Seven Hills

Did the Romans ever make it to Brisbane? Probably not. Yet, here we stand in Seven Hills, a suburb echoing the very heart of ancient Rome. Seven Hills is more than just a name. It’s a vibrant community, built upon, yes, you guessed it, seven hills. Each hill proudly bears the name of its Roman counterpart: Palatine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Aventine, Caelian, Viminal, and Esquiline. And just to add a local twist, there’s an eighth hill, Lilian Hill, breaking the Roman theme. Seven Hills is a relatively young suburb, officially gazetted in 2001. Yet, its story begins much earlier. Maps from the late 19th century already identify the area as Seven Hills. This name wasn’t a nod to the Roman Empire, but rather a tribute to a mining company, Seven Hills Estate Co, whose interests lay further south near Ballarat. The Roman connection came later with Robert George Oates, a land developer who in 1925, laid out streets with names like Appia Avenue and Quirinal Crescent. Imagine traversing this hilly terrain in the early 20th century. From 1912 to 1926, the Belmont Tramway skirted the southern edge of Seven Hills, connecting residents to Norman Park and the wider railway network. The tramway tracks, following what is now Oateson Skyline Drive, are long gone, replaced by cycle lanes and bustling bus routes. The echoes of the past, however, still resonate. The Seven Hills Presbyterian Church, originally built in 1951, served the growing community for two decades before being relocated to Carina. Even the trolley-buses that once connected Seven Hills to Fortitude Valley have been replaced by diesel buses, showcasing the changing times. Seven Hills State School, opened in 1960, witnessed the suburb’s transformation. From a small enrolment of 84 students, it has grown significantly, reflecting the suburb’s increasing popularity. Today, Seven Hills retains a unique blend of old and new. The Seven Hills Bushland Reserve offers a tranquil escape, a green lung amidst the urban sprawl. It’s a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. As you look around, you’ll see a mix of architectural styles, from traditional Queenslanders to modern townhouses. This diversity, reflected in the demographics of the suburb, is part of what makes Seven Hills so special. It’s a suburb with a story to tell, a place where Roman names and local history intertwine, creating a unique and vibrant community.