Stapylton

In 1889, a train chugged into Stapylton, marking a new chapter for this small Queensland town. It was the first station to open after Beenleigh on the South Coastline. Stapylton, a mixed-use locality in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, has a history as unique as its name. The town was named after surveyor Granville William Chetwynd Stapylton. Sadly, Stapylton met an untimely end in 1840, killed by Aborigines near Mount Lindesay. His legacy, however, lives on in the town that bears his name. Stapylton is more than just a dot on the map. It’s a blend of old and new. The Yatala Drive-In, opened in 1974, offers a nostalgic cinematic experience under the stars with its two large screens spread across 10 acres. Fast forward to 2006, and a 30-meter radar tower was erected, a symbol of the town’s progress. Stapylton has embraced innovation. It became home to Australia’s first green waste to energy power plant. The town also houses the Mount Stapylton Weather station, several quarries, and the Stapylton Landfill and Recycling Centre. Despite its industrial advancements, Stapylton retains a small-town charm. In the 2021 census, Stapylton had a population of 430 people. The majority, 69.1%, were born in Australia. While English is the primary language, you can also hear snippets of German, Ndebele, and Maltese, reflecting the town’s diverse community. Stapylton offers a mix of practical amenities and entertainment. Alongside the industrial park and quarries, you’ll find an Aldi, a Harvey Norman, and even the Ecomemorial Park crematorium. Though Stapylton itself doesn’t have any schools, nearby Mount Warren Park State School and Beenleigh State High School cater to the educational needs of the community. Today, Stapylton also serves as the base for the Supercars team Dick Johnson Racing, adding a touch of high-octane excitement to the town’s identity.