Araluen, Queensland facts for kids
Araluen is a residential area, also known as a locality, located in Gympie in the Gympie Region, Queensland, Australia. It's a place where people live, and it's part of the wider Gympie region. In 2021, about 649 people called Araluen home.
Quick facts for kids AraluenGympie, Queensland |
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 Araluen
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 649 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 111.9/km2 (290/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4570 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 5.8 km2 (2.2 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Gympie Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Gympie | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Wide Bay | ||||||||||||||
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Contents
Araluen's Location and Features
Araluen is located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Gympie's main town center. It's a quiet area mostly used for homes.
Roads and Railways
A big road called the Bruce Highway runs along the western edge of Araluen. This highway is very important for travel in Queensland. There's also a railway line, the North Coast railway line, that goes through Araluen. Most trains now use a newer, faster part of the track built in 1989. However, the older section is still used for local trains and the fun Mary Valley Rattler heritage railway.
Gympie Saleyards
A special area in Araluen is the Gympie Regional Council Saleyards. This is where cattle are bought and sold. It's an important place for farmers and the local economy.
History of Araluen
A big part of Araluen's history involves a school! What started as Gympie Christian Academy in 1980 has grown into a major college.
Victory College's Beginnings
Gympie Christian Academy opened in 1980. It was built on the site of the old Gympie cattle yards. When it first opened, there were only two teachers and 36 students. One classroom even doubled as a church! In 1999, the school changed its name to Victory College.
Growing Facilities
Victory College has continued to grow and add new facilities. In 2015, they built an equestrian center for horse riding. A roof was added over the arena in 2018, making it even better for students.
Economy in Araluen
The main economic activity in Araluen is centered around the Gympie Regional Council Saleyards.
Cattle Sales
The Saleyards hold sales every two weeks. A huge number of cattle, about 60,000 each year, pass through these sales. This makes it a busy and important place for the region's farming community.
Education in Araluen
Araluen is home to a unique school, and there are other schools nearby for students.
Victory College
Victory College is a private school for students from Kindergarten all the way through to Year 12. It's located on Old Maryborough Road. The school is run by the Victory Church. One of the most special things about Victory College is its equestrian centre. It has a full-sized undercover arena, which is the only one at a school in Queensland! This means students can learn horse riding and other equestrian skills. In 2021, the school had 752 students.
Nearby Government Schools
For younger students, the closest government primary schools are Two Mile State School and Gympie West State School. For older students, the nearest government secondary schools are James Nash State High School and Gympie State High School, both located in Gympie's main town center.
Amenities
Araluen also has a church for the community.
Apostolic Church of Queensland
The Apostolic Church of Queensland is located on Old Maryborough Road. It serves as a place of worship for local residents.
