About The Boatshed
The Boatshed in earlier days
A Short History
The Star Boatshed was built around 1946 by Arthur Makin and his daughter Iris. Although it has been owned by several families since, it has been operating as a boatshed since its construction and has enabled many people to enjoy the Woronora River for over 60 years.
Although known locally as simply “The Boatshed”, it has had many names in the past including the Star Boatshed, the Woronora River Boatshed, the Woronora River Canoe Centre and Allstar boats.
Several schools have made use of The Boatshed’s easy facilities for many years. Students from Jannali High, in particular, have been regular visitors for over twenty years and still participate in this enjoyable form of exercise and appreciation of the environment.
Notice the row boat at the front ...
Today The Boatshed at Woronora has been given a fresh look that nevertheless retains its old world charm and its facilities have been updated to enable both boating and non-boating enthusiasts to enjoy a leisurely day on the river. Not so very different from a century ago!
Thames skiff on the Woronora circa 1903
The skiff is currently owned by the Powerhouse Museum.
The Boatshed facilities now include a larger cafe area with a more extensive menu. We are working with the local council to get our B&B-style double rooms approved. Click on the pictures at the top for more details, or select the appropriate page from the site map on the left.
Opening hours may be found here.
Hi, a few of my friends are planing to come up and use your services for a mate’s birthday and i was wondering if i could bring up my own kayak for use? I have all my own gear including a PFD and paddle. The kayak is a plastic Australius BASS. It has been used in both flat water and white water before. I’ve been trained in use of the kayak in both waters by Scouts Australia.
Hi Patrick,
Sorry about the late reply – seems like my first attempt didn’t make it to the Update stage. That happens a lot here, where we start one job only to be sidetracked by another, and another ….
No problem at all in bringing your own canoe. If you’re going out for several hours it’s probably worth it; if only for a short time we have BASS kayaks as well as other canoes here for hire. You can launch from the public boat ramp on the other side of the creek from us (in the car park opposite the RSL club) which may be easier than carrying it down the side of the Boatshed which is full of tinnies.
I suggest you book ahead if there is a lot of you, as we are starting to get very busy at weekends.
Regards – Jon
Is it okay if i launch it at the Boatshed instead? i really prefer to stick with my friends, that’s all.
No problem Patrick, but it’s easy enough to make the call when you get here. Drive into our car park – if it’s full come right up to the garage so you don’t block anyone in and then unload to carry it past the tinnies or drive back to the public carpark to use the boatramp.
Hi All
Well it has finally arrived.
The business directory is printed and should be in the church foyer this weekend.
We are asking people to get one copy per family.
If you want to contribute some money to the total printing costs of approx $270, then that would be good.
Please contribute only as you are able.
Hope you are all pleased with this & it brings you some additional customers.
Regards
Production Team
As somebody who used to come to the river 50 years ago with myt parents, it has a very strong pull on me. Can you tell me the cost of the B&B that you now seem to be able to offer? regards Roger
Hi Roger,
When the accommodation was running a double room with an ensuite and spa bath was around $130 for a single weekend night, with discounts offered for multiple nights and midweek stays. However, as you read the other posts you will see that we have had to suspend the accommodation services as Council requires the class of building to be changed and this needs a development application. Before I can do that I have to get a PhD in gobbledygook or (as recommended by Council) pay a professional gobbledygook expert to write it for me!