Dreaming of gliding along the Yarra River? Fairfield Boathouse offers more than just a scenic view. It’s a step back in time. Established in 1908 by John St Clair, a piano tuner from Fitzroy, the Fairfield Boathouse wasn’t just a business. It was a vision.
St Clair saw the potential of Fairfield Park as a place for recreation. He proposed a refreshment room and boat shed, complete with motor boats. He even wrote to the Premier. But there was a catch. The proposed site was on the grounds of Yarra Bend Hospital of the Insane.
Imagine that. Seeking permission from an asylum to build a boathouse. The Premier approved it. St Clair began his project. Six years later Fairfield Park was separated from the hospital grounds. The early years weren’t easy. St Clair faced challenges with building permits. In 1915, the Heidelberg council bought him out.
Fast forward to 1923. The Fairfield Boathouse was raised by 12 feet. This was to minimize flood damage. Boathouses along the Yarra were frequently threatened. Boat and canoe carnivals were common sights here. Open-air carnivals drew crowds until the 1950s. But times changed. Boating declined in popularity. By 1980, the Fairfield Boathouse was closed. It was deemed unfit for human habitation.
The story doesn’t end there. In 1985, Paul Van Der Sluys won a tender to restore the boathouse. The derelict building had become home to squatters and possums. But boat sheds were in Van Der Sluys’ blood. His parents had run Rudder Grange and Studley Park boathouses.
Paul and his wife Jill dedicated 30,000 hours to the restoration. Meticulous work and attention to detail were essential. The gardens were also restored. They wanted to encourage birds. In 1985, the Fairfield Boathouse reopened. They even added a new fleet of hire boats. The boats were modeled on those used on London’s Thames in the mid-19th century.
Today, Fairfield Boathouse is a local gathering place. It is just 7km from the CBD. You can hire a canoe or boat. Or you can dine at the Boathouse’s restaurant or tearoom. Walk-ins are welcome. Bookings are available for groups of two or more. Enjoy some scones and traditional refreshments in the tearoom. Burgers, pizzas and fish & chips are also available.
Fairfield Boathouse also offers private function rooms. It is perfect for social and corporate gatherings. The outdoor spaces have natural shade and umbrellas. There is even marquee roofing. This protects guests from the elements.
So, as you stand here at Fairfield Boathouse, remember its journey. From a piano tuner’s dream to a derelict building. Now, it is a restored gem on the Yarra River. It is a testament to resilience and the enduring appeal of a day on the water.