Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fig Tree Pocket Brisbane, Queensland
Dalton House, Fig Tree Pocket
Fig Tree Pocket Location in Queensland
Population	4,345 (2021 census)
• Density	869/km2 (2,250/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4069
Area	5.0 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	13.1 km (8 mi) SW of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane (Walter Taylor Ward)
State electorate(s)	Maiwar
Federal Division(s)	Ryan
Suburbs around Fig Tree Pocket: Chapel Hill Indooroopilly Chelmer Kenmore Fig Tree Pocket Graceville Sherwood Jindalee Sinnamon Park Seventeen Mile Rocks Oxley Chelmer

Fig Tree Pocket is a lovely riverside suburb in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It's known for its green spaces and quiet streets. In 2021, about 4,345 people called Fig Tree Pocket home.

This suburb is also where you'll find the famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It's the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world! It's a popular place for visitors and for learning about Australian wildlife.

Exploring Fig Tree Pocket

Fig Tree Pocket is located right on the northern bank of the Brisbane River. The river forms its eastern, southern, and western borders. This means many homes and parks have beautiful river views.

Location and Surroundings

The suburb is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south-west of the Brisbane CBD (the city center). It's a peaceful area with lots of trees and open spaces. The land is mostly used for homes, with plenty of parks nearby.

River Life

The Brisbane River has different sections, called "reaches." Sherwood Reach is to the east of Fig Tree Pocket. Mermaid Reach is to the west. These parts of the river are great for enjoying nature.

A Glimpse into History

Fig Tree Pocket has a rich history, going back many years.

The large fig tree, 1866

How the Name Came About

The suburb gets its name from the huge Moreton Bay fig trees that used to grow here. In 1866, a very large fig tree was photographed. People said it was big enough to shelter 400 people! A special area was set aside to protect this tree. Sadly, the tree is no longer there, and no one knows exactly what happened to it.

Early Days

• In 1823, explorer John Oxley explored the Brisbane River. He named Mermaid Reach after his ship, the HM Colonial Cutter Mermaid.
• Fig Tree Pocket State School opened its doors on September 4, 1871.
• A post office was set up in 1878, helping people send letters and parcels.

A Home for Koalas

The famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was started in 1927 by Claude Reid. It quickly became a special place for koalas and other Australian animals.

Growth and Development

Over the years, more schools opened in the area:

• The Glenleighden School (now Mancel College) opened in 1979.
• Brisbane Montessori School opened in 1982.

In 2010 and 2011, parts of Brisbane, including Fig Tree Pocket, experienced floods. The community worked together to recover, and the area remains a beautiful place to live.

Who Lives Here?

In 2021, Fig Tree Pocket had a population of 4,345 people. The median age was 40 years old. Most people (about 67%) living here were born in Australia. Other people came from countries like England, South Africa, and New Zealand.

English is the main language spoken at home. Many people in Fig Tree Pocket have completed a university degree. This is much higher than the national average. When it comes to religion, "No Religion" was the most common answer. Catholic and Anglican were the next most common.

Learning in Fig Tree Pocket

Fig Tree Pocket has several great schools for young people.

Primary Schools

• Fig Tree Pocket State School is a government primary school. It teaches students from Preparatory (Prep) to Year 6. It's located on Cubberla Street.
• Mancel College (formerly The Glenleighden School) is a private school. It helps students from Prep to Year 12 who have language disorders. It provides special support to help them learn.
• Brisbane Montessori School is another private school. It offers a Montessori education from Prep to Year 10. It's located on Mactier Street.

Early Childhood Centres

For younger children, there are two early childhood centers: Gan Gani kindergarten and the Fig Tree Pocket Early Childhood Centre.

Nearby High Schools

Fig Tree Pocket does not have its own government high school. Students often attend:

• Kenmore State High School in nearby Kenmore.
• Indooroopilly State High School in nearby Indooroopilly.

There are also private high schools in Indooroopilly, such as Ambrose Treacy College, Brigidine College, and St Peters Lutheran College.

Things to Do

While Fig Tree Pocket is mostly residential, it has some great places for activities.

Equestrian Club

If you love horses, the Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club is a fantastic place! It's a large club with a sand arena, a cross-country course, and a polo field. It's perfect for horse riding and training.

Riverside Reserve

Fig Tree Pocket Riverside Reserve is a lovely park by the river. It has a public boat ramp, so you can launch your boat into the Brisbane River. It's a great spot for enjoying the water.

Shopping

There are no big shops or stores directly in Fig Tree Pocket. The closest major shopping center is the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

Getting Around

Two Transport for Brisbane bus routes, the 430 and the 445, serve the area. They both end at Mandalay Park, making it easy to travel around.

Main Attraction

The biggest attraction in Fig Tree Pocket is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It's located on Jesmond Road. As the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, it's a must-visit. You can see koalas, kangaroos, and many other Australian animals up close. It's a fun and educational experience for everyone!