Bulimba

Could a bird inspire a suburb’s name? Here in Bulimba, the melodic call of the magpie lark, also known as the peewit, is said to be the origin of the name. Bulimba, nestled along the Brisbane River, has a rich history intertwined with this bird and the river itself. Bulimba’s story begins in the mid-1800s, when pastoralist David McConnel built his grand two-story sandstone house, Bulimba House, in 1849. This elegant home, designed in a high-gabled English tradition, stands as a testament to Bulimba’s early beginnings. It’s a registered Australian heritage site, a must-see for any history enthusiast visiting Bulimba. By the 1860s, Bulimba was a bustling farming community. A school and a church served the growing population, with the river as their main connection to Brisbane. The McConnels even operated a rowing-boat service. Progress continued with a post office opening in 1871 and the Bulimba Cemetery established in 1874. This cemetery, located south of the current suburb, also served the surrounding areas of Coorparoo, Balmoral, and Morningside. Bulimba’s industrial ambitions surfaced in 1882 with the opening of the Bulimba Brewery on Oxford Street. While it initially failed, it was later revived by the Queensland Brewing Co Ltd. Though production eventually moved to New Farm, the Bulimba brand name lived on. Interestingly, the old brewery site found new life as a wharf. Bulimba’s relationship with the river deepened with the introduction of a vehicular steam ferry in 1886. This connected Bulimba to the Newstead horse-tram service, later electrified. While the ferry remained the primary mode of transport to Brisbane for many years, the electric tram line eventually reached Oxford Street in 1935. Bulimba’s charm continued to attract residents, leading to the development of residential estates in the 1920s. The construction of a new ferry terminal with a distinctive clocked cupola design in 1922 further cemented Bulimba’s identity as a riverside suburb. Bulimba’s growth continued through the 20th century. Despite facing floods, the suburb has adapted and thrived. The arrival of the CityCat river transport in 1996 provided faster access to Brisbane’s city center. Bulimba even experienced a property boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bulimba, once a small farming settlement, has blossomed into a sought-after suburb. Its blend of history, riverside location, and vibrant community continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.