No matter how many years one has notched up on the calendar, stepping into the whimsical new centre on Tingal Road in Wynnum has parents reliving the days of their youth when they viewed the world as one giant playground. The magical space has combined key child-centric design features like an indoor treehouse with a large fishtank reception and a waterpark and mini-amphitheatre in the outdoor playground. Taking inspiration from our passion for outdoor living and beloved verandahs, the flagship Mother Duck centre embraces an ‘Aussie backyard’ design concept. Learning spaces extend from the lounge onto the covered deck and through to the backyard, while ‘Rainbow Street’ is embellished with letterboxes and street lamps and allows for a permeable boundary between outside and in.

The signature state-of-the-art centre was designed by award-winning architectural firm, Context Architects, in close consultation with early childhood educators. Heralded as one of the best examples of childcare design in the country, the centre was opened by the Australian Assistant Minister for Education Hon. Sussan Ley MP this month. Local Brisbane creatives VM+ brought the architects’ incredible floor-to-ceiling tree to life with the help of six stylists and a truckload of foliage and styrofoam. The indoor cubby offers a sheltered, stimulating space for children to play in and a canopy to frame the room.