This is one of melbournes best secrets.
Scones and tea, overlooking the river , mid week. I’ve love this place for years.
Mid week is best, sunny by the fires.
Perfect country getaway in the city
We fell in love with the place the first time we visited, and hubby describes it as "quintessentially Aussie". We have visited the Boathouse several times since, usually with out-of-town relatives and friends. The boathouse overlooks the Yarra River, and there are rowing boats, kayaks and canoes for hire to explore the Yarra River. The casual outdoor setting is great for those with restless and energetic children, and there are even 40-cent-kiddy-rides with the option of riding a horse, a giraffe, a zebra or a car! There's plenty of food on the menu to suit all tastebuds and appetites. Orders are placed at the tearoom, and then a buzzer is given to notify that the food is ready for pick up. There is a long wait for the food, and the price is relatively high compared to the cafes on Station Street in Fairfield, but we love the beautiful scenery and the food is delicious, so we don't mind the wait and cost too much for an occasional treat.
A quiet cafe hidden behind Fairfield Park dr. You wouldn't expect to see such a beautiful scene of nature; a combination of boats, canoes, ducks and the Fairfield Pipe bridge. Waiter service was slightly absent on a quiet Wednesday morning, and a buzzer system in placed. There are numerous seatings available all around the cafe, with different elevations from the Yarra river.
Both the Boatman's breakfast and the Eggs Atlantic were presented beautifully, with coffee coming out at the same time. Although having to get our own cutlery, napkins and carry our trays down the steps to our table, the scenery makes up for the troubles. Parking was easy to find, and the surroundings allows for a romantic walk after brunch. Also a bonus for dog lovers, bike riders and canoers. The large selection of items on the menu is fantastic for a large group sitting. Despite the high price compared to other comparable cafes, I believe this place will always still be in the competition. Keep it up guys!
(Disclaimer: True rating is 3.5 however on Zomato this is closer to a 4).The heritage-listed Boathouse sits alongside the Yarra River, with plenty of outdoor seating to fit everyone. It’s a very relaxing setting – perfect for families or couples. The vintage decor and antique signage all scream early 1900s. And what better way to get into the mood of daintiness and sophistication than ordering some of their famous Devonshire scones?
Went for a walk along the Yarra with a late lunch stop at the boathouse. We were happy they were still serving food at around 3pm. With the very average score on zomato, we didn’t expect much. Obviously the surroundings are beautiful. This place is massive and it was easy to find a table wherever we wanted. There were lots of dogs and baby’s :)
You have to go up to the counter to order, luckily it wasn’t very busy when I went up. We had a berry smoothie, portion of chips and the free range chicken salad. And yes, ad everyone says, it was expensive. I think it was about $45 for these three things. You have to wait at the counter for your drinks, I grabbed some water while I was waiting. Smoothie was delicious, pretty sweet because lots of maple syrup. But a plastic straw 😭 why? I even saw they have paper straws, no idea why they put a plastic one. You get a beeper for the food. By the time I had brought the smoothie to the table the beeper went. Chips and chicken salad were yummy. Generous portion of chips, we needed a bit more sauce than supplied but took some tomato sauce.
Yes, you pay for the location and as someone wrote, probably wouldn’t go (again) if it wasn’t at such a beautiful location, but, it ís! I still would agree with most people that it’s overpriced, especially because there is no table service. But the food was lovely and it is so nice to sit on the deck watch nature around you!
Came here for breakfast for the first time, I must say a lovely view of the Yarra river! I couldn’t help but notice how old the place is but once I ate the food I realised why this place is still open. I recommend the eggs Florentine, yum!
Stunning location! The perfect way to spend an afternoon - we hired a Kayak for an hour (circa $24) and enjoyed the peace & quiet that the Yarra offers. The Boatman’s breakfast was a winner, so much crispy bacon on the plate! The vanilla slice and scones were a bit of a must also, fresh whilst light and fluffy. Despite being busy, service was prompt and there were plenty of waterside tables available.
Visited here for a Baby Shower High Tea. Beautiful location (we were located on the deck by the river). Everything was delicious. The avocado and bacon finger sandwiches, chicken finger sandwiches, scones, trifle, mini quiches and mini lemon meringues. No complaints about anything and would definitely recommend.
Sophie Isabella Travers
+3.5
Really great food, however you’re paying for it!!! Free range chicken salad was lovely and flavoursome, and especially nice looking over the Yarra with a beautiful view!!!!
Loved it! Amazing that a place like this exists so close to the city. Feels like you're anywhere but Melbourne. The chicken and cous cous salad was divine.
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