Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of a place where mountains meet creek valleys. That place is Wongawallan. It is a rural locality within the City of Gold Coast.
Wongawallan’s story begins long before the high-rises of the Gold Coast appeared. Originally, surveyor Dixon named this area Mount Goulburn after Henry Goulburn. Later, the name changed to Wongawallan. It is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word. Wonga means pigeon. Walla means water.
However, another story claims Wongawallan was named after an Aboriginal man nicknamed “Peter.” This man was said to have killed John Wilkinson, a settler, at Wongawallan Creek in 1876. Yet, newspaper reports from that time only refer to the man as “Peter.”
Imagine Wongawallan as a canvas painted with green and blue strokes. Mountainous terrain defines the landscape. Farming and residential areas nestle in the creek valleys. The hilltops remain largely untouched offering scenic views.
Mount Wongawallan rises 378 metres above sea level. It stands in the northeast part of Wongawallan. Creeks wind through the locality. Wongawallan Creek and Tamborine Creek are the main waterways. Tamborine Creek joins Wongawallan Creek near Welch Pioneer Park. Wongawallan Creek flows into the Coomera River in Maudsland.
The Tamborine-Oxenford Road is the main road. It connects Wongawallan and carries you through this peaceful place.
In 2021, Wongawallan had a population of 1415 people. This reflects a growing community. In 2011, the population was 1103. By 2016, it had risen to 1273.
Although Wongawallan itself has no schools, education is close. Nearby, you’ll find Highlands Reserve State School and Upper Coomera State College. These are in Upper Coomera. Tamborine Mountain State School and Tamborine Mountain State High School are also options. They are located in Tamborine Mountain.
Wongawallan offers many parks. Cresthill Drive Reserve and Eagle Heights Conservation Area provide natural spaces. Gladrose Reserve and Hayes Park offer more options for outdoor activities. Howard Creek Reserve and Lanes Park add to the list. Pinnacle Park and Solomon Lane Reserve offer unique experiences. Tamborine Creek Reserve and Tamborine Oxenford Road Bend Reserve provide creekside settings. Tamborine Recreation Reserve and Timberview Drive Reserve offer recreational spaces. Timberview Drive Park and Valley View Vista Park showcase valley views. Walter Park and Waterfall Drive Northern Park dot the landscape. Waterfall Drive Southern Park and Wongawallan Conservation Area provide more choices. Welch Pioneer Park holds historical significance. Wongawallan Reserve and Wongawallan Road Reserve contribute to the area’s charm. Wongawallen Junction Reserve completes the list.
Take a moment to appreciate Wongawallan’s blend of history and nature. It is a place where the past and present flow together. The name itself echoes stories of pigeons, water, and early settlers.