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The Boat House

Menindee Dr, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

4.7 (579)
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Restaurant

140 Seated
200 Standing
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Why you'll love The Boat House

  • Located in the most prestigious private parkland on the very edge of Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House by the Lake Barton ACT offers superb views of the lake as well as fantastic contemporary cuisine
  • Spectacular lake views are matched by a sophisticated atmosphere and friendly and attentive service.
  • The stunning water views and our award-winning kitchen will make this an unforgettable affair.

Surrounded by beautiful parkland, The Boat House restaurant overlooks Lake Burley Griffin. With a dining room of rich décor, an open fireplace and ambient lighting, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy award-winning dining. Located in the most prestigious private parkland on the very edge of Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House by the Lake Barton ACT offers superb views of the lake as well as fantastic contemporary cuisine. Our spectacular lake views are matched by a sophisticated atmosphere and friendly and attentive service.

Chef John Leverink serves up a range of contemporary and innovative Australian dishes with the freshest ingredients in elegant surroundings. Choose from their four courses a la carte or their specialised private dining menu which offers many different theme menus for events. A front-of-house team keeps the floor running efficiently with an emphasis on friendly, professional, knowledgeable service. The three private dining rooms are spectacular and provide a wonderful setting for your event. The white linens, crystal glassware, and beautiful views of the lake make this venue unique and memorable. In the winter months, guests can enjoy the crackling fire in the West End Room at no additional cost. Minutes from the city, yet nestled in its own gardens on the lakefront. The Boat House offers the ideal location for your corporate event, long Friday family lunch or private celebration. The stunning water views and our award-winning kitchen will make this an unforgettable affair. The Boat House can accommodate small or large groups of up to 160 seated guests, with ample free parking on the doorstep.


The Boat House Function Rooms

3 Spaces Available At This Venue
Exclusive Venue Hire

Exclusive Venue Hire

An enchanting atmosphere situated in its own private parklands, The Boat House boasts absolute waterfront views of the lake. Watch the beautiful sunset over the lake as the day’s colourful palettes fade away to reveal the lights of the King...

200
From $3,300
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Private Dining (East End or Walters)

Private Dining (East End or Walters)

Our private dining rooms are superbly presented with crisp white linen, crystal glassware and professional staff offering exceptional service and superb cuisine. There are three private rooms to choose from each with magnificent views and ...

48
60
From $550
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Private Dining (Combined East & West End)

Private Dining (Combined East & West End)

Our private dining rooms are superbly presented with crisp white linen, crystal glassware and professional staff offering exceptional service and superb cuisine. There are three private rooms to choose from each with magnificent views and ...

140
180
From $550
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The Boat House 3D Virtual Tour

The Boat House 3D Virtual Tour

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Google iconReviews for The Boat House

Helen Goddard profile photo

Helen Goddard

December 25, 2023

OMG. Christmas lunch! Thanks so much! What a lunch! On the lake beside the poor soggy black swan. Staff were fantastic. Could not fault them from the lovely greeting at the outset to escorting everyone to their cars under umbrellas at the end! Thanks for that -- it sets you apart from others. The food was absolutely phenomenal. There was no course that let us down and we're all still trying to work out which course was the favourite -- a good sign. One of our guests has a small problem with eggs and they quickly pivoted to provide her with something that was just as good to replace what she couldn't eat. No table was on top of any other table -- so that gives a great ambience as well. It's a great way to do Christmas and we'd be happy to do it again!

Andrew D profile photo

Andrew D

March 3, 2024

The Boathouse was our first stop when my partner and I went 'wedding venue' shopping. After our initial meeting with James, we knew the Boathouse was the venue for us and locked it in straight away without bothering with any other places. We made the right choice. Dealing with James and his team was seamless up to the day of the wedding. The wedding day itself was smooth, and enjoyable for both our guests, and my partner & I. Food and beverages were amazing, staff were friendly and on point. Working in hospitality myself, I know the crazy 'markup' (wedding tax) that wedding venues add on, this was definitely not the case at the Boathouse. Post-wedding, the team were very helpful with holding our flowers and decorations for collection. James, Laura, Chef John and team, we cannot thank you enough for making our special day that memorable.

Leo Hronsky profile photo

Leo Hronsky

March 21, 2024

The Boat House team did an incredible job hosting our wedding. From the early stages of inquiring about availability and prices Laura and James were fully transparent, responsive and helpful. As we progressed to planning the event, Laura provided answers to our questions in a timely manner and was very accommodating of our last minute changes. The seamless operations included the Boat House team coordinating with other vendors, meaning we could be in the moment on the big day, and in the lead up. On the day, the food was delicious and the service was impeccable. Many of our guests noted how professional the front of staff house were, and still talk about how amazing the food was. All dietary requirements were accommodated without compromising quality. The Boat House is such a scenic Canberra location for wedding. The reception outdoors under the trees, overlooking the lake, followed by a classic late summer sunset was truly iconic. The indoor dining space provided the perfect environment for all our guests to talk, before providing the perfect space for a dance floor. The interior design of the lobby, and dining space provided a beautiful ambience. It didn't come to it, but knowing the lobby was the backup plan for wet weather filled us with confidence. The decorations organised by the Boat House working with Moxom + Whitney on table settings were beautiful and meant we didn't need to organise any additional decor. We would not change a thing. Thank you to the Boat House for the perfect day.

Tonia M profile photo

Tonia M

February 8, 2024

We have an event at the boat house on Sunday, & Laura and her team have been highly communicative and accommodating to all our needs. I highly recommend the boat house to anyone in search of an ideal venue! 😍💖 the staff are INCREDIBLE and you won’t regret it!

Joanne Crowley profile photo

Joanne Crowley

June 21, 2024

Hmmm. Was very much looking forward to dining at this iconic Canberra restaurant. We came for dinner and immediately thought we should have come for lunch to maximise the lovely lake view. Bluntly- it’s very dated. Dining room lacks atmosphere and intimacy. Very 80s feel. Basically it’s half of a large venue room. Flanked by wall to ceiling windows - lovely during the day - but just plain cold on a winter’s night. Sat by the window - we were cold. Now to the food. Bluntly- average at best. Some courses were served almost cold - pork was chewy and crackle thin. The lamb was outstanding - a standout for the night. Entrees were ho hum as were desserts. A high point was the lovely service from Matt. Saved the night for us. Very expensive and moderate in quality compared to comparable local options. Sad 😔


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Amenities & Extras

Food & Beverage

Bar Tab
Coffee / Tea
Filtered Water
Venue Offers Catering

Audio Visual Equipment (AV)

Microphone
Speakers

Other Amenities & Extras

Accessible
Air Con
Dance Floor
External Music or DJ
Furniture Hire
Natural light
On-Site Parking
Outdoor Space
Restroom
Smoking Area

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