Beaudesert, Queensland

Beaudesert is south of Brisbane and west of the Gold Coast.

Beaudesert is located on the Mount Lindesay Highway, some {{convert|70|km|mi}} south of Brisbane. The area sources its income predominantly from rural activities such as cropping, grazing and equine activities, as well as tourism.

File:Wyaralong Dam 3.JPG, 2012]]

In the Logan River and Albert River valleys, Beaudesert is a regional hub serving surrounding communities such as Rathdowney, Kooralbyn, Canungra, Tamborine Mountain and Jimboomba. It is approximately 91 kilometres from Brisbane and connected by the Mount Lindesay Highway.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

The town of Beaudesert is located {{convert|46|m}} above sea level and has an average annual rainfall of around {{convert|916|mm}} per year. The temperature is around {{convert|30|C}} in summer and falls to around {{convert|3|C}} in winter. Generally the weather is mild, but some severe storms can arrive each summer.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

In the east of the locality is the decommissioned Nindooinbah Dam. The much larger Wyaralong Dam is situated roughly {{convert|14|km}} to the north west of the town and was completed in 2011.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Beaudesert experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa), with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters.{{Cite web |title=Beaudesert, Queensland Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase) |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=410040&cityname=Beaudesert,+Queensland,+Australia |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=Weatherbase |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517105813/http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=410040&cityname=Beaudesert,+Queensland,+Australia |url-status=live }}

{{Weather box

|location = Beaudesert (27º58'12"S, 152º59'24"E, 48 m AMSL) (2007–present normals and extremes)

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|Jan record high C = 44.6

|Feb record high C = 43.1

|Mar record high C = 38.4

|Apr record high C = 33.9

|May record high C = 30.5

|Jun record high C = 28.5

|Jul record high C = 28.8

|Aug record high C = 35.9

|Sep record high C = 39.1

|Oct record high C = 39.8

|Nov record high C = 41.3

|Dec record high C = 41.8

|Jan high C = 31.4

|Feb high C = 30.7

|Mar high C = 29.3

|Apr high C = 27.0

|May high C = 24.2

|Jun high C = 21.9

|Jul high C = 21.6

|Aug high C = 23.5

|Sep high C = 26.2

|Oct high C = 28.2

|Nov high C = 29.9

|Dec high C = 30.8

|Jan low C = 19.4

|Feb low C = 19.1

|Mar low C = 18.0

|Apr low C = 14.0

|May low C = 9.8

|Jun low C = 7.3

|Jul low C = 6.2

|Aug low C = 6.6

|Sep low C = 10.1

|Oct low C = 13.2

|Nov low C = 16.1

|Dec low C = 18.2

|Jan record low C = 11.6

|Feb record low C = 13.1

|Mar record low C = 9.0

|Apr record low C = 2.0

|May record low C = 0.3

|Jun record low C = -2.0

|Jul record low C = -3.8

|Aug record low C = -3.8

|Sep record low C = 0.8

|Oct record low C = 3.0

|Nov record low C = 7.9

|Dec record low C = 9.4

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 149.7

|Feb precipitation mm = 115.3

|Mar precipitation mm = 135.2

|Apr precipitation mm = 44.3

|May precipitation mm = 61.6

|Jun precipitation mm = 38.4

|Jul precipitation mm = 29.9

|Aug precipitation mm = 26.9

|Sep precipitation mm = 35.0

|Oct precipitation mm = 73.6

|Nov precipitation mm = 83.5

|Dec precipitation mm = 124.9

|year precipitation mm = 915.2

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 8.4

|Feb precipitation days = 7.4

|Mar precipitation days = 9.4

|Apr precipitation days = 5.1

|May precipitation days = 6.2

|Jun precipitation days = 4.2

|Jul precipitation days = 4.4

|Aug precipitation days = 3.1

|Sep precipitation days = 4.0

|Oct precipitation days = 7.0

|Nov precipitation days = 6.9

|Dec precipitation days = 9.6

|source 1 = Bureau of Meteorology (2007-2024 normals and extremes){{cite web

|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040983_All.shtml

|title = Beaudesert Climate Statistics (2007-2024)

|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology

|access-date = July 7, 2024

|archive-date = 17 May 2022

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220517105813/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040983_All.shtml

