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Belgian Gardens
TownsvilleQueensland
Flooding of low-lying areas of Townsville.jpg
Flooding in Belgian Gardens during Cyclone Yasi, 2011
Belgian Gardens is located in Townsville, Australia
Belgian Gardens
Belgian Gardens
Location in Townsville, Australia
Population 2,073 (2021 census)
 • Density 1,880/km2 (4,900/sq mi)
Postcode(s) 4810
Area 1.1 km2 (0.4 sq mi)
Time zone AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location
  • 3.9 km (2 mi) WNW of Townsville CBD
  • 6.2 km (4 mi) NW of Railway Estate
  • 1,336 km (830 mi) NNW of Brisbane
LGA(s) City of Townsville
State electorate(s) Townsville
Federal Division(s) Herbert
Suburbs around Belgian Gardens:
Rowes Bay Coral Sea North Ward
Rowes Bay Belgian Gardens Castle Hill
Garbutt West End Castle Hill

Belgian Gardens is a lovely suburb right on the coast in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's a part of the City of Townsville. In 2021, about 2,073 people lived here.

Where is Belgian Gardens?

Belgian Gardens is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the main city center of Townsville. It's mostly a quiet area with homes.

Coastal Views

To the north, you'll find a sandy beach along the edge of Rowes Bay. This bay is part of the much larger Cleveland Bay. A road called North Ward Road also runs through the suburb.

A Quick Look at History

Belgian Gardens has an interesting past, especially how it got its name!

How the Name Changed

Before World War I, this suburb was actually called German Gardens. This was because a German settler named Heinrich Fredrich Alfred Robinson owned a vineyard here in 1867.

However, during the war, many people in Australia felt strongly against Germany. Because of this, the suburb's name was changed to Belgian Gardens. This happened to show support for Belgium, which was invaded during the war.

Schools and Community

  • Belgian Gardens State School: This school first opened on July 4, 1887, as Townsville North State School. It was renamed Belgian Gardens State School on June 20, 1930.
    • During a big flu outbreak in 1919, the school was used as a special hospital. Soldiers even set up tents on the school grounds! Many patients were cared for there.
  • Cleveland Education and Training Centre: This school opened on July 15, 1994, inside the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre. It was renamed in 2006.

Who Lives Here?

The number of people living in Belgian Gardens has grown over the years.

  • In 2011, there were 1,935 people.
  • By 2016, the population grew to 2,069 people.
  • In 2021, the population was 2,073 people.

Important Places

Belgian Gardens has some special places that are protected because of their history.

Heritage-Listed Sites

One important historical site in Belgian Gardens is:

  • Bishop's Lodge: Located at 13 St James Drive, this building is recognized for its heritage.

Learning and Education

Belgian Gardens has schools and training facilities for different ages.

Local Schools

  • Belgian Gardens State School: This is a government primary school for students from Prep (the first year of school) to Year 6. It's for both boys and girls and is located at 43 Potts Street.
    • In 2018, the school had 587 students and many teachers and staff. It also has a special education program to help students with different learning needs.
  • Townsville Police Academy: This training center for police officers is located at 26 Heatleys Parade.

High School Options

There isn't a high school right in Belgian Gardens. Most students go to Townsville State High School in the nearby suburb of Railway Estate.

Other Facilities

  • Belgian Gardens Cemetery: This cemetery used to be in Belgian Gardens. However, after some changes to the suburb's boundaries, it is now located in the neighboring suburb of Rowes Bay.
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