Merrimac, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Merrimac Gold Coast, Queensland
Entry Drive in 2015
Merrimac Location in Gold Coast, Australia
Population	7,212 (2021 census)
• Density	801/km2 (2,070/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4226
Elevation	4 m (13 ft)
Area	9.0 km2 (3.5 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	10.4 km (6 mi) SW of Surfers Paradise 14.7 km (9 mi) SSW of Southport 27.1 km (17 mi) NW of Tweed Heads 78.7 km (49 mi) SSE of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Gold Coast City
State electorate(s)	Mudgeeraba
Federal Division(s)	McPherson Moncrieff
Suburbs around Merrimac: Carrara Carrara Carrara Worongary Merrimac Clear Island Waters Mudgeeraba Robina Robina

Merrimac is a lovely suburb located in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It's a place where many families live. In 2021, about 7,212 people called Merrimac home.

Exploring Merrimac's Location

Merrimac railway station concept design, 2019

Merrimac is found in the middle part of the Gold Coast. It sits on flat land that can sometimes flood. Since 2006, many new houses and buildings have been built here.

There are plans to build a new train station in Merrimac. This station would be on the Gold Coast railway line. It would be located between the Nerang and Robina stations. This would make it easier for people to travel around.

A Look at Merrimac's Past

Digging a canal in swamp reclamation work at Merrimac, circa 1910

The exact reason for Merrimac's name isn't fully known. In 1873, a man named Thomas Blacket Stephens bought a large piece of land. His wife, Ann, named their property Merrimac.

Some people say the name comes from an American Indian word meaning "swift running waters." Others think it might be named after the Merrimack River in the United States. It could also be named after the USS Merrimac, a ship from the American Civil War.

Turning Swamp into Farmland

The land in Merrimac used to be very swampy. However, Thomas Stephens and later his son William Stephens worked hard to drain the land. They turned it into good farmland. Farmers mainly used it for dairy cows, but also for sheep, other cattle, and sugarcane.

The Stephens family bought even more land, making their estate huge. In 1908, they sold a big part of it. This land was then divided into smaller farms. This area became known as the Stephens Estate.

Schools Opening Over Time

Many schools have opened in Merrimac over the years:

• Merrimac State School first opened its doors on 25 July 1917.
• Merrimac State High School opened on 30 January 1979. (Today, this high school is actually located in the nearby suburb of Mermaid Waters).
• St Michael's College welcomed its first students on 4 February 1985.
• All Saints Anglican School began teaching on 28 January 1987.
• Star of the Sea School is a newer school, opening in 2022.

Some other schools have also been in Merrimac, like King Solomon College and Gold Coast Montessori College, but they are no longer open.

Who Lives in Merrimac?

In 2016, about 7,071 people lived in Merrimac. By 2021, the population had grown slightly to 7,212 people.

Important Places: Heritage Sites

Merrimac has some special places that are protected because of their history. These are called heritage sites. One important site is the Merrimac Drains Historic Landscape. It's also known as The Great Swamp. You can find parts of it at 2 Ghilgai Road, 83 Macadie Way, and 6 Boowaggan Road.

Learning in Merrimac: Schools

Merrimac has several great schools for students of all ages.

Primary Schools

• Merrimac State School is a public primary school for students from Preparatory (Prep) to Year 6. It's located at 2 Boowaggan Road. In 2017, it had over 800 students. It also has a special program for students who need extra support.
• Star of the Sea School is a Catholic primary school for boys and girls. It's located at 16 Ghilgai Road.

Secondary Schools

• St Michael's College is a Catholic high school for students in Years 7 to 12. It's located on Jondique Avenue. In 2017, it had over 900 students.
• All Saints Anglican School is a private school that teaches students from Preparatory (Prep) all the way to Year 12. It's on Highfield Drive. This is a very large school, with nearly 1,800 students in 2017.

While Merrimac State High School has Merrimac in its name, it is actually located in the nearby suburb of Mermaid Waters. The closest public high school within Merrimac is not available. Students usually attend Merrimac State High School or Robina State High School in Robina.

The Japanese Language Supplementary School of Queensland (also known as the Japanese School of Gold Coast) holds its weekend classes at All Saints Anglican School. This helps Japanese-speaking students keep up with their language and culture.