|url-status = live

}}

}}

File:StateLibQld 1 69363 Homestead at The Hollow near Beaudesert, ca. 1898.jpg

File:StateLibQld 2 160924 View of Brisbane Street, Beaudesert, 1908.jpg

Yugembah (also known as Yugumbir, Jugambel, Jugambeir, Jugumbir, Jukam, Jukamba) is one of the Australian Aboriginal languages in areas that include the Beaudesert, Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim, Albert River, Beenleigh, Coolangatta, Coomera, Logan River, Pimpama, Tamborine and Tweed River Valley, within the local government boundaries of the City of Gold Coast, City of Logan, Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Tweed River Valley.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Mununjali (also known as Mananjahli, Manaldjahli and Manandjali) is a dialect of the Yugambeh language. The Mununjali language area includes landscape within the local government boundaries of the Scenic Rim and Beaudesert Shire Councils.{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/mununjali-72|title=Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map|author=|date=|website=State Library of Queensland|access-date=30 January 2020}}

The town is possibly named after Beau Desert Park, the property of Charles Henry Alexander Paget, 6th Marquess of Anglesey in Staffordshire, England. Yet it is certain that Queensland's Beaudesert was named in about 1841 or 1842 by 'Ned Hawkins', or Edward Brace Hawkins (1821–1849), who was claiming the area as a sheep station on behalf of his employer William Henry Suttor senior (1805–1877) at Bathurst. It is not known why Hawkins picked the name Beaudesert. He was himself born in Newark-Upon-Trent in Nottinghamshire, the son of Thomas Fitzherbert Hawkins and wife Elizabeth of Bathurst fame, and it does not seem that he or his family had any personal connections to Beaudesert in England. Ned Hawkins moved on, not long after taking up Beaudesert station, to take up Boonara Station in the South Burnett.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

The town was settled in 1847, on Yugambeh lands, {{Citation needed|date=May 2020}} and in 1850 the Nindooinbah Homestead was built.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

File:Beaudesert Tramway Station 1927.jpg station in 1927]]

The town was originally set out in a grid pattern; however, several of the streets followed cart tracks. The area was originally settled for growing cotton and sheep. However, the area is also notoriously short of water and the cotton was not a successful crop. Hoop pine was very successfully collected from the area. In 1863 the cotton workers were indentured labourers from the South Sea Islands, the first such use in Queensland. In the 1880s, the Cobb & Co stagecoaches ran between Beaudesert and Jimboomba.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Located in the Beaudesert Historical Museum is the Milbanks Pioneer Cottage. This cottage was originally built in 1875 by Patrick Milbanks on his Kerry property, out of local hand-hewn timbers, slats and shingle roof. It has four-poster bed, large cedar sideboard and numerous articles that portray the life of the early pioneers. It was donated to the museum by Patrick Milbanks's grandchildren and relocated to its present site in 1979.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Upper Beaudesert Provisional School opened circa 1882 and closed circa 1885.{{Citation|author1=Queensland Family History Society|title=Queensland schools past and present|publication-date=2010|edition=Version 1.01|publisher=Queensland Family History Society|isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}

Beaudesert Provisional School opened on 26 March 1882 but closed on 9 September 1886. On 13 September 1887, it reopened as Beaudesert State School.{{cite news|date=25 December 1886|title=OFFICIAL NOTIFICATIONS.|page=6|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4486546|access-date=17 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070111/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4486546|url-status=live}}

On 15 August 1885 at Stretton's Hotel at Beaudesert, auctioneer C.J. Warner offered 125 town lots in the Beaudesert Township Extension estate. The lots were mostly {{Convert|2|rood|acre m2|abbr=}} and were on Brisbane Street, Tubber Street, Gordon Street, Birman Street, James Street, Edward Street and Alice Street.{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert Township extension|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/18498|date=1885|website=State Library of Queensland|hdl=10462/deriv/18498|type=Real estate map|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070144/https://digital.slq.qld.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?change_lng=en&dps_pid=IE423621|url-status=live}} The advertising noted that the Queensland Government had voted the funds to extend the railway line from Logan Village to Beaudesert.{{cite news|date=15 August 1885|title=Advertising|page=2|newspaper=Logan Witness|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164421083|access-date=20 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070053/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164421083|url-status=live}}

