Wulaba Park

Wulaba Park is proof that a playground can be art. Designed by artist Mike Hewson, this Waterloo playground features a three-storey sculptural slide tower that doubles as a genuine artwork — it's the kind of structure that stops passersby in their tracks, not just kids. The slide spirals down from the top of the tower through an open steel framework, giving kids a thrill of height with the safety of enclosed sides.

But Wulaba is more than just the headline slide. The playground has thoughtful climbing elements, balancing logs, a sand play zone, and equipment designed for younger children alongside the bigger structures. The artistic design extends throughout, with custom-made play elements that you won't find in any catalogue. There's a distinctive industrial-meets-playful aesthetic that reflects the area's transformation from warehouses to residential.

The surrounding park is well-landscaped with artificial grass hills for rolling, open lawn areas, and good shade from both trees and shade sails. It's a popular hangout for the young families in the rapidly growing Waterloo and Zetland apartment communities, so expect crowds on weekends.

Toilets are in the park. Street parking nearby is tight (mostly 2-hour metered), but the Green Square area has some commercial parking. Green Square station on the T3 line is about a 10-minute walk. Several good cafes have popped up in the surrounding streets — this part of Waterloo has changed dramatically in recent years. The playground is not fenced. It's a mid-sized playground that makes up for its footprint with sheer design quality and character.