Scarborough, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scarborough Queensland
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Location in Queensland
Population	9,178 (2021 census)
• Density	2,780/km2 (7,200/sq mi)
Established	1878
Postcode(s)	4020
Area	3.3 km2 (1.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	2.7 km (2 mi) N of Redcliffe 40.5 km (25 mi) NNE of Brisbane CBD
LGA(s)	City of Moreton Bay
Region	South East Queensland
State electorate(s)	Redcliffe
Federal Division(s)	Petrie
Suburbs around Scarborough: Deception Bay Deception Bay Moreton Bay Newport Scarborough Moreton Bay Newport Redcliffe Redcliffe

Scarborough is a beautiful coastal area located on the Redcliffe Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. It's part of the City of Moreton Bay. In 2021 census, about 9,178 people called Scarborough home.

This suburb, along with others nearby on the Redcliffe Peninsula, is a super popular spot for fun and relaxation, especially for people from the bigger city of Brisbane. Scarborough Beach is known as a safe place to swim, and it has a cool playground right next to it.

Exploring Scarborough's Location

The beach and cliffs at Scarborough

Scarborough is the most northern suburb on the Redcliffe Peninsula. It's surrounded by water! To the north-west, you'll find Deception Bay, which is a part of the bigger Moreton Bay. Moreton Bay also stretches along Scarborough's northern and eastern sides.

Along its coastline, Scarborough has several interesting spots:

• Castlereagh Point (also called Cooturrumba Point or Reef Point)
• Scarborough Point
• Scarborough Beach
• Drury Point
• Queens Beach North
• Osbourne Point
• Queens Beach (which continues south into Redcliffe)

A Look Back at Scarborough's History

An old map of Hobbs Homestead Estate from 1886

Scarborough started to grow when land was divided up for sale. This happened when it was still part of a larger area called Humpy Bong, Redcliffe. In 1878, land in the new seaside town of Scarborough was put up for auction. People were told the beach was "unsurpassed in Australia" with "splendid stretches of pure hard sand." They also mentioned the "crescent-shaped bays" that were perfect for boating.

In 1882, more land was sold, and advertisements highlighted the amazing seafood available, like "schnapper, whiting, turtle, crabs, oysters." By 1935, the opening of the Hornibrook Highway made it much easier to get to Brisbane. This helped Scarborough grow very quickly.

Schools and Churches in the Past

The Head Teacher's house at Scarborough State School in 1951

• Scarborough State School first opened its doors on March 9, 1925, with 30 students.
• The Scarborough Methodist Church had its first building opened in 1938. This building was actually moved from another town! A new church building was opened in 1950. Today, it's used by the Scarborough Samoan Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
• St Bernadette's Catholic Church opened in 1946.
• St Bernadette's Catholic School opened in 1948.
• Soubirous College, a Catholic high school, opened in 1951.
• The first St Anne's Anglican Church Hall opened in 1951.
• Scarborough Baptist Church opened in 1952.
• De La Salle College, another Catholic school, opened in 1955.

Later, in 1970, the older students from Soubirous College and De La Salle College joined together to form Frawley College. Then, in 1995, many Catholic schools in the area, including those in Scarborough, combined to create the Southern Cross Catholic College.

Who Lives in Scarborough?

In 2011 census, Scarborough had 7,986 people. By 2016 census, the population grew to 8,705. Most people (68.7%) were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces included England (7.5%) and New Zealand (5.4%). English was the main language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents.

By 2021 census, the population had reached 9,178 people.

Learning in Scarborough

An aerial view of Scarborough State School with Moreton Bay in the distance

Scarborough has some great schools:

• Scarborough State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It also has a special education program.
• Southern Cross Catholic College is a Catholic school that teaches students from Prep all the way to Year 12. It has a main campus for high schoolers and other campuses for primary students in Scarborough and nearby towns.
• Australian Trade College North Brisbane is a private high school for students in Years 11 and 12. It focuses on helping students learn trade skills.

If you're looking for a government high school, the closest one is Redcliffe State High School in the next suburb, Redcliffe.

What Can You Find in Scarborough?

Scarborough Boat Harbour in 2007

Scarborough has many useful places and services:

• The Scarborough Post Office is located on Landsborough Street.
• There are several churches, including:
  • St Anne's Anglican Church
  • Scarborough Presbyterian Church
  • Scarborough Samoan Seventh-Day Adventist Church
• The Scarborough Boat Harbour is a large marina where many boats are kept. It's managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• There are also several boat ramps for launching boats:
  • Bird O'Passage Parade boat ramp
  • Thurecht Parade boat ramp
  • Flinders Parade boat ramp
• Ballycara Retirement Village is a place for older people to live.

Fun Things to Do in Scarborough

The entrance to Scarborough's main area along Landsborough Parade in 2007

Scarborough is a fantastic place for families and visitors!

• Landsborough Avenue, the main street, is very popular. It has lots of cafes and offers amazing views of Moreton Island across Moreton Bay. It's often quieter than the main area of Redcliffe, which many people enjoy.
• The Scarborough Point area is home to the Scarborough Marina and the Scarborough Holiday Village.
• Scarborough is well-known for its busy seafood industry based at the Scarborough Boat Harbour.
• Scarborough Beach is one of the beautiful sandy beaches here. It was even named "Queensland's Friendliest Beach" in 2003 and "Australia's Friendliest Beach" in 2004! It's great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

Scarborough Beach in 2007

• Turner Reef is a special artificial reef in the Moreton Bay Marine Park. It's about 1 nautical mile (1.85 km) east of the coast and around 6 meters deep. It was named after Bill Turner, who worked for over 20 years to create it.