Beechmont, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BeechmontQueensland |
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Beechmont
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 Beechmont
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 848 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 24.65/km2 (63.8/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4211 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 34.4 km2 (13.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Scenic Rim Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Scenic Rim | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Wright | ||||||||||||||
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Beechmont is a rural town and locality in the Scenic Rim Region, Queensland, Australia. It's home to 848 people, according to the 2021 census. This charming area is known for its beautiful views and natural surroundings.
Contents
Exploring Beechmont's Geography
Beechmont sits on a forest-covered ridge. This ridge connects the Lamington Plateau to Tamborine Mountain. From here, you can see amazing views in almost every direction. On a clear day, you might spot Cunninghams Gap and other parts of the Scenic Rim. You can also see Flinders Peak, Moogerah Peaks, and the D'Aguilar Range. These are all to the north-west of Brisbane.
Nearby Places and Roads
To the north-west of Beechmont is Lower Beechmont. To the south, you'll find Binna Burra. The roads around Beechmont are often narrow and winding. Some parts can have rockfalls, and some slopes are very steep. The road to Binna Burra Lodge and Lamington National Park passes right through Beechmont.
Mountains and Waterfalls
Beechmont has a few notable peaks:
- The Summit is in the south. It stands at 667 metres (2,188 feet) above sea level.
- Warples Hill is in the south-east. It reaches 587 metres (1,926 feet) above sea level.
You can also find Killarney Falls here. It's a beautiful waterfall on Back Creek, located in the northern part of Beechmont.
A Look at Beechmont's History
The land around Beechmont was originally home to the Yugambeh people. European timber cutters arrived in the 1880s. The area got its name from the many White Beech trees found there.
Early Settlers and Farming
The Beechmont area was opened for new settlers in 1886. However, many early settlers didn't stay long. By 1900, only three families had made Beechmont their home. The Beechmont State School opened its doors on 15 August 1904. In the 1910s, farmers tried growing fruits like apples. But tiny fruit flies caused problems, and this type of farming stopped.
Churches and Community Spirit
St John's Presbyterian Church was the first church in Beechmont. It opened on 21 February 1932. Later, in 1947, two special windows were added. They remembered Keith Scott and Kent Summerville, who were church members and died during World War II. The church closed in 1980. The memorial windows were then moved to a gazebo at Graceleigh Park. This park is next to the Beechmont War Memorial.
Tourism and Transport
People saw Beechmont's potential for tourism as early as 1910. This helped lead to the building of a railway line to Canungra. The line opened in 1915. From the 1920s onwards, Beechmont became known as a popular mountain holiday spot.
Important Events and Landmarks
In 1936, Dr John Bradfield, who designed the Story Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge, visited Beechmont. He had to stop there because heavy rain made it impossible to continue his trip to Binna Burra.
On 4 February 1942, a US P-40 Kittyhawk plane crashed on Battens Ridge. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Donald Harry Hunter, sadly died in the accident.
Rosin Lookout was created as a rest area in 1971. It was named after Frederick John Rosin, an early banana grower in the area.
On 18 July 1971, an RAAF Sabre jet flying near Numinbah Valley hit power lines between Beechmont and Binna Burra. The jet was damaged but managed to return safely.
The Beechmont War Memorial was officially opened on 11 November 1990. This day is known as Remembrance Day.
Even today, a few dairy farms still operate in Beechmont. However, the area is seeing more and more new buildings and homes.
Who Lives in Beechmont?
In 2021 census, Beechmont had a population of 848 people.
Places of Historical Importance
Beechmont has some sites that are listed for their historical importance:
- Binna Burra Road: This includes the Binna Burra Cultural Landscape.
- 2-4 McInnes Court: This is the site of the former St John's Presbyterian Church.
Learning in Beechmont
Beechmont State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located at 1922 Beechmont Road. In 2018, the school had 109 students.
There isn't a high school directly in Beechmont. Students usually go to Tamborine Mountain State High School or Nerang State High School.
Community Life and Amenities
St John's Catholic Church is on Windabout Street. It's part of the Nerang parish and holds services once a month.
Parks and Sports
Graceleigh Park is a large sports ground next to Beechmont State School. It was named after an early dairy farm in the area. The park has facilities for cricket, soccer, football, tennis, and netball. The Beechmont Cricket Club and Tennis Club both have club rooms here.
The Scenic Rim Regional Council also brings a mobile library service to Graceleigh Park.
Community Halls
The 'Hall on Graceleigh' is a multi-purpose school hall. It was built in 2011 and can be used by the community.
The 'Providence Farm Hall' was the original community hall, built in 1948. It was a popular spot for dances and social events.
The Beechmont Community Centre is located on the old state school grounds. Many community groups meet here. The Headmaster's Cafe operates from the original headmaster's house. The Beech Mountain Association, which manages the site, also runs monthly Beechmont Markets.
Nature and Conservation
Rosins Conservation Area is part of a group of connected conservation areas. These include Springbrook National Park. They create a large natural home for many different native animals.
Getting Around and Staying Connected
Beechmont has a mobile phone tower, so you can use your phone. Internet is available through copper lines. The Beechmont exchange is connected to the main Telstra network. The National Broadband Network (NBN) also plans to bring fixed wireless internet to the area.
The main roads to Canungra and Nerang are paved. However, they are narrow and winding. Sometimes, they can be closed or reduced to one lane after landslides or heavy rain.
Fun Things to See and Do
Rosins Lookout is a popular spot on top of the ridgeline. From here, you get amazing views across the Numinbah Valley to Springbrook and even Mount Warning. There are also barbeque and picnic areas. The lookout is a very popular place for people who enjoy hang gliding and paragliding.
The Beechmont War Memorial is located in Graceleigh Park. It's a place to remember those who served.
Famous People from Beechmont
- Greg Brough - An Olympic medalist swimmer from 1968.
