Waverley Park
A park with a dual identity: a vibrant family playground and a site of sporting history, offering natural beauty and community spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy free outdoor concerts
Waverley Park
Best Time
Enjoy free outdoor concerts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A park with a dual identity: a vibrant family playground and a site of sporting history, offering natural beauty and community spaces.
"A gem with fantastic playgrounds and historic charm, though some areas require caution at night."
🎯 Playground Fun for All
The Mulgrave playground is fully fenced with diverse equipment, water play, and nearby cafes. :child:
🌳 Admire Ancient Trees
Thunder Bay's Waverley Park boasts some of the city's largest and oldest trees. :evergreen_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waverley Park Playground
Mulgrave
Fully fenced playground with slides, swings, water play, and a unique rocket structure. Perfect for families!
Historic Trees & Fountain
Thunder Bay
Wander among some of Thunder Bay's oldest and largest trees, and admire the historic Hogarth Fountain.
VFL Park History
Mulgrave
Explore the grounds of the former VFL Park, a significant site in Australian Rules Football history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park's Dual Identity
Playground Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Playground Fun for All
The Mulgrave playground is fully fenced with diverse equipment, water play, and nearby cafes. :child:
🌳 Admire Ancient Trees
Thunder Bay's Waverley Park boasts some of the city's largest and oldest trees. :evergreen_tree:
⚽ Relive VFL History
Explore the grounds of the former VFL Park, a significant spot for AFL fans. :trophy:
🎶 Summer Concerts
Catch free live outdoor concerts on Monday evenings during the summer in Thunder Bay. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Playground Fun for All
The Mulgrave playground is fully fenced with diverse equipment, water play, and nearby cafes. :child:
🌳 Admire Ancient Trees
Thunder Bay's Waverley Park boasts some of the city's largest and oldest trees. :evergreen_tree:
⚽ Relive VFL History
Explore the grounds of the former VFL Park, a significant spot for AFL fans. :trophy:
🎶 Summer Concerts
Catch free live outdoor concerts on Monday evenings during the summer in Thunder Bay. :musical_note:
☕ Coffee Break Nearby
Grab a delicious babychino or coffee from @Cafe_Waverley near the Mulgrave playground. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waverley Park is appreciated for its family-friendly playground in Mulgrave and its natural beauty with historic trees and a fountain in Thunder Bay. While generally well-regarded, some locations have faced issues with homelessness, which can affect the perception of safety, particularly at night.
"Lovely park in the City of Thunder Bay, but sad to see it being used as a homeless camp. So much history and most tourists wouldn't want to go into seeing that."
Michael Gray
"Beautiful Memories of my Daughter's Wedding"
Victoria Marie
"Waverly Park is a gem in downtown Port Arthur, Thunder Bay. This small park is one of the oldest in the city with some of the largest and possibly oldest trees in the city. Lakehead University Law School and Magnus Theater are both connected to the walking paths within the park.
Waverly Park features a war memorial and Hogarth Fountain. The fountain was made in the 1790s in England and purchased by the Hogarth family and placed in Thunder Bay in 1964.
Highly recommend this park for walking, photo backgrounds, picnics, reading a book by a tree, walking your dog, or enjoying a live outdoor concert on a Monday in the summer."
Kaiya Ham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waverley Park in Mulgrave is accessible by car, with free parking available. It's also near public transport routes, making it convenient for families. 
Waverley Park in Thunder Bay is located downtown and is easily accessible by public transport or car. Walking paths connect it to nearby attractions.
Parking is generally available and free at Waverley Park, especially near the playground in Mulgrave.
Yes, cycling is a great option for reaching Waverley Park, with many areas offering bike paths and racks.
The park generally offers accessible paths, particularly around the playground and main walking areas, making it suitable for wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Waverley Park is a public park and generally free to enter, especially the playground and green spaces.
Waverley Park is typically open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for visits.
No, booking is not required for the Waverley Park playground; it's open for public use.
Yes, free concerts are often held on Monday evenings during the summer at the Thunder Bay location.
Access to the grounds of the former VFL Park is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the historical significance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The playground features slides, swings, climbing areas, water play, and even a rocket-themed structure, catering to various ages.
Yes, Waverley Park is a dog-friendly space, perfect for walking your pet.
Restroom facilities are available at the Waverley Park playground in Mulgrave, making it convenient for families.
Waverley Park has a rich history, including its past as VFL Park, a major sporting venue, and in Thunder Bay, it's one of the city's oldest parks with historic trees and a fountain.
While generally fine during the day, some visitors note that Waverley Park can feel a bit 'sketchy' at night. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't dedicated restaurants inside Waverley Park, the Mulgrave location has nearby cafes like @Cafe_Waverley offering coffee and treats.
Absolutely! Waverley Park is a great spot for picnics, especially under the large trees in Thunder Bay or on the grassy areas in Mulgrave.
Information on BBQ facilities is not widely available, but picnicking is encouraged.
Near the Mulgrave park, you'll find cafes and eateries. In Thunder Bay, the downtown area offers various dining options.
There are no specific vendors within the park, but nearby cafes and shops can provide snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture memorable shots at the playground's rocket structure, under the historic large trees in Thunder Bay, or with the Hogarth Fountain as a backdrop.
Yes, the scenic beauty, historic elements, and vibrant playground make it an excellent location for family photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws or park management for specific rules regarding drones.
Golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) offer beautiful lighting for photography, especially around the trees and open spaces.
The Hogarth Fountain in Thunder Bay and the unique rocket playground in Mulgrave are popular photo landmarks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1For a more relaxed experience, the Waverley Park in Thunder Bay offers beautiful old trees and is perfect for picnics and gentle strolls with little ones. Both locations provide safe and enjoyable environments for children to explore and have fun.
⚽ Sports Enthusiasts
+1Consider visiting the area to appreciate its historical significance. The AFL's continued involvement with the site ensures its place in sporting memory.
🌳 Nature Lovers
This park is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape within an urban setting, offering a chance to connect with mature flora and enjoy a serene atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sporting Legacy of VFL Park
+1Despite its sporting glory, VFL Park eventually fell into disuse and was largely demolished. The AFL has since reacquired parts of the land, aiming to preserve it as a community asset. For fans of Australian Rules Football, exploring the remnants or understanding the history of VFL Park offers a glimpse into a pivotal era of the sport.
+1While the grand stadium is gone, the spirit of VFL Park lives on in the memories of fans and its continued presence as a significant site in Melbourne's sporting landscape. The area around Waverley Park still evokes this sporting heritage.
Family Fun at Waverley Park Playground
+1Key features include thrilling slides, various types of swings, engaging climbing structures, and a popular water play area, perfect for warmer days. A unique highlight is the rocket-themed play structure, which adds an element of imaginative adventure. The inclusion of amenities like restrooms and nearby cafes, such as @Cafe_Waverley, makes it a convenient and enjoyable outing for parents.
With ample free parking and its reputation as a local gem, the Waverley Park Playground is a must-visit for families seeking a fun and safe outdoor experience. Its well-maintained facilities and diverse play options make it a top choice for a day out.
+1Waverley Park's Natural Beauty in Thunder Bay
The park also features a notable war memorial and the historic Hogarth Fountain. The fountain, originally crafted in England in the 1790s, was brought to Thunder Bay in 1964, adding a touch of historical artistry to the landscape. Walking paths within the park connect it to important local institutions like Lakehead University Law School and the Magnus Theater, integrating it into the city's cultural fabric.
Waverley Park is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a tranquil escape with its mature trees, historical features, and pleasant atmosphere. It's a place where one can relax, read a book, walk a dog, or enjoy the summer concerts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit