and '60s

The inner city park lay forgotten as Melburnians took to motoring and making daytrips of tours to outlying hills and beaches.

 

Many city boathouses decayed with neglect and most closed. But Studley Park Boathouse just survived doubling as a rooming house and later a fibreglass factory, but always hiring out its old boats to the occasional rowing enthusiast.

 

1970s

This era  brought renewed interest in the park and rowing. Many of Melbourne's ethnic families took to the area for weekend picnics.

 

1992

The Yarra Bend Park Trust sought to restore the rotting stumps and leaking roof of the boathouse to its former glory.

 

A 21-year lease was granted to K.R.T. Investments, a family controlled company with interests in boating, restaurant and property development.

 

Heritage architects developed a restoration plan and the boathouse was re-roofed, rewired and refitted while maintaining all its original character and charm.

 

After a nine-month building program the boat-hire facility and kiosk are as popular as ever, but it also houses the Boathouse Cafe, a licensed indoor and outdoor venue located in the restored boatshed workshop.

 

The restored main residence, constructed in the early 1900s with its spectacular views across the Yarra River to the green parks beyond is now the venue for Beate's Restaurant which offers a seasonal, contemporary Australian cuisine.

 

It's original pressed-metal ceilings and enclosed veranda make it a popular

venue for weddings, business lunches and romantic dinners.

 

The oldest part of the residence built in 1863 is now a private dining room for smaller gatherings. 

 

ACCESS

The Boathouse is reached from the Yarra Boulevard - pedestrian access is from Kane's Bridge.