The Boatbuilders Yard
23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia
Why you'll love The Boatbuilders Yard
- Offers multiple welcoming spaces with uninterrupted waterfront views and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Economical event packages, flexible catering menus and a wide selection of drinks menu.
- Convenient location with parking spaces near the venue.
The Boatbuilders Yard is nestled beside MCEC and the Polly Woodside sailing ship sits in the original historic shed of Melbourne’s Maritime precinct. An unexpected highlight of Melbourne’s drinking and dining scene, The Boatbuilders Yard is the best place in Melbourne to experience that holiday feeling. Take a walk around this expansive waterfront beer garden and you’ll be delighted to find multiple indoor and outdoor zones scattered with deck chairs, greenery, and festoon lighting. The versatility of the space caters to all types of functions, ranging from formal corporate events to laid-back social festivities.
The Boatbuilders Yard Function Rooms

The Boatbuilders Yard Weddings
Nestled beside the Polly Woodside sailing ship sits an unexpected highlight of Melbourne’s drinking and dining scene, The Boatbuilders Yard. It’s separate event space, The Decks, makes a gorgeous venue for a cocktail wedding which is relaxe...

Dukes
Dukes is a great flexible space from 40-100 guests, access to a bar, a fun, relaxed outdoor space on the banks of the Yarra River, in the famous Boaties Beer garden.

The Decks
The Decks is an impressive function space located on the banks of the Yarra river. Its unique structure is underpinned by a versatility that allows it to morph, due to a series of retractable glass panels, from an open-air outdoor space in...

Waterfront
Waterfront is ideal for hosting casual corporate functions and special events. The space is a celebration of industrial and maritime design and has a combination of covered and open areas. This intimate function space has stunning views of ...

Exclusive Boatbuilders Yard Venue
The Boatbuilders Yard exclusive, right on the banks of the Yarra River and next to Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 'Boaties' is one of the most sought after event venues in Melbourne. Accommodating up to 1200 guests, boasting 3 bars, 2 kitchen...

Half Venue, The Boatbuilders Yard
The best large group function venues in Melbourne, with the Polly Woodside visible to one side of the venue, and the unbelievable view over the Yarra on the other, a prime location for both large events and casual after work drinks. The des...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours for The Boatbuilders Yard?
Wed – Fri
Wednesday 12 – 7pm
Thursday 12 – 7pm
Friday 9am – 9pm
Sat - Sun
Saturday 9am – 9pm
Sunday 9am – 7pm
What function spaces are available at The Boatbuilders Yard?
Waterfront
Waterfront is perfect for corporate events as well as parties and receptions. The space has a gritty, industrial feel with stunning views of the river from both inside and outside by day or night. It can host anywhere between 10 to 125 guests depending on what kind of event you're having!
Includes: House background music, ceiling & free-standing heaters & retractable weather protection awnings.
Dukes
The Dukes space is a semi-private area that has the perfect ambience for any event. The CBD building tops pop above giving you an amazing view of Melbourne's skyline, festoon lights zigzag to highlight the open sky and lush vines wrap around one of our outdoor gazebo areas where there are many types of furniture available so everyone can enjoy themselves in comfort
Includes: Private Bar, house background music, festoon, ceiling feature & garden up-lights. Slight covering, free-standing heaters, retractable awnings & umbrellas. City skyline views, picnic & cocktail high tables, plants & foliage, bocce pit and wheelchair accessible.
The Decks
The Decks is a modern, stylish and impressive function space located on the banks of the Yarra River. Its unique structure allows it to morph from an open-air outdoor space into a fully enclosed heated room that's ideal for corporate events, weddings or Christmas celebrations. The award-winning architects behind this magnificent building designed its versatility so that you can let your imagination run wild with decoration options - if you want something more formal than chic then leave it as a bare-bones design while using their expertise to go all out!
Includes: Internal sound system, a wireless mic, wifi, TV. Live music license or house options. Ceiling heaters & fans.
What's on the menu at The Boatbuilders Yard?
You can review the delicious food and drink menu for The Boatbuilders Yard here.
How much does an event cost at The Boatbuilders Yard?
Events at The Boatbuilders Yard start from 500.00.
This may be subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, duration and your specific requirements. For an accurate quote for your event please send an enquiry or contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
What type of events can be hosted at The Boatbuilders Yard?
The following types of events can be held at The Boatbuilders Yard:
- Function
- Hens Night
- Wedding
- Ceremony
- Private Dining
- Bridal shower
- Engagement Party
- 21st Birthday Party
- 30th Birthday Party
- 40th Birthday Party
- 50th Birthday Party
- Birthday Party
- Bar Mitzvah
- Christening
- Christmas Party
- Cocktail Party
- Corporate Function
- Corporate Offsite
- Networking Event
- Product Launch
- Trivia Night
- Seminar
- Baby shower
- Awards Dinner
- Meeting
- School Formal
- University Ball
- End of Financial Year Party
- Conference
- AGM
- Gala Dinner
- Trade Show
- Workshop
- Training
- Bat Mitzvah
- 18th Birthday Party
- Exhibition
If your specific event type is not on the list, contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts and they will check if The Boatbuilders Yard is able to facilitate your event or will help you find an alternate venue.
How do I find out if The Boatbuilders Yard is available for my event date?
The best way to find out if The Boatbuilders Yard is available for your event date is to send an enquiry through or get in contact with one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
Availability at many venues around the country is limited so if your date is flexible, please let the VenueNow team know and the venue may be able to provide a range of dates that suit your needs.
What catering / food and beverage options are available at The Boatbuilders Yard?
The following food and beverage / catering options are available for guests at The Boatbuilders Yard:
- Filtered Water
- Coffee / Tea
- Inhouse Catering
- Bar Tab
- BYO Drinks
- External Catering
For more information regarding food and beverage / catering options, please contact a VenueNow Event Booking Expert.
What steps are involved in booking an event at The Boatbuilders Yard?
There are a few steps involved in booking an event at The Boatbuilders Yard Melbourne and the VenueNow team are here to do the heavy lifting for you.
Firstly, contact the VenueNow team by submitting an enquiry or speaking to one of our team members online or over the phone. We'll need to collect a few details from you, such as your:
- Event type
- Number of people attending
- Preferred event date & time (and if this is flexible)
- Budget (per person or total)
- Room layout
- Food and beverage / catering requirements
- Any other requirements
Once we've gathered these details, the VenueNow team will contact the team at The Boatbuilders Yard, South Wharf to check:
1) Can they host the event on your preferred date / time? If not, what are some alternate dates / times?
2) What is the estimated cost based on your event requirements?
This process tends to take around 1 business day on average to receive a response from the venue. Once we've received a response, the VenueNow team will contact you as soon as possible.
If you're happy with the proposed price and dates / times, the VenueNow team will connect you with The Boatbuilders Yard to finalise your booking (which may include a site visit if you choose to do so).
VenueNow provides this service free of charge to you as we are paid a small fee by The Boatbuilders Yard, South Wharf Promenade if you book via us.
I have more questions about The Boatbuilders yard functions. How do I get in contact?
There are a number of ways you can get in contact:
1) Call the VenueNow team on 1300 647 488 during business hours AEST
2) Contact the VenueNow team via our online chat in the bottom right of the screen
3) Submit an enquiry via the form on the page
The VenueNow team usually reply within a few hours during Australian business.
Where is The Boatbuilders Yard located?
It is located at 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia. It is conveniently located on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, which means the venue is on the doorstep of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and only a short stroll to DFO shops and Southern Cross train station.