Studley Park Boathouse

The Grand Dame of genteel north east Melbourne casual dining – the Studley Park Boathouse – has had a facelift. And the scars barely show.

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Renovated, with the external dining area expanded, the historic Boathouse is still the ideal destination for a relaxed glass of wine and a light meal by the Yarra. And maybe even a row on the river.

Studley Park Boathouse

Location: Studley Park Picnic Area, 1 Boathouse Rd, Kew, VIC 3101 Ph: (03) 8563 0028

It’s hotter than Hades on the Sunday that we choose to visit the renovated Studley Park Boathouse for lunch. And I’m only exaggerating slightly.

Despite the mass of outside tables spread over 2 decks stepping down to the Yarra, we’ve had to book 2 weeks in advance to get a spot. And then, only on the (now oh so common proviso) that we vacate our chairs within 2 hours. Well, with the mercury hitting 38 and sweating running down our backs, there is no fear of us overstaying our welcome. In fact, we – and virtually everyone booked in the same time slot – eat swiftly and go. Such is the unpleasantness of the heat.

Which is a shame, as the Studley Park Boathouse is a genuine gem of an establishment in multiple ways and, as such, deserves a leisurely lunch with family or friends.

Studley Park Boathouse - Deck in the Sun

But whilst we are there, it’s hard to deny the unique appeal of the Studley Park Boathouse. Set in a bushland oasis between Kew and Abbotsford, the perfect Sunday morning is – arguably – a walk around Studley Park or Yarra Bend Park and then lunch at the ‘Boathouse. Alternatively, smacking a few balls at Yarra Bend Public Golf Course before departing for a Beer and Pizza at the restaurant is a very attractive prospect.

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And yes, the menu of full of sure-fire winners. What’s more, and the staff are charming. But the real pull of this spot is the stellar location. Parkland and golf courses aside, the Studley Park Boathouse – as the name implies – sits perched on the banks of the Yarra River. And say what you like. Few views are more conducive to healthy digestion than the flow of water past your dining table.

Lastly, the premises also has a cute Ice Cream, though sadly, it’s not vending when we drop by.

The Space

We first brunched at this popular venue a good 19 years ago. On that visit, the charms of the place were obvious, but things were starting to look a little tired.

Since then, the Studley Park Boathouse has undergone a major renovation. And it’s now quite the destination.

But first, you get to appreciate how amazing this spot is, given its proximity to the city. It really is located in a remarkable patch of bushland. The fact that it is also bordering the ‘River is a bonus.

And then – particularly if you visit at the weekend or a Public Holiday – you have to navigate the horrors of finding a parking space. Given that the car park is a beacon for both those wishing to explore the nearby parks and use the public BBQ pits, as well as frequent the ‘Boathouse, finding a slot can be a challenge. So be warned.

Despite the update, yes, you can still choose to eat inside. The Perch was, in a previous life, the Studley Boathouse Cafe and it’s aptly named. Book a table here and you can enjoy enviable views over the Yarra whilst you sip a Frozen Limoncello ($19.50).

If this doesn’t float your boat – pun intended – then there’s the Conservatory. Raised up above the decks below, like an airy treehouse, it allows you to take in the beauty of the spot whilst enjoying the relaxed menu.

And then there’s The Pergola. Situated away from the Boathouse Pavilion itself and the tiers of decking, it has an idyllic viewpoint out over the Yarra. Incidentally, it’s a versatile space. It includes a partially closed archway that can be opened if the event requires. This makes it a wonderful venue for a cocktail party and more.

Finally, there are the rather blandly named ‘Outdoor Spaces’. Really? This is a very low-key description of the set of expansive decks that stagger down the river bank. With wooden floorboards, dozens of tables and chairs and dotted with green and white striped sun umbrellas, in our view, they are the spot to book.

And Yes. You can hire a boat from the helpful staff on the river bank and have a leisurely row, if you wish.

The Food

The menu isn’t huge at the Studley Park Boathouse, but what they do, they do well. Plus, it’s full of crowd-pleasers, with something for everyone in the family.

We’re a push-over for a well-made Arancini, and the Mushroom ones ($20) here are delish. The addition of Truffle Aioli heightens that beguiling earthy fungi taste. And yes, they might be a culinary cliche, but park your prejudice and admit that few things are more satisfying that a good bowl of Seasoned Fries ($13.50). Particularly when they come with a banging Aioli.

So we said that this establishment does what it does very well. Well, case in point is their Burgers.

The Studley Burger ($29.50) has all the right credentials. A soft, Milk Bun, Smoked Bacon, Cos, Tomato, suitably rubbery (but tasty) Burger Cheese, Picked Onion, Ketchup and those addictive Seasoned Fries. And the Beef Patty? Clearly made in-house. We have devoured enough Burgers in our time to know when someone has grabbed a handful of carefully seasoned minced beef, rolled it into a ball and then lovingly pressed it between their palms. So yes. Not the cheapest Burger in town. But given the obvious care in making it – and the location in which we’re eating it – pretty good.

Just as noteworthy is the Fried Chicken Burger ($29.50). A crunchy slab of Chicken with Slaw, Swiss Cheese, Pickled Onion and a fab Chipotle Sauce on a Milk Bun. Our Chook Burger expert declares it excellent.

But if Burgers don’t float your boat, how about a fragrant bowl of Steamed Mussels? Reclining in White Wine, Tomato & Thyme, they are a must for Seafood lovers.

Or maybe a plate of Cumberland Sausage ($29) with Mash, Pea Puree, Tomato & Onion Gravy is more your style? Or one of the Studley Park Boathouse Woodfire Pizzas? The Pepperoni Pizza ($29.50), dressed in Garlic, Hot Sopressa & Mint has a lovely blistered base and a great balance of flavours.

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Talking of Pizzas, the Kids Menu includes a Kids Margherita Pizza ($15) and a dinky Kids Steak ($15) with Chips and Green Peas, amongst other offerings.

Lastly, if you just want to quickly refuel mid walk, the Sticky Toffee Pudding ($16) always goes down a treat.

The Drinks

A big cheer for the Studley Park Boathouse openly championing the beverages of its home state with a Drink Victorian section to its menu.

The Victorian tipples include Heaps Normal Quiet XPA, Innocent Bystander Chardonnay and Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin.

On the day we visit, iced Cocktails are being sipped at numerous tables – no doubt due to the heat. The Hugo Spritz ($18), seems especially popular, as is the Hibiscus Ice Tea ($26).

Apart from those drinks, the ‘Boathouse also serves Wines, Soft Drink and Hot Beverages.