The leafy inner-eastern suburb of Kew offers a glimpse of Melbourne’s early settlement history by the banks of the curving Yarra River. Discover one of Melbourne’s most charming historic quarters, stroll through the stunning native bushland in Yarra Bend Park and go for a paddle in a rowboat hired from Australia’s oldest operating boathouse.

First inhabited by the local Wurundjeri people, the European settlers of the 1840s named the area Booroondara, meaning “place of shade” in the Wurundjeri’s Woiwurrung language. The tree-lined streets of Kew and the historic tram crossroads of Kew Junction quickly became a prestigious region in 19th-century Melbourne. Don’t miss checking out the Sackville Ward, a historic quarter within Glenferrie and Cotham roads that offers some gorgeous examples of Edwardian and Federation architecture.

Kew is known for its leafy streets, expansive parkland and forested riverbanks. Explore Kew’s food and shopping precincts along High Street, Yarra Boulevard or Cotham Road and stock up with snacks and picnic items for a day in Kew’s magnificent Yarra Bend Park. Head northwest from central Kew along Yarra Boulevard to reach a beautiful and historic bushland area by the riverside.

Kew’s Yarra Bend Park is an expansive region of river escarpments and native bushland, just minutes from the city. Discover a network of scenic walking and cycling trails, gorgeous riverbank picnic areas and vantage points for spying the distant Dandenong Ranges. Check out sights such as Dights Falls, Deep Rock and Kanes Bridge along the much-loved Main Yarra Trail. Try a round of golf on the Studley Park Golf Course or take a rowboat out for a paddle at the Studley Park Boathouse. Enjoy an afternoon snack on the veranda of Australia’s oldest operating boathouse and while you listen for the call of bellbirds. Alternatively, head to the Boulevard Restaurant for lunch after exploring the park and take in stunning city views.

Kew is located in Melbourne’s inner east and is easily reachable via several tram and bus lines. The closest train station is Glenferrie, which connects to Kew via tram.