Bulimba, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bulimba Brisbane, Queensland
Bulimba Ferry Terminal, Bulimba
Bulimba Location in Queensland
Population	7,623 (2021 census)
• Density	2,630/km2 (6,800/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4171
Area	2.9 km2 (1.1 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	9.0 km (6 mi) NE of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane (Morningside Ward)
State electorate(s)	Bulimba
Federal Division(s)	Griffith
Suburbs around Bulimba: Hamilton Hamilton Hamilton Newstead Bulimba Morningside Teneriffe Hawthorne Balmoral

Bulimba is a fun and lively suburb in the big city of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. In 2021, about 7,623 people called Bulimba home. It's known for its beautiful river views and friendly community feel.

Exploring Bulimba's Location

Bulimba is located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River. It's about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north-east of Brisbane's city centre. If you travel by road, it's about 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) away.

What's in a Name? The Meaning of Bulimba

The name Bulimba comes from the Yugarapul language. It means 'place of the magpie lark'. This same word also gave its name to the nearby Bulimba Creek. The Bulimba Reach of the river, where the suburb sits, also shares this name. Even a famous local leader, Bilin Bilin, had his name linked to the magpie lark, or pee-wee bird.

A Look Back: Bulimba's History

Early Days and First Settlers

The Yuggara people were the first to live in the Bulimba area. They have been here for at least 20,000 years. In the 1820s, Bulimba was a farming area called Toogoolawah. People started building homes here in the 1880s.

Churches and Schools Begin

A Baptist church opened in Bulimba in 1862. A new, bigger Baptist Church was built on the same spot in 1886.

Local residents wanted a school in 1864. The Bulimba Mixed School opened on July 16, 1866. It started with 45 students. The school first met in the Wesleyan Chapel. School buildings were ready in 1867. This school is now known as Bulimba State School.

The first church in the area was the Primitive Methodist Church. It opened on March 30, 1866. It was built because more people were moving to the area. A two-storey addition was added in 1926. This made the church bigger and added a hall. Today, it is the Bulimba Uniting Church.

Growing Community and New Developments

In the 1880s, many new areas were opened for homes. These included "Amos Estate" in 1884 and "Riding Estate" also in 1884. "Bulimba Bridge Estate" was advertised in 1885. It was near where a new bridge was planned.

The first bicycle in Queensland was built in Bulimba in 1885. It was called the Safety Cycle.

The Bulimba School of Arts opened in March 1887. It had the first Bulimba Library. It was a place for learning and community events.

St John the Baptist's Anglican Church was built in 1888. Lady Musgrave, the wife of the Queensland Governor, helped start its construction.

More land was sold for homes in the late 1880s and early 1900s. These included "Woodlands Estate" and "Bulimba Hill Estate". The Apollo Candle Works opened in the 1880s. This site is now the Bulimba Barracks.

Parks and Community Spirit

In 1904, the Balmoral Shire Council bought land for Jamieson Park. This park was later renamed Bulimba Memorial Park in 1919. It honoured the soldiers who died in World War I. Trees were planted, and an honour board was put up. Each tree was for a Bulimba serviceman. The Brisbane City Council is working to replace the honour board and plaques.

Until about 1910, the area across the river was also called Bulimba. Now, that area is known as Teneriffe or New Farm.

After World War I, Bulimba built five ANZAC cottages. These homes helped widows and soldiers who needed financial support. Volunteers built these timber cottages on donated land.

Schools and Shipyards Continue to Grow

A Catholic school, Saints Peter and Paul's Catholic School, opened on February 3, 1916. It started with about 200 students. The Sisters of the Good Samaritan ran the school. Today, the school is in the neighbouring suburb of Balmoral.

Norman R Wright & Sons has run a shipyard in Bulimba since the 1930s. Many of the Transdev Brisbane Ferries were built there.

The Bulimba District Girl Guides started in 1931.

In 1938, Bulimba State School needed more space. A new, large brick building was built. It was designed to hold 512 students.

The Bulimba public library opened in 1964.

Defence and Future Plans

Bulimba is home to two Defence Force Cadet Units. These are the 12th Army Cadet Unit and TS Gayndah. They are located at the former Bulimba Barracks, now called HMAS Moreton. The Australian Government decided to sell parts of the Bulimba Barracks in 2015. The Brisbane City Council is working with the community. They plan to create more green spaces along the river. They also plan for new housing and better local services.

Who Lives in Bulimba?

In 2021, Bulimba had a population of 7,623 people. The median age of people living here was 37 years old. This is one year younger than the average age in Australia. About 68.2% of people were born in Australia. The next most common birthplaces were England (6.4%) and New Zealand (3.8%). Most people (82.6%) spoke only English at home.

Important Places: Heritage Listings

Bulimba has many places that are important to its history. These are called heritage-listed sites. Some of them include:

• Bulimba Army Barracks (167 Apollo Road)
• Greenock (a house at 49 Bulimba Street)
• Bulimba House (34 Kenbury Street)
• Bulimba Memorial Park (129 Oxford Street)
• St John the Baptist Anglican Church (179 Oxford Street)
• Bulimba Uniting Church (216 Oxford Street)
• Bulimba State School (261 Oxford Street)
• Bulimba ferry wharf (Oxford Street)
• Anzac Cottages (29 Jamieson Street, 30 Stuart Street, 32 Stuart Street)

Education in Bulimba

Bulimba has two primary schools:

• Bulimba State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located on Oxford Street. In 2018, it had 848 students. The school also has a special education program.
• Sts Peter and Paul's School is a Catholic primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located on Alexandra Street. In 2018, it had 653 students.

There isn't a high school in Bulimba itself. The closest government high school is Balmoral State High School. It is in the nearby suburb of Balmoral.

Community Life and Amenities

The Brisbane City Council runs a public library in Bulimba. It's on the corner of Oxford Street and Riding Road.

You can find the St John the Baptist Anglican Church at 171 Oxford Street. The Bulimba Uniting Church is at 216 Oxford Street. Both churches hold regular services.

The 12th Army Cadet Unit meets at HMAS Moreton. This group helps young people develop skills in an Army setting. The Bulimba District Girl Guides also meet at their hut on Barramul Street.

Two local groups, the Bulimba District Historical Society and Friends of Balmoral Cemetery, share local history. They hold regular meetings for anyone interested.

Parks and Green Spaces

Bulimba has many lovely parks where you can relax and play. Some of these include:

• Addison Avenue Park
• Bulimba Memorial Park
• Bulimba Riverside Park
• Johnston Park
• Love Street Park
• Merry Street Park
• Myuna Street Park
• Portside Place Park
• Stuart Street Park
• Tugulawa Park
• Vic Lucas Park
• Waterline Crescent Park

Sports and Recreation

Bulimba offers many sports activities for everyone.

• Bulimba Golf Club has a 9-hole golf course on Quay Street.
• The Brisbane Sailing Squadron is on Quay Street, right by the Brisbane River.
• The Bulimba Sports Club is home to the Riverside Rebels rugby union team.
• Other sports groups include the Bulimba Women's Hockey Club, Bulimba Cricket Club, and Southside Eagles Football Club.

Getting Around: Transport in Bulimba

Bulimba has good transport options.

• CityCat ferry services stop at two wharves in Bulimba: Oxford Street and Apollo Road.
• A Cross River ferry service also connects Oxford Street to Teneriffe ferry wharf.
• Transport for Brisbane buses also serve Bulimba. You can catch routes 230, P231, and 232.