Buluk Park is the new civic heart of Victoria Harbour, a high-density waterfront community in Melbourne’s Docklands. Spanning from the Yarra River to Victoria Harbour, the new public space is the quintessential urban park, providing an everyday space for residents, workers and visitors. The park is book-ended by the Library at the Dock as well as retail and community uses.

ASPECT|OCULUS, working as a joint venture company, collaborated on the concept design through to implementation as well as the broader Victoria Harbour City Quarter master plan and public domain delivery.

The space has been designed as an everyday green space and a key destination for special events. Buluk Park is the place to laze in the sun, walk the dog, catch a tram, dine outdoors or meet friends for a drink in one of the adjacent bars and cafes.

The park’s treed urban park setting provides a 500m2 play space combining a diversity of play, with three play space zones: sensory play, water play and adventure play, inspired by traditional child’s play (think cardboard boxes and cubby houses).

Buluk is an Aboriginal language name meaning wetlands or swamp, chosen as a reflection of the original wetland environment that existed here before the creation of Victoria Harbour. The water play design draws heavily on the site’s harbour and riverside setting and comprises six separate water sources with different types of jets, as well as textured concrete channels with brass deflectors or jewels for sensorial engagement.  

Overall, the play space combines expansive views with intimate spaces, dry and wet play, tactile and auditory elements, shelter and comfort, interior and exterior, prospect and refuge, adventure and repose.