The Beaudesert railway line from Bethania to Beaudesert opened on 16 May 1888.{{cite book|last=Kerr|first=John|title=Triumph of narrow gauge : a history of Queensland Railways|date=1990|publisher=Boolarong Publications|isbn=978-0-86439-102-5|page=224}} Beaudesert railway station ({{Coord|-27.9853|152.9950|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|display=|name=Beaudesert railway station}}) served the town.{{Cite QPN|1997|Beaudesert|railway station in the Scenic Rim Region|access-date=2 April 2020}} Use of the passenger services declined with the increasing ownership of cars following World War II, leading to the termination of the passenger services in 1961. However the Beaudesert abattoir and the dairy farmers continued to use the freight services on the line until freight services terminated on 20 May 1996.{{Cite web|title=End of the line for Beaudesert railway tracks|url=https://www.beaudeserttimes.com.au/story/3834449/end-of-the-line-for-beaudesert-railway-tracks/|last=Schaefer|first=Tim|date=2016-04-06|website=Beaudesert Times|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402100515/https://www.beaudeserttimes.com.au/story/3834449/end-of-the-line-for-beaudesert-railway-tracks/|archive-date=2 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-02}}

On Tuesday 24 July 1888, the foundation log of St Thomas' Anglican church was laid by Mrs De Burgh Persse of Tabragalba with an address given by Archdeacon Nathaniel Dawes.{{cite news|date=21 July 1888|title=Local and general|volume=X|page=2|newspaper=Logan Witness|issue=539|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163891555|access-date=17 September 2020|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070128/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163891555|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2019|title=Year Book|url=https://anglicanchurchsq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Year-Book-Volume-II-Feb-2020.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915033326/https://anglicanchurchsq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Year-Book-Volume-II-Feb-2020.pdf|archive-date=15 September 2020|access-date=15 September 2020|publisher=Anglican Archdiocese of Brisbane|page=132|volume=2}}{{cite news|date=27 July 1889|title=General News.|volume=XXXVI|page=170|newspaper=The Queenslander|issue=721|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19815928|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070053/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19815928|url-status=live}} On 24 November 1956 the foundation stone for a new church was laid by the Governor of Queensland, John Lavarack, and blessed by Archbishop Reginald Halse.The second St Thomas' Anglican Church was consecrated on Sunday 4 July 1965 by Archbishop Philip Strong.{{Cite web|title=Consecration of St Thomas Church {{!}} Monument Australia|url=http://monumentaustralia.org.au/australian_monument/display/112830|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517092638/http://monumentaustralia.org.au/australian_monument/display/112830|archive-date=17 May 2020|access-date=2020-05-17|website=Monument Australia}}{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert, QLD - St Thomas' Anglican|url=https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/beaudesert-qld-st-thomas-anglican|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Australian Christian Church Histories|language=en|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604075922/http://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/beaudesert-qld-st-thomas-anglican}}{{Cite web|title=St Thomas' Anglican Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/anglican/directory/3691-st-thomasand#39;-anglican-church|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070110/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/anglican/directory/3691-st-thomasand#39;-anglican-church}} The 1888 church was used as the church hall.

On 3 February 1889, Roman Catholic Archbishop Robert Dunne blessed the foundation stone for the first Catholic church in Beaudesert. The event raised £74 with a further £7 pledged.{{cite news|date=4 February 1889|title=The Brisbane Courier|page=4|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3491989|access-date=17 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070132/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3491989|url-status=live}} As 2 February was the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was decided to call the church Our Lady of the Purification, but it was commonly known as St Mary's.{{cite news|date=13 June 1941|title=PUTTING THE CLOCK BACK|page=1|newspaper=The Beaudesert Times|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217074487|access-date=17 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128043851/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/217074487|url-status=live}} Dunne returned on 2 June 1889 to open the new church.{{cite news|date=22 June 1889|title=Lady Gossip.|page=15 (SUPPLEMENT TO QUEENSLAND FIGARO.)|newspaper=Queensland Figaro And Punch|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84756896|access-date=17 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003413/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/84756896|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2017-09-11|title=Parish History|url=https://www.stmarysbeaudesert.com/parish-history/parish-history-overview/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=St Mary’s Catholic Parish Beaudesert|language=en-AU|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424080521/https://www.stmarysbeaudesert.com/parish-history/parish-history-overview/}} Internally the church was {{Convert|50 x 28|ft||abbr=}} with {{Convert|14|ft||abbr=|adj=on}} ceilings. It was built by James Madden of Ipswich, who design the church for free. It was fitted with an altar, altar rails and 20 pews. On Sunday 15 September 1907 the second St Mary's was opened, with the original church dismantled and re-assembled at Kerry where it was named St John's Catholic Church.

