Lowood, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LowoodQueensland |
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Post office
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 Lowood
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 4,082 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 152.88/km2 (396.0/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Established | 1872 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4311 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 26.7 km2 (10.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Somerset Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Lockyer | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Blair | ||||||||||||||
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Lowood is a small town in the Somerset Region of Queensland, Australia. It is also a local area, or "locality." In 2021, about 4,082 people lived in Lowood.
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Where is Lowood?
Lowood is located near the Brisbane River. It is about 66 kilometers (41 miles) west of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. The town is also 31 kilometers (19 miles) north of Ipswich.
Because it is close to Brisbane and Ipswich, many people who work in those cities choose to live in Lowood. It is also a popular spot for people who enjoy "hobby farming." This means they have small farms for fun, not for a main business.
A Look at Lowood's Past
Lowood started as a town because of the railway. In 1884, a railway station was built here. It was the first stop on the Brisbane Valley railway line. The town grew around this new station.
The name Lowood comes from the "low woods" found in the area. These were forests of smaller brigalow trees. People used this name to tell them apart from the taller trees in other parts of the Brisbane Valley. Before it was called Lowood, the area had names like The Scrub and Cairnhill.
The Lowood Post Office opened in 1888. However, there was a smaller "receiving office" for mail as early as 1884.
Schools in Lowood's History
The first school in the area was Cairnhill Provisional School. It opened in 1881. In 1889, it became Lowood State School. Later, in 1963, a special high school department was added to the state school. This department closed in 1983 when a brand new school, Lowood State High School, opened its doors.
Lowood During World War II
During World War II, there was an airfield near Lowood. It was actually located at Mount Tarampa. The Royal Australian Air Force used this airfield. They had a squadron (a group of planes) that flew from here in 1943. Their job was to patrol the coast and protect ships carrying important supplies.
After the war, this airfield became a motor-racing track. It was called the Lowood Airfield Circuit. For 20 years, it hosted exciting races, including the famous 1960 Australian Grand Prix. Today, the airfield is gone, but a small memorial marks where it used to be.
The Lowood public library opened in the year 2000.
Education in Lowood
Lowood has two main schools for young people:
- Lowood State School is a primary school. It teaches students from early childhood (like kindergarten) up to Year 6. It is for both boys and girls. The school also has a special program for students who need extra support.
- Lowood State High School is a secondary school. It teaches students from Year 7 to Year 12. This school is also for both boys and girls and has a special education program.
Getting Around Lowood
For transport, there is a bus service that connects Lowood to Ipswich. This bus service was started in 1989 after the train service stopped. There are usually two bus services in the morning and two return services in the late afternoon. You can find the bus times from Queensland Rail.
Places to Visit and Things to Do
- The Somerset Regional Council runs a public library in Lowood. It's a great place to find books and learn new things.
- The Lowood branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association (QCWA) has a hall where they meet. This group helps women and communities in rural areas.
- The Fernvale Lowood Uniting Church is a place of worship for the community.
- Nearby, Lake Wivenhoe is a very popular spot. People love to go there for activities like boating and fishing.
Heritage Sites
Lowood has one special site that is listed for its historical importance:
- The former Royal Bank of Queensland building at 12 Railway Street. This building was constructed between 1901 and 1917. Today, it is used as a dental surgery.
Images for kids
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Post office
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Intact but abandoned Lowood railway station – the railway line and grassed area are now the Jean Bray Carpark.
