Timeline of Gold Coast, Queensland facts for kids

The Gold Coast is a vibrant city in Queensland, Australia, famous for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and lively atmosphere. It's a popular place for tourists and locals alike. Let's explore the exciting history of this sunny city, from its early days to today!

Early Days: The 1800s

Before European settlement, the Gold Coast region was home to the Yugambeh people. They lived here for thousands of years, caring for the land and sea.

First European Settlements

• 1846: A ship called the Coolangatta was wrecked near the coast. This event gave the later town of Coolangatta its name.
• 1865: The town of Nerang was officially surveyed. This means its boundaries were mapped out.
• 1874: The town of Southport was founded. It quickly became an important area.
• 1875: Johan Meyer bought land near the Nerang River. He started growing sugar and developing transport in the area.
• 1883: The town of Coolangatta was founded.
• 1889: The South Coast railway reached Southport. This made it much easier for people to travel to and from the area.

Growing Up: The Early 1900s

The Gold Coast continued to grow in the early 20th century, with new schools and important connections.

New Schools and Connections

• 1901: The Southport School was established.
• 1902: The Pacific Cable Station opened. This was a huge deal! It connected Australia to North America using telegraph cables, allowing messages to travel across the ocean.
• 1912: St Hilda's School was established.
• 1914: The famous Yatala Pie Shop opened, a local favourite.
• 1919: The 1918 flu pandemic caused the border between Queensland and New South Wales to close for a time.
• 1922: The Southport War Memorial was built to remember those who served.

Building Bridges and Hotels

• 1925: The Jubilee Bridge opened, connecting Elston to Southport. This made travel much easier.
• 1925: Jim Cavill opened the Surfers Paradise Hotel. This hotel became very popular and helped make the area a tourist hotspot.
• 1928: The Jazzland Dance Hall opened in Coolangatta, a fun place for dancing and music.
• 1933: The town of Elston was officially renamed Surfers Paradise. This name perfectly described its main attraction!
• 1934: Broadbeach was surveyed, planning for its future growth.
• 1938: The Hotel Cecil opened in Southport, built in the stylish Art Deco design.
• 1939: The first passenger flights started from Coolangatta Airport, which is now Gold Coast Airport.

Becoming the Gold Coast: Mid-1900s

After World War II, the area started to become the famous Gold Coast we know today.

New Attractions and a New Name

• 1947: Currumbin Bird Sanctuary (now Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary) opened. It quickly became a popular place to see Australian wildlife.
• 1949: The Town of South Coast was created by joining Coolangatta and Southport.
• 1954: A strong cyclone hit the coast, causing a lot of damage and flooding.
• 1958: The Town of South Coast was renamed the Town of Gold Coast. This new name reflected its growing popularity and golden beaches.
• 1959: The Town of Gold Coast became the City of Gold Coast.
• 1959: The Isle of Capri began its canal development, creating beautiful waterfront homes.

More Growth and Entertainment

• 1960: Gold Coast Hospital opened, providing important healthcare for the growing population.
• 1962: Magic Mountain, Nobby Beach opened, one of the first theme parks in the area.
• 1963: The Gold Coast Bulletin newspaper started publishing, keeping locals informed.
• 1964: The South Coast railway line to Brisbane closed.
• 1964: Kirra surfer Phyllis O'Donnell made history by winning the first Women's World Surfing Championship.
• 1965: Entrepreneur Bernie Elsey started the Surfers Paradise Meter Maids. They helped tourists avoid parking fines, making the Gold Coast even more welcoming.
• 1967: Bruce Small was elected mayor.
• 1971: Sea World park opened in Southport, offering marine animal shows and rides.
• 1971: The Point Danger Light was built.
• 1971: The population of the Gold Coast reached 75,862 people.

Sport, Fashion, and Fun

• 1973: Robert Neumann was elected mayor.
• 1973: Billabong surfwear was founded, a brand that became famous worldwide.
• 1974: The Currumbin Estuary Bridge opened.
• 1974: Surfers Paradise experienced floods.
• 1979: The Gold Coast Marathon began, a popular running event.
• 1980: The first Schoolies week was celebrated, a tradition for high school graduates.
• 1981: Dreamworld amusement park opened in Coomera, offering thrilling rides and attractions.
• 1981: The population grew to 177,264 people.
• 1984: The The Coolangatta Gold ironman race began, a tough competition for surf lifesavers.
• 1984: Cade's County Waterpark (now Wet'n'Wild) opened in Oxenford, a fun water park.
• 1985: Conrad Jupiters Casino (now The Star Gold Coast) opened, offering entertainment and games.
• 1986: Gold Coast City Art Gallery opened, showcasing art and culture.
• 1987: Carrara Stadium opened, a major sports venue.
• 1988: Bond University opened in Robina, a private university.
• 1988: The gated community of Sanctuary Cove opened with a special performance by Frank Sinatra.
• 1990: Australia Fair Shopping Centre opened in Southport, a large shopping mall.
• 1991: Movie World amusement park opened in Oxenford, bringing movie magic to life.
• 1991: Village Roadshow Studios began operating, where many movies and TV shows are made.
• 1991: Magic Mountain, Nobby Beach closed its doors.
• 1991: The population reached 301,559 people.
• 1995: The Shire of Albert became part of Gold Coast City, making the city even bigger.
• 1995: Ray Stevens became mayor.
• 1995: The Yugambeh Museum, Language and Heritage Research Centre opened, helping to preserve the culture of the Yugambeh people.
• 1997: Gary Baildon became mayor.
• 1999: The Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame opened, celebrating local sports heroes.

The 21st Century: Modern Gold Coast

The Gold Coast continued to grow and develop into a modern city with impressive buildings and major events.

New Millennium, New Landmarks

• 2000: Palazzo Versace Australia hotel opened, a very luxurious hotel.
• 2000: The Towers of Chevron Renaissance were built, and the Pacific Motorway was completed, improving transport.
• 2001: The first series of the reality TV show Big Brother was filmed at Dreamworld.
• 2004: Ron Clarke became mayor.
• 2004: The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre opened in Broadbeach, a large venue for events.
• 2005: Q1 (building) was constructed. It was once one of the tallest residential buildings in the world!
• 2006: The Wave (building) was constructed.
• 2006: The first series of the teen fantasy TV drama H2O: Just Add Water was filmed on the Gold Coast.
• 2006: WhiteWater World water park opened, offering more water fun.

Sports, Transport, and Big Events

• 2007: The Gold Coast Titans rugby club was formed.
• 2007: Circle on Cavill and Southport Central buildings were completed.
• 2008: Robina Stadium opened, another major sports venue.
• 2009: The Gold Coast Football Club (AFL) was formed.
• 2010: The Oracle buildings were constructed.
• 2011: The Australian Sevens rugby contest moved to the Gold Coast.
• 2011: The urban population of the Gold Coast reached 557,822 people.
• 2012: Soul (building) was constructed.
• 2012: Tom Tate became mayor.
• 2013: The Gold Coast University Hospital was built by Griffith University, providing advanced medical care.
• 2014: The G:link light rail was built. This tram system makes it easy to travel along the coast.
• 2018: From April 4-15, the Gold Coast proudly hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a huge international sports event!