In 1897 a Baptist church was opened in Beaudesert on land purchased for that purpose in 1889.{{Cite web|title=Queensland Baptist churches by date of erection/opening|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/index.html|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126074653/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=1897 Beaudesert|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1897-Beaudesert.html|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126074639/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1897-Beaudesert.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=6 November 1889|title=BAPTIST ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND.|volume=XLVI|page=6|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|issue=9,926|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3503569|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=29 November 2021}}{{cite news|date=6 April 1897|title=COUNTRY MAILS.|volume=LIII|page=6|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|issue=12,240|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3648514|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=29 November 2021}} The foundation stone was laid in April 1897 and the church was officially opened on Wednesday 16 June 1897.{{cite news|date=19 April 1897|title=SPECIAL WEATHER FORECAST.|volume=LIII|page=4|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|issue=12,251|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3649271|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=29 November 2021}}{{cite news|date=21 June 1897|title=SPECIAL FORECAST.|volume=LIV|page=4|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|issue=12,305|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3653045|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=29 November 2021}}

File:Mercy Hall, the original school building, of St Mary's Catholic School, Beaudesert, 2020.jpg

File:Brick school building, St Mary's Catholic School, 2020 02.jpg

On 14 April 1901, the foundation stone was laid for St Mary's Convent School. The school opened on 19 August 1901 with an initial enrolment of 101 students and was operated by the Sisters of Mercy. The original timber building remained in use until 1939 when its condition was becoming dangerous. The school operated temporarily from the church until a new brick building was erected. The brick building was blessed and opened by Archbishop James Duhig on 3 September 1939. The timber building remains on the site as Mercy Hall. Further buildings were added over the years. On 19 August 2013, the 1939 brick building was badly damaged by a fire. However, the exterior and stained glass windows survived and the building was rebuilt, re-opening on 20 February 2015; it is now used for school administration.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stmarysbeaudesert.com/parish-history/st-marys-primary-school/|title=St Mary's Primary School|website=St Mary's Catholic Parish Beaudesert|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429152409/https://www.stmarysbeaudesert.com/parish-history/st-marys-primary-school/|archive-date=29 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-29}}

On 17 December 1901 auctioneers M. Selwyn Smith offered nine grazing and agricultural lots surrounding the town of the Beaudesert ranging in size from {{Convert|137 to 607|acres|ha km2|abbr=}}, totalling {{Convert|2235|acres|ha km2|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|title=Plan of nine grazing and agricultural farms adjoining Beaudesert township|url=http://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/253894|date=1901|website=State Library of Queensland|hdl=10462/deriv/253894|access-date=22 May 2020|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003429/https://digital.slq.qld.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?change_lng=en&dps_pid=IE424812|url-status=live}} The land was being sold following the death of its owner Ernest White.{{cite news|date=13 December 1901|title=Advertising|page=8|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19161961|access-date=22 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003605/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19161961|url-status=live}}

The Beaudesert Shire Tramway to Christmas Creek, Lamington and Rathdowney, operated by the Beaudesert Shire, opened in 1903 and closed in 1944.

A local newspaper, the Beaudesert Times was established in 1908.{{cite web |title=About us |url=http://www.beaudeserttimes.com.au/about-us/ |website=Beaudesert Times |access-date=16 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145914/http://www.beaudeserttimes.com.au/about-us/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }}

The Beaudesert War Museum was unveiled on 28 September 1921 by Queensland Governor Matthew Nathan.{{cite web|title=Beaudesert War Memorial (Digger)|url=http://www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/Pages/MemoDet.aspx?Memorial=Beaudesert%20War%20Memorial%20(Digger)|publisher=Queensland War Memorial Register|access-date=3 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407094442/http://www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/Pages/MemoDet.aspx?Memorial=Beaudesert%20War%20Memorial%20(Digger)|archive-date=7 April 2014|url-status=dead}}

