This is the rollicking tale of Australia's first true adventure playground, when children were allowed to use a patch of public land as their own backyard, to play in freely as they wished, not as adults directed them. They chased their dreams and escaped their everyday lives by scavenging materials, building cubbies, experimenting with fires and gardens, launching boats and never giving up their conniving efforts to keep pets.
It's also a slice of life in the exciting Whitlam days of the '70s, when change was in the air, hope sparkled and Fitzroy, in the heart of Melbourne, was emerging from run-down shabbiness into a hip neighbourhood.
The Cubbies is told through personal experience and observations by Joan Healey, who brought the idea for the playground to Fitzroy from London and lived through the adventures of its early days, while confronting 'those who know best' who tried to stop it from happening. It's a tale of battles with local police and the Catholic church, but also shows visionary politicians and bureaucrats on both sides supporting children in this venture, while others made devious attempts to close the place. Playground workers, struggling with on and off funding, steadfastly continued to support children in their right to play freely, while becoming entangled in defending the cubbies. After trials, tribulations and questionable adventures, it became Australia's first true adventure playground, inspiring the rise of others in the country.
Throughout it all, the children thrived.
Today, in our risk-aversion time of bureaucracy, rules and regulations, the now-unimaginable story of the cubbies is a reminder of just what kids can do when trusted, supported and given the freedom to follow their dreams, and the fun they can have along the way.
This is the rollicking tale of Australia's first true adventure playground, when children were allowed to use a patch of public land as their own backyard, to play in freely as they wished, not as adults directed them. They chased their dreams and escaped their everyday lives by scavenging materials, building cubbies, experimenting with fires and gardens, launching boats and never giving up their conniving efforts to keep pets.
It's also a slice of life in the exciting Whitlam days of the '70s, when change was in the air, hope sparkled and Fitzroy, in the heart of Melbourne, was emerging from run-down shabbiness into a hip neighbourhood.
The Cubbies is told through personal experience and observations by Joan Healey, who brought the idea for the playground to Fitzroy from London and lived through the adventures of its early days, while confronting 'those who know best' who tried to stop it from happening. It's a tale of battles with local police and the Catholic church, but also shows visionary politicians and bureaucrats on both sides supporting children in this venture, while others made devious attempts to close the place. Playground workers, struggling with on and off funding, steadfastly continued to support children in their right to play freely, while becoming entangled in defending the cubbies. After trials, tribulations and questionable adventures, it became Australia's first true adventure playground, inspiring the rise of others in the country.
Throughout it all, the children thrived.
Today, in our risk-aversion time of bureaucracy, rules and regulations, the now-unimaginable story of the cubbies is a reminder of just what kids can do when trusted, supported and given the freedom to follow their dreams, and the fun they can have along the way.
Age range 4 to 6Little Max has little legs, little feet and little steps.
When Rosie, Izzy and Georgi go cubby hunting, little Max wants to go too but he can't keep up with his friends. Max soon...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
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