Banksia Beach, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Banksia Beach Bribie Island, Queensland
Fishing at Banksia Beach with the Bribie Island Bridge in the background
Banksia Beach Location in Queensland
Population	7,180 (2021 census)
• Density	898/km2 (2,330/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4507
Area	8.0 km2 (3.1 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	5.4 km (3 mi) NNW of Bongaree 26.0 km (16 mi) ENE of Caboolture 69.6 km (43 mi) NNE of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Moreton Bay
State electorate(s)	Pumicestone
Federal Division(s)	Longman
Localities around Banksia Beach: White Patch Welsby Woorim Pumicestone Channel Banksia Beach Woorim Pumicestone Channel Bellara Woorim

Banksia Beach is a town and suburb located on Bribie Island in Queensland, Australia. It is part of the City of Moreton Bay. In 2021, the population of Banksia Beach was 7,180 people.

Exploring Banksia Beach's Location

Looking from Banksia Beach across the Pumicestone Channel towards the Glass House Mountains

Banksia Beach is on the western side of Bribie Island. It is separated from the mainland of Queensland by a waterway called the Pumicestone Channel.

Land Use and Natural Areas

A large part of the western area of Banksia Beach is inside the Bribie Island National Park. This park helps protect the natural environment. Most of the other land in Banksia Beach is used for homes.

Some areas near the coast have special canal estates. These are neighborhoods with waterways that connect to the main channel. In the northern part of the suburb, you'll find homes mixed with the Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club.

The Story of Banksia Beach

The name Banksia Beach came from the land developer, Jock McIlwain. He named the area when he divided the land for new homes. The Queensland Place Names Board officially named it a township on November 23, 1972. The name comes from the Banksia plant, which is a type of shrub or tree that grows in the area.

Changes to Waterways

Historically, a creek called Dux Creek flowed into the Pumicestone Channel. Banksia Beach was to the north of this creek's mouth. However, new canal developments have changed the area. Skippers Canal and Voyagers Canal have replaced parts of the original creek system.

A Monument to Exploration

As part of Australia's 200th birthday celebrations in 1988, a special monument was built at Banksia Beach. This monument honors the explorer Matthew Flinders. He was an important navigator who explored the Australian coast. The monument was officially revealed on July 16, 1988. It was designed by Kirsti Simpson and carved from stone by Tom Farrell.

Banksia Beach State School first opened its doors on January 28, 1992.

Who Lives in Banksia Beach?

The population of Banksia Beach has grown over the years.

• In 2016, about 5,995 people lived in the suburb.
• By 2021, the population had increased to 7,180 people.

Learning in Banksia Beach

Banksia Beach State School is a government primary school for boys and girls. It teaches students from Early Childhood (Prep) up to Year 6. The school is located on Sunderland Road. In 2018, it had over 1,000 students and many teachers and staff. The school also has a special education program.

There isn't a high school directly in Banksia Beach. The closest government high school for older students is Bribie Island State High School. It is located in Bongaree, which is to the south of Banksia Beach.

Fun Things to Do in Banksia Beach

Pelican at Banksia Beach

Banksia Beach offers several places for shopping, arts, and sports.

Shopping and Arts

• Bribie Harbour Shopping Village is a shopping center located on Sunderland Drive. It's a convenient place for locals to find what they need.
• Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is a great spot for art lovers. It's an art gallery and a community center where people can enjoy and create art. You can find it on Sunderland Drive.

Sports and Recreation

• Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course. It's a popular place for golf enthusiasts.
• Solander Lake Bowls Club is a place where people can enjoy lawn bowls. It's located on Sunderland Drive.

Parks and Green Spaces

Banksia Beach has several parks where you can relax and play:

• Col Fisher Park
• Cosmos Park
• Dampier Park
• Oxley Park

Local Attractions

The Matthew Flinders Exploration monument is a key attraction in Banksia Beach. You can find it in Col Fisher Park, at the northern end of Solander Esplanade. It's a great place to learn about Australian history and enjoy the outdoors.