In 1936 ex-prime minister Billy Hughes was injured in a plane crash during an emergency landing in Wood's Paddock. {{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38497665 |title=MR. HUGHES HURT IN AEROPLANE |newspaper=The Courier-mail |issue=869 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=12 June 1936 |accessdate=29 December 2024 |page=15 |via=National Library of Australia}}

From the nineteenth century through to the 1980s, it was a thriving centre with a shoe factory and meat works as well as markets, a hospital and an ambulance service. The Enright family managed a major department store.{{cite web|url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/beaudesert|title=Beaudesert - Queensland Places|work=queenslandplaces.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118072418/http://queenslandplaces.com.au/beaudesert|archive-date=18 November 2010|df=dmy-all}} The Blunck family managed an electrical store and a car servicing and sales business.{{cite web|url=http://maps.bonzle.com/pictures-over-time/pictures-taken-in-1927/page-5/picture-xs1lx02n/size-4/beaudesert/martin-bluncks-garage-ca-1927|title=Pictures of Australia from 1927|work=bonzle.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514064831/http://maps.bonzle.com/pictures-over-time/pictures-taken-in-1927/page-5/picture-xs1lx02n/size-4/beaudesert/martin-bluncks-garage-ca-1927|archive-date=14 May 2018|df=dmy-all}}

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially opened on Sunday 20 August 1949 by Pastor F. A. Mote, of Sydney, the secretary of the Australasian Inter-Union Conference,{{cite news|date=26 August 1949|title=New Church Dedicated|volume=XLI|page=7|newspaper=The Beaudesert Times|issue=2142|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article216182326|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003438/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216182326|url-status=live}} and foundation stone for the Beaudesert Baptist Church was laid on 8 October 1949 by C.G. Sweetman, President of the Baptist Union in Queensland.{{cite news|date=14 October 1949|title=Foundation Stone Laid|volume=XLI|page=5|newspaper=The Beaudesert Times|issue=2149|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article216186718|via=National Library of Australia|accessdate=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003453/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216186718|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert, QLD - Baptist|url=https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/beaudesert-qld-baptist|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Australian Christian Church Histories|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315183702/https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/beaudesert-qld-baptist}}

From 1954 to 1962, the Beaudesert State School also provided a secondary school program, which ceased when a separate Beaudesert State High School was opened in January 1963.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-06 |title=Beaudesert State High School |url=https://beaudesertshs.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=Beaudesert State High School |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921015643/https://beaudesertshs.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}

From 1961 until 2001, the controversial child-welfare organisation BoysTown operated in Beaudesert. It had the largest case of child abuse at a single institution in Australia's history.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-26/boystown-abuse-survivors-justice-legal-action/12336012 |title=Justice Denied |last1=Robertson |first1=Josh |last2=Zwartz |first2=Henry |date=26 July 2020 |work=ABC News |access-date=22 September 2023 |archive-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930002436/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-26/boystown-abuse-survivors-justice-legal-action/12336012 |url-status=live }}

In 1999, the Biddaddaba History Group brought together the history of the area from the earliest settlement of white people up to 1990 in a comprehensive book available from libraries.{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28249407?selectedversion=NBD14362561|title=The history of Biddaddaba Creek, Boyland, Canungra Line, Queensland|work=nla.gov.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706112914/http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28249407?selectedversion=NBD14362561|archive-date=6 July 2015|df=dmy-all}}File:Queensland State Archives 601 Gardens of Nindooinbah House Nindooinbah Connection Road Nindooinbah Beaudesert December 1939.png

File:BeaudesertWarMemorial.JPG

Prior to construction, the site of McAuley College was blessed by Archbishop of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge. It opened on 25 January 2017 with 36 students in Year 7. It was officially opened on 17 November 2017 by Scott Buchholz, Member for Wright with a blessing by Coleridge.{{Cite web |title=Our Story |url=http://www.mcauley.qld.edu.au/about-us/Pages/Our-Story.aspx |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=McAuley College |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703185542/https://www.mcauley.qld.edu.au/about-us/Pages/Our-Story.aspx |url-status=live }}

