Hercules Street Park Turns Days into Riverside Fun

I thought I knew all of Brisbane’s playgrounds until I discovered Hercules Street Park in Northshore Hamilton. It feels like a playground and a little urban jungle rolled into one.

I have spent so many mornings here with kids, dogs, and friends, and it never gets old. The place has a great energy that just pulls you in.From swings to hidden corners and spots perfect for a coffee, there is something here for everyone.

I can’t wait to show you what makes this park so special.

Hercules Street Park At a glance

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Address: 40 Remora Rd, Hamilton, QLD 4007, Australia

Operating hours: Open 24/7

Admission: Free entry

Parking: Very limited on-site with 4 pram bays + 2 accessible bays

Hercules Street Park in Northshore Hamilton is far from your average suburban playground. It’s a well-planned community space designed for energetic kids and adults looking for a spot to relax or get active.

Just a short walk from Portside Wharf’s cafes and shops, the park packs a lot into its footprint. There’s a massive rubber-surfaced climbing mound with nets and a shipping-container-style play tower with tube slides and high vantage points.

On hot Brisbane days, the interactive water play area is a favorite for families, while the fully fenced off-leash dog zone gives pups plenty of room to run and socialize. Sports lovers can take advantage of the multi-use courts and scooter or bike paths.

Playground Features: Where Adventure Meets Clever Design

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Hercules Street Park’s playground is truly the heart of the space, and let me tell you, it’s anything but ordinary. This is where your kids transform into explorers and little daredevils, all under one brilliantly crafted urban playground.

Mountain of Fun

First things first: that mound. It’s not just any mound because it’s a rubber-covered hill woven with fun. Three large tunnels cut through its base so kids can race each other through them.

Want to reach the summit? You’ve got options—climb the nets or just run up the slide if you’re feeling cheeky. It’s a magnet for energy, agility, and squeals of joy.

Container Castle

Connected to the mound is an intricate multi-level structure styled like shipping containers. This container-themed play tower has upper-level netting labyrinths and that show-stopping twisty tube slide that swoops down in a 270-degree spiral.

Down below this yellow metal beast is a treasure trove of quieter play—hammock swings and a spinner. It’s a mini chill zone right within the action-packed play area, perfect for when your little thrill-seekers need a break or creative outlet.

Speaking of thrills, there are also toddler swings and a spinner wheel for younger visitors. People of all ages can have fun here.

Water Play Zone

When Queensland’s heat peaks, the water play area becomes a lifesaver. It’s a joyful mix of showers from above and mist rising from the rubber flooring.

Kids run and squeal as jets spray in programmed sequences, sometimes even lit at night for an extra splash of magic. Pro tip: bring swimmers or a change of clothes—you’re definitely going to get wet.

Amenities and Facilities

Scattered around the park are sleek picnic shelters with sturdy tables and benches. Right beside them, electric BBQs are free to use, clean, and fast-heating.

There are modern toilet blocks just a short stroll from the main playground, complete with baby change facilities for parents on diaper duty. Hand-wash stations are positioned thoughtfully near the water play and BBQs, making it easy to clean sticky fingers or sandy toes before lunch.

Some benches are tucked under shady spots, but take note, only one side of the main play area has permanent shade sails. In the warmer months, you might want hats and maybe even a pop-up shade if you’re planning a long stay.

Accessibility and Parking

If you’re driving, just know upfront that the on-site car park is tiny. We’re talking only four designated pram/parent bays and two accessible spots. If you score one, it’s your lucky day. These spaces are right by the park entrance, which makes unloading kids or picnic gear a breeze.

If you’re visiting midweek or during off-peak hours, you might even find yourself strolling past Portside’s cafés and bakeries. It is dangerously tempting for a pre-park coffee stop.

There’s also limited street parking around Hercules Street and the side streets of Hamilton. These are mostly timed bays that fill quickly, especially on sunny mornings. If street parking’s your plan, arriving before 9 AM is a smart move.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to stay a while, choose parking at Portside Wharf and make a mini day trip of it. Start at the park, then grab lunch or ice cream on your way back to the car. It turns “finding a parking spot” into part of the fun.

My Sample Visit Itinerary

9:00 AM – We arrived here before the sun’s at full strength, so the kids were able to burn off energy on the iconic green mound and the industrial-chic container play structure (these two features are the park’s biggest crowd-pleasers).

Early arrival also means fewer people to dodge while running, climbing, and sliding.

9:30 AM – Once the sweat’s flowing, the kids shifted to the water play zone. With spray jets and gentle fountains, the water zone is designed for fun without the chaos of a full-on splash park (I was almost tempted to join the fun).

10:00 AM – Tee off at the courts or practice scooter biking. My older kid (or sporty adults) took over the half-court for some basketball. My little one, who loves wheels, went on a bike ride along the smooth, looping pathways that weave through the park.

10:45 AM – We had an early BBQ lunch and relaxed on the lawn after hours of physical activities. However, if you’re not the cooking type, you can grab takeaway from nearby Portside Wharf and bring it back to enjoy a picnic-style meal.

11:15 AM – We round up our four-legged family member and give him some zoomie time at the off-leash area.

11:45 AM – By now, the kids (even us) are pleasantly tired and probably ready for a nap. We had a quick sweep to make sure we hadn’t left any toys or coffee cups behind.

FAQs

Is there decent shade?

Yes, there are shade sails over sections of the main playground, especially near the climbing structures and toddler play areas. That said, the park is still fairly open. The best natural shade tends to appear in the late afternoon when the sun dips behind the nearby buildings.

Can my dog come?

Dogs are welcome, and there’s a well-maintained off-leash area with fencing and enough space for fetch or zoomies. It’s a popular meet-up spot for local dog owners, so your pup will likely make new friends.

Just remember to stick to the designated zones if you’re outside the fenced area, and bring your waste bags to keep things tidy.

Is parking reliable?

The small on-site car park has just a handful of spots (including a couple of parent/pram spaces and two accessible bays), so it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Portside Wharf’s underground parking across the road is your best bet because it’s spacious and only a short walk to the park.

Street parking is available too, but it’s limited and time-restricted in some areas.

Can kids ride scooters or bikes?

The paved pathways are flat and smooth, making them ideal for scooters and training-wheel bikes. There’s plenty of space for little riders to practice without weaving through heavy pedestrian traffic, especially in the mornings.

Is water play free?

The water play zone is free to use and runs throughout the day. No booking or ticket is needed. Just bring swimwear or a quick-dry change of clothes for the kids, plus a towel.