The original stadium was the first in Australia to be fully enclosed, earning the nickname 'The Vulture' due to its distinct architecture.
The grandstand retains its heritage-listed status, protecting its facade despite the surrounding residential redevelopment.
The site was famously used as the location for the climactic final scene in the 1976 film 'Mad Max'.
The playing surface is now used exclusively by the Hawthorn Football Club for their professional training sessions.
The redevelopment process involved the creation of a specific master-planned community known as 'The Stadium' estate.
Waverley Park is a residential and sporting precinct built on the former site of the VFL/AFL Waverley Park stadium in Mulgrave. The stadium, originally opened in 1970, served as the home of Australian Rules Football finals for decades before its decommissioning in 1999. Today, the site features a blend of modern housing, the historic protected stadium grandstand, and active training facilities. The original heritage-listed grandstand structure remains as a landmark, integrated into the contemporary suburban landscape. It functions as the training base for the Hawthorn Football Club, including access to their elite gymnasium and training grounds. The site retains the original playing surface orientation, providing a tangible link to Victorian football history. It is a unique example of adaptive urban redevelopment, merging commercial and residential usage with sporting heritage.
The elevated walkway near the heritage-listed grandstand for a panoramic view of the oval.
Walk the perimeter of the oval to view the architectural transition between the historic grandstand and new housing.
Visit during weekday mornings for a higher chance of seeing Hawthorn Football Club players training on the oval.
Respect resident privacy when exploring the residential areas that surround the training oval.
Do not attempt to enter the restricted Hawthorn Football Club indoor training facility or gym without authorization.
Training access to the oval is restricted during private club sessions; the site is otherwise a public residential thoroughfare.
Maintain distance from professional training zones and do not interrupt players during practice sessions.
