The Fairfield Boathouse
By Eric (Discover English Teacher)
The weather is warming up, the sun is shining brightly and for relief from the heat it’s time to head to the water. Beaches and swimming pools are certainly lovely, but for a slightly different take on the water-side relaxation I recommend the Fairfield Boathouse.
Located on the banks of the Yarra River about 15 minutes train ride from the CBD, the Fairfield Boathouse is an idyllic spot to pass a summer afternoon. Nestled amongst a forest of delicious-smelling native trees, you can bring a picnic or use one of the public barbeques to cook up a feast for you and your friends. The Boathouse is also a cute café itself, so should you not feel like cooking you can grab a delicious meal on the wide, colonial verandah.
Besides being a perfect place for a lazy Summer lunch, the Boathouse also houses…boats. And this is what really makes for a magic outing. You can rent one of the little rowboats and you and your friends can push off from the little jetty and serenely row yourselves along in the gentle river currents. The sun will burn in the sky above you as you trail your fingers in the cool water. Birds will sing in the still air and you might hear the calls and laughter of families playing just around a bend in the river. The water will sparkle in the sunlight and lap gently at the sides of your little wooden boat; and if you’re anything like me you’ll be half super-relaxed and half terrified of falling out of the boat.
One of my friends actually did once. It was her wedding day and the bridal party arrived at the venue by boat, like a scene from some beautiful period drama. Unfortunately, at the last minute someone decided to pose extravagantly for a photo. They stood up, the boat pitched. Everyone tried to steady themselves but that just made it worse and after rocking up and down for a second – SPLOOSH! Into the cool waters they tumbled. Luckily, it was such a hot day that they were all dried out very quickly and were ready to continue the special day.
Every day at the Fairfield Boathouse is a special day. I’m sure you will pass a relaxing summer afternoon with your friends and leave with happy memories and beautiful photos.