Imagine Bellbowrie as more than just a suburb. It is a place where history whispers on the breeze. Bellbowrie is located on the northern side of the Brisbane River. It lies 17 kilometres west-southwest of Brisbane’s city centre.
Bellbowrie’s name comes from an Aboriginal word. It possibly originated from the Hunter River area in New South Wales. The name means flowering gum possibly referring to the red gum. Bellbowrie was officially named on 4 November 1972. Its boundaries were set on 11 August 1975.
Initial subdivisions began in the early 1970s. Development slowed after the 1974 Brisbane flood. Much of the eastern lower-lying areas were inundated. The construction of Wivenhoe Dam in the 1980s eased flood concerns. Development then increased significantly. Many acreage owners subdivided their properties. This led to the clearing of bushland.
Bellbowrie’s boundaries expanded on 13 December 1990. This expansion included land previously part of Anstead. New housing estates emerged in 2001. These estates were built on former pineapple farms.
The 2011 Brisbane floods again caused the Brisbane River to rise. Some areas of Bellbowrie experienced flooding. Access roads were inundated isolating the suburb. This isolation led to loss of electricity and telecommunications. There was also a shortage of food. The Uniting Church served as an evacuation centre. It also became a communal food bank. Supplies arrived via helicopter.
Bellbowrie has grown over the years. The 2011 census recorded 5413 residents. By 2016 the population was 5462. The 2021 census counted 5495 people.
Moggill Cemetery is located on the eastern side of Moggill Road in Bellbowrie. Joseph Lewis originally owned this land. He purchased it in March 1851. The land was likely used as a church graveyard around 1855. George Mounser who drowned in 1855 was likely the first burial.
In 1865 the land was officially designated as a cemetery. In June 1921 the Queensland Governor Sir Matthew Nathan reserved the cemetery. He placed it under the control of trustees. In February 1922 the land was resumed by the Crown. In July 1930 control of Moggill Cemetery passed to the Brisbane City Council.
Bellbowrie offers many recreational amenities. There are off-leash areas for dogs. Some residents have boat ramps providing access to the Brisbane River. The Brisbane City Council’s mobile library visits Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza weekly. The Bellbowrie Community Church is located on Moggill Road.
Several community groups are active in Bellbowrie. These include the Rural Environmental Planning Association Inc. the Moggill Girl Guides and the Moggill Scout Group.
The Bellbowrie Sports & Recreation Club Inc. hosts several sporting clubs. These include hockey football cricket and junior Australian football. The club also features a skate park cricket nets and a tennis and basketball court. A public swimming pool is located in Sugarwood Street. It is home to the Bellbowrie Swimming Club.
Bellbowrie is more than just a suburb. It is a community shaped by floods growth and a strong local spirit. From its flowering gum origins to its modern amenities Bellbowrie offers a unique blend of history and progress.