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Beaudesert had a population of 6,395 people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 7.2% of the population. 80.6% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were New Zealand 3.2% and England 2.7%. 89.7% of people only spoke English at home. The most common responses for religion were No Religion 23.4%, Anglican 21.3% and Catholic 21.2%.{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30194|name=Beaudesert (State Suburb)|quick=on|access-date=6 February 2018}}

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Beaudesert had a population of 6,752 people.{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL30193|name=Beaudesert (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}

Beaudesert has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

• Beaudesert Showgrounds, Albert Street
• St Thomas’ Anglican Church, 7-9 Albert Street ({{Coord|-27.9912|152.9988|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|display=|name=St Thomas' Anglican Church}})
• Beaudesert Racecourse and Grandstand, 3180 Beaudesert-Boonah Road{{cite web|title=Local Heritage Register|url=http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/documents/717563/41748830/Scenic%20Rim%20Local%20Heritage%20Register.pdf|publisher=Scenic Rim Regional Council|access-date=9 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924094854/http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/documents/717563/41748830/Scenic%20Rim%20Local%20Heritage%20Register.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}
• Beaudesert Masonic Centre, 33 Brisbane Street
• Beaudesert Hotel, 80 Brisbane Street
• Scenic Rim Regional Council Chambers, 82 & 84 Brisbane Street
• St Mary's Catholic Church, Bromelton Street
• Beaudesert War Memorial, William Street{{cite QHR|14803|Beaudesert War Memorial|600028|access-date=12 July 2013}}

File:Beaudesert State High School, 2020 02.jpg

Beaudesert State School is a government primary (Early Childhood-6) school for boys and girls at 17 Tina Street ({{coord|-27.9888|153.0023|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert State School}}).{{cite web|date=9 July 2018|title=State and non-state school details|url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|url-status=live|access-date=21 November 2018|publisher=Queensland Government|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|archivedate=21 November 2018}}{{cite web|title=Beaudesert State School|url=https://beaudesertss.eq.edu.au/|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921011230/https://beaudesertss.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 649 students with 49 teachers (43 full-time equivalent) and 29 non-teaching staff (20 full-time equivalent).{{cite web|title=ACARA School Profile 2018|url=https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx|access-date=28 January 2020|publisher=Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827085246/https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx|url-status=dead}} It includes a special education program.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 1 Bromelton Street ({{coord|-27.9905|152.9913|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=St Mary's Catholic Primary School}}).{{cite web|title=St Mary's Catholic Primary School|url=http://www.stmarysbeaudesert.qld.edu.au/|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125031000/http://www.stmarysbeaudesert.qld.edu.au/|url-status=live}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 352 students with 26 teachers (22 full-time equivalent) and 19 non-teaching staff (11 full-time equivalent).

Beaudesert State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 271-297 Brisbane Street ({{coord|-27.9707|152.9970|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert State High School}}).{{cite web|title=Beaudesert State High School|url=https://beaudesertshs.eq.edu.au/|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921015643/https://beaudesertshs.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 1442 students with 109 teachers (105 full-time equivalent) and 64 non-teaching staff (43 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program.{{cite web|title=Beaudesert SHS - Special Education Program|url=https://www.beaudeseshs.eq.edu.au/|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923042907/http://www.beaudeseshs.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}}

McAuley College is a Catholic secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 30 Oakland Way ({{coord|-27.9897|153.0118|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=McAuley College}}).{{cite web|title=McAuley College|url=http://www.mcauley.qld.edu.au|access-date=20 September 2021}}{{Cite web|title=New Schools|url=https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/schools-curriculum/new-schools/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204084356/https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/schools-curriculum/new-schools/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date=4 December 2019|access-date=2019-12-04|website=Brisbane Catholic Education}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 93 students with 13 teachers (12 full-time equivalent) and 8 non-teaching staff (4 full-time equivalent).

