The Boatbuilders Yard

Bring your corporate event, waterfront wedding or milestone birthday to The Boatbuilders Yard. We welcome private celebrations beside the Yarra River in South Wharf, with flexible indoor and outdoor areas that let you choose a relaxed gathering or a larger private event. Our setting combines Melbourne's maritime character with river and city skyline views.

For a semi-private function, The Decks accommodates up to 200 guests. Sliding and fixed glass walls, ceiling heaters, a private bar and interchangeable furniture give you an adaptable indoor/outdoor setting, with overhead greenery adding atmosphere. The Waterfront area welcomes up to 50 guests among covered and open spaces, retractable awnings and river views. For relaxed networking in our outdoor beer garden, Dukes accommodates up to 80 guests beneath festoon lights, with a gazebo, climbing vines and an open-air city backdrop.

Portside, beside the Polly Woodside, is another semi-private option with a retractable-roof pergola for cocktail-style or sit-down functions. If you want the entire destination to yourselves, Full Venue hire accommodates up to 1,200 guests across our indoor and outdoor spaces. The venue includes private riverfront piers, five operational bars and split-level boardwalk decking. These areas form part of the same venue, so their capacities must not be added together.

We welcome weddings, corporate gatherings, 18th and 21st birthdays, and hens or bucks parties. Our food menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options; let us know your dietary requirements when booking, and speak with us about any needs beyond the listed choices. You may bring a celebration cake without a cakeage charge, along with decorations that do not create a mess or disturb other guests. Tell us about your occasion, guest numbers and preferred area so we can help you plan the right arrangement.