Pacific Paradise, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pacific Paradise Maroochydore, Queensland
Pacific Paradise Location in Queensland
Population	2,675 (2021 census)
• Density	637/km2 (1,650/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4564
Area	4.2 km2 (1.6 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	8.4 km (5 mi) NW of Maroochydore 107 km (66 mi) N of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Sunshine Coast Region
County	Canning
Parish	Maroochy
State electorate(s)	Maroochydore Ninderry
Federal Division(s)	Fairfax
Suburbs around Pacific Paradise: Marcoola Marcoola Mudjimba Bli Bli Pacific Paradise Twin Waters Bli Bli Maroochydore Twin Waters

Pacific Paradise is a suburb located in the Sunshine Coast Region of Queensland, Australia. It is part of the larger Maroochydore area. In 2021, about 2,675 people called Pacific Paradise home.

Geography of Pacific Paradise

Pacific Paradise is bordered by the Maroochy River to the south. The Sunshine Motorway runs along its south-west side. Finland Road is to the north-east, and the North Shore Connection Road is generally to the north.

This suburb is part of the Maroochydore urban area. It's about 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) north of the main Maroochydore city center. You can get there easily by road using the Sunshine Motorway.

Most of the houses are in the north-east part of the suburb. The rest of the area is undeveloped land. Some parts are used for farming, while others are marshland.

History of Pacific Paradise

Early Indigenous History

Thousands of years ago, the land north of the Maroochy River belonged to the Toombra clan. They were part of the Undanbi people. They taught their children important skills for survival. They also passed down their culture and knowledge. The natural landscape was like their classroom.

European Settlement and Early Challenges

Europeans started settling here in the 1880s. People like William Harry Baker and William Parsons bought land. They used it to raise cattle and horses. They also grew citrus fruits.

In the 1890s, the Baker family had children, Eleanor May and Harry Searle. At that time, going to school was mandatory in Queensland. Children had to attend for 60 days a year. But many families lived far from the nearest school. This meant their children didn't have to go.

For example, the Peatlings family sent their son, Frederick John, to Diddillibah Provisional School. It was about 6 miles (9.7 km) away. Other children learned at home or didn't get any schooling. In 1893, a big flood hit the Maroochy River. The area where Pacific Paradise State School is now was under 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water. Many families faced tough times.

Growth and Development

Major changes began in the 1950s. New roads like the David Low Way were built. The David Low Bridge at Bli Bli also improved access. The Sunshine Coast Airport helped too. The government and private companies saw the area's potential. They wanted to build seaside resorts.

In 1959, Arthur Low, the leader of the local council, suggested buying land for future schools. An inspector looked into it and recommended a spot for a school.

By the 1980s, areas like Mudjimba, Marcoola, and Pacific Paradise were growing. More houses were being built. There were plans for large new housing estates. In 1982, Gordon Simpson, a local government representative, saw the need for a new school. However, the Education Department thought there weren't enough children. They also said the proposed school site was "half low-lying tea-tree swamp."

Establishing Pacific Paradise State School

By 1986, Bli Bli State School was very crowded. It had 488 students. This made a new school necessary. Architects designed a school similar to one in Morayfield East. It combined a preschool and a primary school (Grade 1). The school was built quickly, in just five months. The buildings were single-story.

The area was officially named Pacific Paradise on July 27, 1991. The school was officially named Pacific State School on December 3, 1991.

On January 28, 1992, Pacific Paradise State School officially opened. It welcomed 370 students in the main school. Another 50 children attended the preschool.

Population Figures

In 2016, Pacific Paradise had a population of 2,190 people. By 2021, the population had grown to 2,675 people.

Education in Pacific Paradise

Pacific Paradise State School is a government primary school. It teaches boys and girls from Prep to Year 6. You can find it at 14-24 Menzies Drive. In 2017, the school had 563 students. There were 44 teachers and 25 non-teaching staff. The school also has a special education program. This program helps students with special needs.

There isn't a high school in Pacific Paradise itself. The closest secondary school is Maroochydore State High School. It is located in the nearby suburb of Maroochydore.

Community Amenities

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council offers a mobile library service. This library on wheels visits Lerner Street. It brings books and other resources to the community.