Melbourne's Yarra River is sometimes described as flowing upside down as the mud seems to be all on the top. Not fair!! Yes it is a bit murky, but here in the inner northern suburb of Fairfield it meanders among the natural landscape of gum trees (Eucalpyts). There is parkland both natural and created all around, bicycle paths and walking paths to wander.
Fairfield Boat House is a very popular spot to sit out on the verandah of an Edwardian era former boat house, overlooking the canoes softly moving up and down the river. You can hire these here, and this is quite suitable for the old and young.
If you bring a picnic you can sit at tables and chairs laid out close to the banks of the river, and this is very popular with young families and well behaved school groups. If, like us, you were there to enjoy something to eat and drink, then there is a comprehensive menu including cooked breakfasts, snacks, lunch and scones for afters.
As we arrived just before the lunch hour rush, we had a leisurely meal and a catch up chat, before taking a walk along the river. The day was warm as the last of summer is still lingering here in Melbourne.
As a break from a hectic travellers life you might want to consider a quiet time by the river at the Boat House with a gentle canoe for an hour or so.
