Kelvin Grove, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelvin Grove Brisbane, Queensland
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove
Kelvin Grove Location in Queensland
Population	7,909 (2021 census)
• Density	4,650/km2 (12,000/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4059
Area	1.7 km2 (0.7 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	3.6 km (2 mi) NW of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane (Paddington Ward & Central Ward)
State electorate(s)	McConnel Cooper
Federal Division(s)	Brisbane
Suburbs around Kelvin Grove: Newmarket Newmarket Wilston Red Hill Kelvin Grove Herston Red Hill Petrie Terrace Brisbane City Spring Hill

Kelvin Grove is a lively suburb located just north of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It's known for its mix of homes, green streets, and a big university campus. In 2021, about 7,909 people called Kelvin Grove home.

Exploring Kelvin Grove's Location

Kelvin Grove is super close to the heart of Brisbane, only about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) away from the city centre.

The suburb has lots of houses, with many streets lined with trees. You'll also find some shops and small businesses, especially along Kelvin Grove Road, which is a main street. The La Boite Theatre Company, one of Queensland's biggest theatre groups, performs at the Roundhouse Theatre here. This theatre is part of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) campus.

Kelvin Grove has a cool mix of homes. You can see traditional "Queenslander" houses, which are old homes built on stilts. There are also smaller cottages from after World War II, and lots of newer apartment buildings.

A Look Back at Kelvin Grove's History

Kelvin Grove was once part of a larger area known as the "Three Mile Scrub." A special crossing point, called a ford, was located on Enoggera Creek, which is on the northern edge of the suburb.

Kelvin Grove Road c.1890, showing how the area looked a long time ago.

The name "Kelvin Grove" comes from a man named Dr. Joseph Bancroft. In 1865, he built his home here and named it Kelvin Grove. He chose this name because it reminded him of Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, Scotland, which he loved.

How Schools Grew in Kelvin Grove

Education has a long history in Kelvin Grove. The first school, Kelvin Grove Road State School, opened way back in 1875. Over the years, it grew and changed. Eventually, in 2002, Kelvin Grove State School and Kelvin Grove State High School joined together to become the Kelvin Grove State College. This college now teaches students from Prep (the first year of school) all the way through to Year 12.

Transport and Development

In 1901, electric trams started running along Kelvin Grove Road, making it easy for people to travel to the city. These trams stopped running in 1968. Since then, buses have been the main way to get around the suburb.

A big change happened in Kelvin Grove when the Gona Barracks, a military site, closed in 1998. This large area was then used to create the Kelvin Grove Urban Village. This village is a modern area that brings together the QUT campus with homes and shops. It was officially opened in 2003.

Who Lives in Kelvin Grove?

Kelvin Grove is a popular place for young people. In 2021, the suburb had a population of 7,909 people. The average age of people living here is 27 years old, which is younger than the average age for all of Australia.

Many people living in Kelvin Grove were born in Australia. However, it's also a very diverse suburb, with people from many different countries. After Australia, the most common birthplaces include China, Saudi Arabia, England, India, and New Zealand. This means you'll hear many different languages spoken in homes around Kelvin Grove, not just English!

Historic Places in Kelvin Grove

Kelvin Grove has several places that are listed for their historical importance. These "heritage-listed" sites help us remember the past and show how the suburb has changed over time. Some of these include:

• The Ithaca Embankments
• The old Gona Barracks buildings
• Student residences at Musk Avenue
• The Kelvin Grove Fig Trees and Air Raid Shelter
• Buildings at Kelvin Grove State College
• AMA House

Learning and Fun in Kelvin Grove

Kelvin Grove is a great place for learning and activities.

Education Opportunities

• Kelvin Grove State College: This is a large government school that teaches students from Prep (the very first year of school) all the way up to Year 12. It's a busy school with lots of students and teachers.
• Queensland Academy for Creative Industries: This is another government school for older students (Years 10-12). It focuses on creative subjects, helping students develop skills in arts and design.
• Queensland University of Technology: Kelvin Grove is also home to a campus of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This is a major university where many students go to study after high school.

Local Amenities and Activities

• The La Boite Theatre Company performs at the Queensland University of Technology's Roundhouse Theatre. It's a great place to see plays and shows.
• If you like to run or walk, Kelvin Grove parkrun happens every Saturday morning. It's a free, fun event that takes place on the Enoggera Creek Bikeway.