Now Open: Studley Park Boathouse Has Officially Reopened Following a $5.8-Million Makeover

Studley Park Boathouse officially reopened today, Thursday, 31 August, following a $5.8-million makeover. The historic boathouse unveiled a new cafe, restaurant, pizzeria, gelato cart and outdoor dining deck along the Yarra. Australian Venue Co. (Yarra Botanica, Fargo & Co, BrewDog Pentridge) has worked closely with Parks Victoria on the transformation to protect and enhance the heritage site.

To celebrate the opening, guests to Studley Park Boathouse on weekends between 2–4pm across 2–17 September will snag a complimentary welcome drink on arrival, free slices of roaming pizza and complimentary boat hire sessions. Kids can also score free ice-cream all day on weekends.

"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," Australian Venue Co. CEO Paul Waterson says.

On the bill: a sun-filled dining room offering a leafy outlook overlooking the Yarra River and parkland. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, a sophisticated yet sensible interior is promised, with touches of rattan, white timber and natural hues to tie the space together. Small and large plates run to the likes of hiramasa kingfish tartare with apples and chives, Lilydale free-range chicken and a 'Tipsy Trifle' which combines baileys, fig leaf custard, cherries and strawberries.

The wine list leans local, championing an entirely Victorian menu sourced within 100km of Studley Park Boathouse. Sip through 16 wine-by-the-glass options, or opt for a seasonal tasting paddle that will showcase drops from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Heathcote and the Pyrenees in spring.

Downstairs, residents familiar with the former kiosk will find it revamped as the Pavilion bar, which extends to a large, al fresco dining area and riverside dining deck. A pizzeria will serve eight different woodfired options, including a charred pumpkin and ricotta number, meatballs with blue cheese, or chorizo paired with n'duja and roasted peppers.

Meanwhile, a redesigned cafe named The Perch will cater brunch on weekends. All food and bevvy options are available at any location throughout the revamped Studley Park, so you can pick your favourite spot to perch and spend the afternoon tasting through the offerings.

Picnic packages complete with blanket hire and a new 'Row-sé' package bundles together boat hire, glasses of rosé, pizza and gelato. The team is also preparing to host a line-up of pop-up events and live entertainment throughout the year, including live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Studley Park Boathouse is now open. Head along between 2–4pm, between 2–17 September, to score a complimentary welcome drink on arrival, free slices of roaming pizza and complimentary boat hire sessions. Kids can also score free ice-cream all day on weekends. 

Images: Jamie Alexander.