The
Studley Park Boathouse in Kew combines some of life's loveliest pleasures. It's nestled amongst beautiful bushland that will have you thinking you're far off in the countryside, and beside a Yarra River reflecting the gums and willows that surround it. It's hard to believe you're just outside of the CBD.
It's home to
Beate's Restaurant in an historic, beautifully restored Victorian/Edwardian house with gold-framed mirrors and Australian bush art. It serves up very good modern Australian tucker with a slight Asian influence. Their Sunday roasts are definitely something to write home about.
There's also a café and kiosk, as well as boat hire for perhaps a spot of rowing, canoeing or kayaking down the river to work off those extra calories. In the warmer weather, you can enjoy your latte right by the river's edge surrounded by nature's wonders. It's a very relaxing spot.
Hours are as follows:
Boathouse: 9am to 5pm daily (exc Xmas Day)
Restaurant: Dinner Wed to Sat from 6.30pm; Sunday lunch
Café: Brekky on w'ends & public holidays: lunch daily from 12
Kiosk: Daily from 9am
The boathouse is located in
Yarra Bend Park, the largest area of natural vegetation near the City of Melbourne. The landscape is varied and lovely and, with more than 16 kilometres of river frontage and views of the city and the Dandenongs from higher areas, makes for excellent bushwalking too.
