The Red Shed story: from rowing roots to a lakeside wellness community
Posted on
On a beautiful parcel of land at Black Mountain Peninsula, against a backdrop of pristine lakeshore, Red Shed has become one of Canberra’s most unexpected community third spaces.
Today, it is a rowing facility, gym, recovery space, café and events venue with some of the most private lake views in the capital. But at its heart, Red Shed is what it was always intended to be – a place drawing Canberrans to appreciate the water.
Its story begins long before the doors opened in 2024, starting back at Telopea Park School in the 1970s when John Gasson, a Year 7 student, was given the rare opportunity to learn to row at a government school.
Rowing has always been the province of Canberra’s private schools, and in those early days, the boats were basic, the access was limited and John felt very, very lucky. Before he was able to take a shell out on the lake, John was helping maintain the boats (which were old and donated from a Sydney school) and he learned the discipline of the sport from the hull up.
Perhaps those early experiences influenced his eventual move into carpentry, then into building and then property development – experiences which would lay the foundation for what would eventually become Red Shed.
Alongside him was Jeanette, whose own relationship with rowing began at Easts, then the Australian National University, and would lead into national representation for Australia in 1984. John and Jeanette met through rowing, would marry, have a family, and to this day are propelled by a passion to share their love of rowing.
When the chance came for the couple to give something back to Canberra, the Gassons did not want to create another exclusive rowing club – they wanted to open the door wider.
With a vision to put more oars into more hand, the family began the long process of securing a lakeside site and imagining what a new home for community rowing could look like. But as the government approvals took an age, the vision grew beyond just the pull of a boat over the water.
By the time Red Shed opened on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in 2024, it had evolved into a wellness destination built around rowing, but including strength and movement, recovery, food, events and connection. Its mission now encompasses rowing for all, inspiring wellness and fostering community.
And given what the luxe facilities offer, it is not a hard sell.
Set on an immaculate junction where the lake flows into the Molonglo River, and almost completely surrounded by sparkling waterfrontage, the custom built red “shed” has something for everyone within a 10-minute drive from the CBD.
From the enormous elevated deck and floor-to-ceiling windows, the lake sits wide and calm, framed by trees, sky and the familiar contours of Black Mountain. For many visitors, part of the surprise is discovering that such a place exists.
Rowing remains the anchor of the building, but it embraces so much more. You can “choose your own adventure” in terms of fitness, relaxation or socialising – or ‘find your better’, as the website invites.
Of course, you are welcome to row, whether you are an experienced oarsperson or a landlubber. There are learn-to-row courses, programs and memberships designed to help beginners and experienced rowers alike find confidence on the water.
But Red Shed also recognises that wellbeing can take many forms. It can be a strength class before work, a sauna and cold plunge, the zen-like embrace of a dry float, a coffee on the deck, a long lunch with lake views or a function that brings people together in a room filled with light.
The Easy Oar Café offers a nourishing menu with an impressive range of specialty drinks (the Iced Tiramisu Matcha, Salted Maple Mont Blanc and house-made Chai Tea are top notch while protein-seeking drinkers simply must try the Blue Green Algae smoothie which combines sea moss, mango, banana, avocado, collagen, protein powder and maple syrup).
Food is perfect for a wholesome breakfast, leisurely brunch or long lunch and includes everything from a Granola Bowl and Smoky Mushroom Bruschetta to a Loaded Sweet Potato with Spiced Beef and Salsa, a Roast Pumpkin and Burrata Salad (with fresh Brussels Sprouts leaves) and a deliciously golden Easy Oar rendition of Fish and Chips (battered flathead with a tangy house-made Tartare).
There can be fewer more beautiful vistas upon which to gaze while refuelling as the lake meanders around the bend to the National Zoo and Aquarium beyond. And with a Liquor Licence secured, it won’t be long before aperitivos are served on the deck at sunset.
To the delight of the Gasson family, with daughter Monique overseeing the management of the place, mornings now buzz at Red Shed.
Rowers slide across the water in the signature red boats, fitness-seekers finish their sessions at the state-of-the-art gym downstairs, Pilates winds up in the glasshouse-like upstairs gym, the luxe change rooms (featuring rows of pristine shower rooms and change facilities) empty out and the cafe tables fill and people. Conversations hum and friendships form in the spaces between classes, coffees and conversations.
For the Gasson family, seeing the space come alive is proof of what rowing first taught them – that the water is a magnet for community and inspires a focus inwards – towards wellbeing – and outwards: to creating connection.
And every view of those sparkling waters while you’re there is truly a gift.
Red Shed offers rowing, gym and recovery in one lakeside destination on Lake Burley Griffin that’s welcoming, social and genuinely good for you. Memberships from $35 a week. Find your better at redshed.org.au.
