We discovered this boathouse in Fairfield, right near Studley Park, and it’s very convenient to drive there from Glen. 

There are three types of boats: Rowing boat, Kayak, and Canoe. Families with kids usually choose the Rowing boat, so only the dad needs to row, and the mom and the kids can enjoy the ride!

1) Rowboat: Suitable for a large group or a whole family on one boat, the kind with two oars fixed on the boat. Not recommended for two people as the boat is heavy and challenging to row. Exception for men with strong arms
2) Canoe: For 2-3 people, two girls can handle it perfectly, with each person holding one paddle. The boat is light, easy to steer, and more stable compared to kayaks. Recommended for first-time tryouts
3) Kayak: For 1-2 people, provides the strongest sense of being close to the water. It’s cool to paddle alone, and picturing friends or a couple each on their kayak on the river is simply beautiful!

The experience

If you want to rent a boat, go right and downstairs to the office to rent a boat! The prices are in picture four! They’ll give you a small ticket when you rent the boat; make sure to keep it safe as you’ll need it to get your deposit back!

After getting the ticket, put on the life jacket upstairs next door, grab the oars, go downstairs to the river, and there will be staff to guide you on board and give you a brief lesson on rowing!

Although the temperature was high the day we went, there was still wind on the river! It was really comfortable!

After rowing, you can have a meal here directly. They mainly serve simple meals like burgers and pizzas, and they also have desserts, but I think the taste is really good! The prices are basically the same as outside restaurants, and having a meal here after rowing is completely satisfying in terms of energy replenishment! But, be aware that you need to order and pick up your food upstairs on your own!

The boathouse in the park is divided into a dining area and a beverage-dessert area. There are many choices for both food and drinks, and the must-try items seem to be scones and vanilla slices. For main courses, it appears that many people order fish and chips and the large hamburger; the pizza is enough for 2-3 people. The prices of the dishes are a bit high, but the portions are indeed generous.

Getting here

Fairfield Park Boathouse & Tea Gardens is just a half-hour bus ride from the city! It’s really close!! You can take the nearest 250 bus stop on Lonsdale St, get off at Victoria Rd/Westgarth St, and it’s about a 10-minute walk. Following Google Maps makes it easy to find! You can see the sign at the entrance of the parking lot!