Bare hills. That’s the Aboriginal meaning of Jindalee. Isn’t it fascinating how a name can carry so much history? Jindalee is a residential suburb. It sits 12 km south-west of Brisbane’s heart. But its story starts long before the houses and highways.
Back then this area was Seventeen Mile Rocks. It was a rural place. A narrow bridge crossed the Brisbane River here. It led to an unnamed road. This road meandered towards Fig Tree Pocket Road.
Now let’s jump back to 1918. Town planners dreamed of developing Seventeen Mile Rocks. They envisioned it as an outlying district of Darra. The idea was ahead of its time. Fast forward to 1959. Ring-road expressways were needed. A western freeway including a river crossing became vital.
Centenary Estates Ltd stepped in. They financed a four-lane bridge. This was part of their subdivisional development. It linked Kenmore and Seventeen Mile Rocks. From this, Jindalee emerged. The Centenary Bridge opened in 1964. The developer’s first project was the Centenary Golf Links in Jindalee. In 1969 the Centenary Highway and Western Freeway were completed.
Jindalee Primary School opened in 1966. The next year was exciting. The ‘Jindalee Scouts Jamboree’ happened. It was Australia’s 8th national scout gathering. It took place south of Jindalee. This area soon became Jamboree Heights.
By 1971, Jindalee’s population was about 2,500. By 1976, it more than doubled to 5,116. A bowling club and a swimming pool opened. They were just west of the golf course. Further west, Jindalee Central shopping centre opened in 1960. A larger drive-in shopping centre also appeared. It was next to the Centenary Highway. The Jindalee Hotel opened in 1973. It became a popular spot. It was revamped in 2003.
For years, secondary students travelled out of the area. They went to Oxley Secondary College or Indooroopilly High School. Finally, Centenary High School opened. It was west of the golf course. The school site had been reserved for almost 25 years.
Jindalee isn’t Brisbane’s most expensive suburb. But it does boast river frontage. Prices reflect this. In 2004, Centenary Quays was completed. It is a gated community. It sits east of the Centenary Bridge.
Let’s not forget the floods. In 2011, floodwaters covered the parks and the golf course. The State primary school and houses around Jindalee were affected. Centenary High School stayed above the water. But some nearby houses didn’t. Centenary Quays barely stayed dry.
In 2021, Jindalee had a population of 5,320 people. It has come a long way. From bare hills to a thriving suburb. Jindalee’s story reflects Brisbane’s growth. It shows its resilience. It embraces its future.