St James Park

St James Park is a leafy Hawthorn park suited to relaxed outdoor gatherings and family time. Its open lawns and tree-lined paths create a calm setting for picnics, small celebrations and weddings, with a renewed war memorial providing a distinctive centrepiece. The park can accommodate up to 80 people when the grass area is booked for exclusive use.

Children have plenty to explore at the playground, which includes a spiral ladder, chain bridge, flying fox and monkey bars. Other public facilities include toilets, a drinking fountain and an off-lead dog area, making the park useful for families, walkers and local dog owners as well as event groups. These facilities are available to visitors but cannot be reserved as part of a booking.

For organised gatherings, the bookable area allows up to 10 chairs and two tables, although marquees, arbours and other shade structures are not permitted. Bookings require at least 10 business days’ notice, and some organised activities on council land may also need an event permit. Limited street parking is available on Wood Street and Denham Street, while Hawthorn train station is about 450 metres away. In central Hawthorn, the park suits a simple picnic, a children’s outing or a modest gathering that benefits from an accessible, green setting.