Karana Downs, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Karana Downs Brisbane, Queensland
Kookaburra Park, near the Brisbane River
Karana Downs Location in Queensland
Population	3,800 (2021 census)
• Density	507/km2 (1,310/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4306
Area	7.5 km2 (2.9 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	12.2 km (8 mi) NE of Ipswich CBD 30.4 km (19 mi) SW of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane (Pullenvale Ward)
State electorate(s)	Moggill
Federal Division(s)	Blair
Suburbs around Karana Downs: Mount Crosby Mount Crosby Mount Crosby Mount Crosby Karana Downs Karalee Chuwar Karalee Karalee

Karana Downs is a lovely place to live in Queensland, Australia. It's a residential area that is part of the City of Brisbane. In 2021, about 3,800 people called Karana Downs home.

Exploring Karana Downs

This area is special because it's bordered by the Brisbane River to the south and east. To the north and north-west, you'll find Mount Crosby Road.

Many of the streets and parks in Karana Downs have names that come from Aboriginal languages. This helps to remember the rich history of the land.

A Look Back in Time

Early Schools and Water Supply

The first school in the area was Mount Crosby Provisional School. It opened on January 30, 1882, with 22 students. Later, it became Mount Crosby State School in 1893.

An important part of the area's history is the Mount Crosby East Bank Water Treatment Plant. This plant helps provide clean water. The first part of it was officially opened in 1948 by Queensland's leader at the time, Ned Hanlon.

How Karana Downs Was Formed

The modern area of Karana Downs was created in 1973. It was made from parts of nearby places like Kholo, Lake Manchester, and Mount Crosby. The people who developed the area suggested the name Karana Downs. It's thought that Karana might be an Aboriginal word meaning quiet place.

At first, Karana Downs was part of a different local government area called the Shire of Moreton. Then it became part of the City of Ipswich.

Joining the City of Brisbane

In the 1990s, the people living in Karana Downs wanted to become part of the City of Brisbane. After a lot of effort, in the year 2000, Karana Downs (along with Kholo and Mount Crosby) officially joined the City of Brisbane.

Who Lives in Karana Downs?

In 2021, Karana Downs had a population of 3,800 people. Most people living here were born in Australia. The next largest groups came from England and New Zealand. English is the main language spoken by almost everyone in Karana Downs.

Learning and Services

Schools in the Area

Mount Crosby State School is a primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located at 541 Mount Crosby Road. In 2018, the school had over 600 students. It also has a special program for students who need extra support.

There isn't a high school directly in Karana Downs. Older students usually go to Ipswich State High School in Brassall, which is in Ipswich.

Important Community Facilities

Karana Downs has important services to keep everyone safe. You can find the Karana Downs Fire Station and the Karana Downs Police Station on College Road.

The Mount Crosby Eastbank Water Treatment Plant, which helps clean water, is also nearby. There's also a Karana Downs Sewage Treatment Plant.

Fun Things to Do and Places to Visit

Shopping and Recreation

For your daily needs, there's the Karana Downs Shopping Centre. It's located at the corner of Awonga Court, College Road, and Tanderra Way.

If you love being on the water, there's a boat ramp at Caringal Drive. It leads into the Brisbane River at Kookaburra Park.

The Karana Downs Country Club has an 18-hole golf course. It was part of the original plans for the area. There were ideas to change the golf course into houses, but these plans were not approved.

Parks and Green Spaces

Karana Downs has many parks where you can play and relax:

• Atkinson Drive Reserve
• Burrun Park
• College Road Park
• Dumburbu Park
• Emungerie Grove Reserve
• Heritage Park
• Illawong Reserve
• Kookaburra Park
• Kupi Park
• Lions Nature Trail Park
• Murri Park

Kookaburra Park is a large park right next to the Brisbane River. It used to have a boat ramp, a playground, and even a place for performances. However, a big flood in 2011 damaged most of the park. It has since reopened, but with fewer facilities.

Getting Around

Karana Downs doesn't have many public buses because there aren't enough people living there for a full bus service. However, a special taxi van service started in 2006. It helps people from Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, and Anstead get to Bellbowrie. From Bellbowrie, they can catch a regular bus to other parts of the city.