Did you know that Fig Tree Pocket got its name from a giant fig tree? This tree was so large it could supposedly shelter 400 people. The suburb is a residential area on the Brisbane River. It sits 9 km south-west of central Brisbane.
The river bounds Fig Tree Pocket on three sides. This creates a land pocket. In 1866, a reserve was created around the giant fig tree. Sadly, the tree is now gone. Nobody knows exactly how it disappeared.
Reaching Fig Tree Pocket by river is quite a journey. It is two and a half times the straight-line distance from the city. By road via the Centenary Highway, it is about 14 km. Because of its location, the area remained rural for a long time.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary became well-known. It was established in 1927. Fig Tree Pocket was once a small village. It had a school from 1871. A post office opened in 1878.
Its isolation once made it ideal for a radio transmission station. The station operated until 2000. Electrical interference then caused its closure. Besides the Koala Sanctuary, Mandalay sports and picnic ground was popular. Hayles Boat Services established it in 1937. It featured a jetty, dance hall and decorative pagodas. Alfred Grant subdivided it for housing in the 1960s and 70s.
Large homes and spacious yards define Fig Tree Pocket. Jesmond Road shows off the prestige riverfront properties. A riverfront house sold for millions in 2003. This set a record for metropolitan Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council planned smaller allotments in 2001. Most residents opposed the plan. They preferred larger blocks. The plan only allowed a small percentage of the suburb for development.
Fig Tree Pocket once had the highest weekly income in Brisbane. By 2001, it ranked sixth. Inner urban living became more appealing elsewhere. Residents were keen to preserve their suburb’s character. The Montessori primary school expanded to include a secondary department. This happened in 2004.
In 2011, the Brisbane River flooded parts of Fig Tree Pocket. This affected Mandalay and Donatello Streets. It also impacted open spaces and parks.
Today, Fig Tree Pocket offers a mix of attractions. The Brisbane Girls Grammar School Sports Campus is here. So is the Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club. Numerous parklands and reserves add to the appeal.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a major draw. It is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world. Here, you can hold a koala and hand-feed kangaroos.
Fig Tree Pocket has a rich history and unique character. From its giant fig tree to its exclusive homes, it is a special place. The suburb offers a blend of rural charm and city convenience. It is a suburb loved by families. It provides space, nature, and a strong community.