Itineraries · Melbourne

The two Yarra boathouses

Walk · Melbourne. ~5 km along the river, ~3 h, 2 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
The two Yarra boathouses
Duration
~5 km along the river, ~3 h (≈ 2 h 30 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
walk
Start
Fairfield Boathouse
Finish
Studley Park Boathouse
Pace
moderate pace
Best time
a weekday, and off the high tide if you want a boat
Budget per adult
the train, tea at the shed, a boat if you want onePrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026

Getting there

Train to Fairfield for the first boathouse. The train back is from Hawthorn. A full-fare bank card works.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Fairfield Boathouse~40 min at the stop

    The 1908 shed. Weekdays it is open 9:00 to 17:00, weekends 8:30 to 18:00. Fairfield station is about 900 m away.

    Worth knowing: John St Clair established the boathouse in 1908, and for over a century it has been a favourite outing for the northern suburbs.

    Tip: Boats go out 9am to 4pm on weekdays and to 5pm on weekends, weather permitting and never at high tide. Hire prices aren't published; ask on site. No swimming in the river.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 1 h 10 min · 5 km

  2. 2. Studley Park Boathouse~40 min at the stop

    The oldest public boathouse on the Yarra, over in Kew: a deck over the water, a conservatory restaurant and boats for hire. The river trail leads here from Fairfield.

    Worth knowing: It opened in 1863 as Burns Boat Shed; the Burns family built Thames-style rowboats and ran it until 1940. The park is named after John Hodgson's Studley House.

    Tip: Opens 8am: to 5:30pm Monday to Thursday, 9pm Friday and Saturday, 7pm Sunday. Boat hire depends on season and weather. The trail is shared with bikes. Train back from Hawthorn.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.