Woombye, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WoombyeQueensland |
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Eastern end of the main street
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 Woombye
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 3,944 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 285.8/km2 (740/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4559 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 13.8 km2 (5.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | |||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Sunshine Coast Region | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Nicklin | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Fairfax | ||||||||||||||
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Woombye is a small town in the Sunshine Coast Region of Queensland, Australia. It is a rural area with a friendly community. In 2021, about 3,944 people lived in Woombye.
Contents
Exploring Woombye's Location
Woombye is located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This means it's a bit inland from the coast. It is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.
The name Woombye comes from an Aboriginal language. It means "place of black snake" or "black myrtle tree." Black myrtle wood was used to make axe handles.
The Bruce Highway runs along the eastern side of Woombye. This is a major road connecting many places. The North Coast railway line also passes through the town. The main part of Woombye is near the Woombye railway station (26°39′38″S 152°57′46″E / 26.6605°S 152.9628°E).
You can easily get to Woombye by train or bus. Translink offers many train services to Brisbane every day.
The area around Woombye used to be covered in pineapple farms. Today, many of these farms have become larger properties or private communities. The very first pineapple farm was owned by Hugh and Alice Moorhouse.
Woombye's Past: A Journey Through Time
Early Settlement and Name Change
Woombye started as a small settlement called Middle Camp in 1868. It was also known as Cobb's Camp. This spot was important for Cobb & Co stagecoaches. These were horse-drawn carriages that carried people and goods. It was a halfway point between Brisbane and Gympie. This route became busy after gold was found in Gympie.
The town was renamed Woombye in the 1880s. As mentioned, the name comes from the Kabi word wambai. This word means "black myrtle tree." These trees were used to make strong handles for axes.
Schools and Railways
Cobbs Camp Provisional School opened its doors on August 17, 1885. It was later renamed Woombye State School in 1892. A preschool was added to the school in 1977.
In 1891, the North Coast railway opened. This connected Landsborough to Yandina. Woombye became an important railway center until 1914.
Pineapple Farming History
Thomas Davey planted the first pineapple crop in Woombye in 1895. Pineapple farming grew a lot in the 1950s. Woombye became the third-largest pineapple growing area in Queensland.
Community Buildings and Events
On May 19, 1897, work began on an Anglican church in Woombye. Volunteers helped build it. St Margaret's Anglican Church was officially opened on May 28, 1898. It was a timber church that could seat 100 people.
The Woombye Pub opened in 1900. It was first called The Criterion Hotel. It is still a popular pub today.
The Woombye War Memorial was unveiled on June 18, 1925. This memorial honors those who served in wars.
The Woombye branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association started before 1930. This group helps women and communities in rural areas.
Modern Attractions and Schools Emerge
The Big Pineapple opened on August 15, 1971. This became a famous tourist spot.
Thrill Hill Waterslides opened in 1979. This was a fun place for water activities.
On February 5, 1979, Christian Outreach College (Sunshine Coast) was founded. It started on a pineapple farm. This school is now called Suncoast Christian College.
Nambour Christian College also opened on January 29, 1980. It started with 36 students.
Woombye's Population Growth
Woombye has grown quite a bit over the years.
- In 2006, about 2,094 people lived here.
- By 2016, the population grew to 3,246 people.
- In 2021, the number of residents reached 3,944.
Education in Woombye
Woombye has several schools for young people.
Woombye State School
Woombye State School is a government primary school. It teaches students from Prep (the first year of school) to Year 6. It is located at 95 Pine Grove Road (26°40′04″S 152°58′26″E / 26.6677°S 152.9738°E). The school also has a special education program. In 2022, 458 students attended the school.
Suncoast Christian College
Suncoast Christian College is a private school. It teaches students from Prep all the way to Year 12. It is located at the corner of Schubert & Kiel Mountain Roads (26°39′57″S 152°58′40″E / 26.6658°S 152.9777°E). In 2021, the school had 878 students.
Nambour Christian College
Nambour Christian College is another private school. It also teaches students from Prep to Year 12. It is located on McKenzie Road (26°38′38″S 152°57′42″E / 26.6439°S 152.9616°E). In 2022, there were 1,214 students at this college.
Woombye does not have its own government high school. Students usually go to Nambour State College or Burnside State High School nearby.
Local Amenities
Woombye is home to the Woombye Snakes. This is one of the oldest soccer clubs on the Sunshine Coast.
St Margaret's Anglican Church is located at 16 Blackall Street (26°39′38″S 152°57′55″E / 26.660617°S 152.9652°E).
Things to See and Do in Woombye
Woombye is known for its relaxed feel and pretty town center. It has charming old shops and a historic pub. The town is surrounded by hills and forests. You can enjoy views of the Blackall Ranges.
Popular Tourist Spots
Woombye is famous for The Big Pineapple. This is a giant pineapple-shaped building. It is one of Australia's big things, which are large roadside attractions. Inside, you can find Wildlife HQ, a zoo with many animals. They have a large collection of primates. The Big Pineapple also hosts music festivals, like the Big Pineapple Music Festival. You can find this complex at 76 Nambour Connection Road (26°40′20″S 152°59′28″E / 26.6722°S 152.9911°E).
Thrill Hill Waterslide Park is another fun place to visit. It is located at 74 Schubert Road (26°39′53″S 152°58′17″E / 26.6647°S 152.9715°E).
Heritage Sites
Woombye has some places that are important for their history. These are called heritage-listed sites:
- Nambour Connection Road: North Coast Roadside Rest Areas
- Nambour Connection Road: The Big Pineapple (which used to be called Sunshine Plantation)
Getting Around Woombye
Woombye is easy to reach. It is located right off the Nambour Connection Road. This road is just a few minutes from Exit 201 of the Bruce Highway. Translink provides bus and train services to the town.
