Hamilton, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hamilton Brisbane, Queensland
Southern part of Hamilton facing the Brisbane River
Hamilton Location in Queensland
Population	8,922 (2021 census)
• Density	2,620/km2 (6,800/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4007
Elevation	10–68 m (33–223 ft)
Area	3.4 km2 (1.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	5.4 km (3 mi) NE of General Post Office, Brisbane
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane (Hamilton Ward)
State electorate(s)	Clayfield
Federal Division(s)	Brisbane
Suburbs around Hamilton: Clayfield Ascot Brisbane Airport Albion Hamilton Eagle Farm Hendra Bulimba Pinkenba

Hamilton is a lively suburb in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It sits right by the Brisbane River. Hamilton is known for its beautiful riverside areas and a mix of homes and businesses. In 2021, about 8,922 people lived here.

Exploring Hamilton's Landscape

Hamilton is located on the north bank of the Brisbane River. The part of the river next to Hamilton is called Hamilton Reach.

Key Roads and Areas

Kingsford Smith Drive is a major road in Hamilton. It runs along the river for a bit, then turns north-east. This road used to divide the suburb. North and west of the road were hills with homes. South and east were flat areas with factories and wharves.

Over time, the wharves moved to a new port. Now, the riverfront land is being redeveloped. This project is called Hamilton Northshore. Old industrial sites are slowly becoming new homes and shops.

Hilly Views

The western part of Hamilton has hills. From these hills, you can see great views of the Brisbane central business district.

• Toorak Hill is about 64 meters (210 ft) above sea level.
• Eldernell is about 60 meters (197 ft) above sea level.

Local Transport and Shopping

The Doomben railway line runs just north of Hamilton. Doomben railway station serves the suburb, making it easy to travel by train.

Racecourse Road is a popular street. It connects Kingsford Smith Drive to the Eagle Farm Racecourse. This road is a busy spot for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Cameron Rocks is a scenic spot on the riverbank. The Bretts Wharf ferry terminal is also on the river, making it easy to catch a ferry.

Hamilton's Past: A Journey Through Time

Real estate map of Russell Association Land, Hamilton and Breakfast Creek, ca. 1880s

The name "Hamilton" likely comes from an early hotel. This hotel was first built by Gustavus Hamilton. Later, another Mr. Hamilton married the hotel's owner. So, the name "Hamilton" stuck because of these families. The Hamilton Hotel was a well-known landmark when there were not many buildings around.

A Home for Important People

In Brisbane's early days, Hamilton was a popular place for wealthy families and religious leaders. It became known as an "old wealth" suburb. Many grand mansions were built here. These homes often had amazing views of the city.

Growing the Community

Over the years, land in Hamilton was sold for new homes. Maps from the 1880s show how different areas were planned for auction. These sales helped the suburb grow.

Famous Connections

Hamilton is the birthplace of Charles Kingsford Smith. He was born here in 1897. He later became a very famous Australian aviator.

Schools and Churches

Hamilton State School opened its doors on March 19, 1907. It has been educating local children ever since.

New Methodist church, 1911

The Hamilton Methodist Church started holding services in 1907. It was officially dedicated in 1911. Later, it became St Luke's Hamilton Uniting Church.

St Cecilia's Catholic Church was officially opened in 1914. A school, St Cecilia's Convent School, opened nearby in 1917. It was run by the Sisters of Mercy until it closed in 1981.

War Memorial

World War 1 memorial, Hamilton, 2013

After World War I, a war memorial was built. It stands near Cameron Rocks by the Brisbane River. The Queensland Governor unveiled it in 1931.

World War II Incident

Accident involving a towed plane on Kingsford Smith Drive in c. 1945

During World War II, an interesting accident happened. A Corsair fighter plane was being towed on Kingsford Smith Drive. Its wings were folded, but it snagged the tramway wires, pulling them down.

New Developments

The Hamilton Library opened in 1947.

In 1947, a Catholic boys' school, Villanova College, started in Hamilton. It quickly grew and moved to a new location in Coorparoo in 1954.

More recently, a cruise ship terminal was built at Portside Wharf. This area has seen a lot of new shops and homes built around it.

The Northshore Hamilton project was announced in 2008. This big development covers a large area. It will create new homes for many residents. It also includes two kilometers of riverfront that will be open to everyone.

Hamilton's Population and People

Hamilton is known for being a well-off suburb. In 2013, it had the highest average income in Queensland.

In 2016, Hamilton had a population of 6,995 people. By 2021, the population had grown to 8,922 people.

Historic Places in Hamilton

Hamilton Town Hall, 2011

Marie Ville (Eltham), viewed from Hillside Crescent, 2012

Hamilton has many buildings and sites listed for their historical importance. These places show the suburb's rich past. Some examples include:

• Toorak House
• Lochiel
• Marie Ville/Eltham
• El Nido
• Greystaines
• Woolahra
• Hamilton State School
• Cremorne
• Palma Rosa
• Hamilton Town Hall

Learning in Hamilton

Hamilton State School is a primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It is a government school for both boys and girls. In 2018, the school had 117 students.

Community Amenities

Library and Post Office

The Brisbane City Council runs a public library in Hamilton. It is located on Racecourse Road. The Hamilton Post Office is also on Racecourse Road.

Places of Worship

• St Augustine's Anglican Church is on Racecourse Road.
• St Cecilia's Catholic Church is on College Road.
• St Luke's Hamilton Uniting Church is on Jackson Street. It is part of the Uniting Church in Australia.

Parks and Green Spaces

Hamilton has several parks where people can relax and play:

• Cameron Rocks Reserve
• Crosby Park
• Hamilton Park
• Hercules Street Park
• Mikado Street Park

Getting Around Hamilton

Hamilton has good public transport options.

• CityCat ferry stops are at Bretts Wharf and Northshore Hamilton.
• Transport for Brisbane buses serve Hamilton with several routes.