The Scenic Rim Regional Council has its headquarters at the Beaudesert Administrative Centre at 82 Brisbane Street (formerly the offices of the Beaudesert Shire Council, {{Coord|-27.9872|152.9954|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert Administration Centre}}).{{Cite web|title=Contact Us|url=https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/our-council/contact-us|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Scenic Rim Regional Council|language=en|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423155520/https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/our-council/contact-us}}File:St Thomas' Anglican Church, Beaudesert, 2020.jpgThe Scenic Rim Regional Council operates a public library at 58 Brisbane Street ({{Coord|-27.9899|152.9958|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert Library}}).{{Cite web|url=http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/locations-and-membership|title=Locations and Membership|website=Scenic Rim Regional Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130211644/http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/locations-and-membership|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=31 January 2018}}

The Beaudesert branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at 86 Brisbane Street ({{Coord|-27.9867|152.9955|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert Country Women's Association}}).{{Cite web|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|title=Branch Locations|publisher=Queensland Country Women's Association|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|archive-date=26 December 2018|url-status=dead}}

St Thomas' Anglican Church is at 7 Albert Street ({{Coord|-27.9913|152.9989|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=St Thomas's Anglican Church}}).{{Cite web|title=St Thomas' Anglican Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/anglican/directory/3691-st-thomasand#39;-anglican-church|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070055/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/anglican/directory/3691-st-thomasand#39;-anglican-church}}

St Mary's Catholic Church is in Bromelton Street ({{Coord|-27.9887|152.9915|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=St Mary's Catholic Church}}) adjacent to the school.{{Cite web|title=St Mary's Catholic Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/catholic/directory/1620-st-maryand#39;s-catholic-church|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070118/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/catholic/directory/1620-st-maryand#39;s-catholic-church}}

Beaudesert Congregation Uniting Church is at 48 William Street (corner of Duckett Street, {{Coord|-27.9902|153.0003|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert Congregation Uniting Church}}) adjacent to the former church building.{{cite web|title=Find a Church|url=https://ucaqld.com.au/find-a-church/|access-date=22 November 2020|website=Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024234524/https://ucaqld.com.au/find-a-church/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert Congregation Uniting Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/uniting-church-in-australia/directory/3688-beaudesert-congregation-uniting-church|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003434/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/uniting-church-in-australia/directory/3688-beaudesert-congregation-uniting-church}}{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert Uniting Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/uniting-church-in-australia/directory/3687-beaudesert-uniting-church|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522070053/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/uniting-church-in-australia/directory/3687-beaudesert-uniting-church}}

Beaudesert Baptist Church is at 13 Eaglesfield Street ({{Coord|-27.9870|152.9988|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert Baptist Church}}).{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert Baptist Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/baptist/directory/3689-beaudesert-baptist-church|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522003416/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/baptist/directory/3689-beaudesert-baptist-church}}{{Cite web|title=Our Details|url=https://www.beaudesert-baptist-church.com/our-details/|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Beaudesert Baptist Church|language=en-US|archive-date=17 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117103807/http://www.beaudesert-baptist-church.com/our-details/|url-status=live}}

Beaudesert Seventh-day Adventist Church is at 45 Anna Street ({{Coord|-27.9864|152.9990|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Beaudesert Seventh-day Adventist Church}}).{{Cite web|title=Seventh-day Adventist Church - Beaudesert|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/seventh-day-adventist/directory/3692-seventh-day-adventist-church-beaudesert|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Churches Australia|language=en|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024210946/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/seventh-day-adventist/directory/3692-seventh-day-adventist-church-beaudesert}}{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert Adventist Church|url=https://beaudesertadventistchurch.com.au/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-22|language=en-AU|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303001822/https://beaudesertadventistchurch.com.au/}}

The Arts Centre hosts a number of community groups and there is a wide range of community activity including a very active Bush Bards group.{{cite web|title=Community groups|url=http://www.beaudesertartsandinfocentre.org.au/index.php/community-groups/community-groups/52-arts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707144611/http://www.beaudesertartsandinfocentre.org.au/index.php/community-groups/community-groups/52-arts|archive-date=7 July 2015|work=beaudesertartsandinfocentre.org.au|df=dmy-all}}

A number of well-known sporting teams represent the local area, including the Beaudesert Kingfishers who play home games at R.S. Willis Park, Beaudesert Rangers soccer club who play home games at Selwyn Park, Beaudesert and District junior and senior cricket club who play home games at Everdell Park, Beaudesert Warriors rugby union Club who play home games at Everdell Park.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

There is a rifle range and pistol club in Sprengler Road in neighbouring Tabragalba ({{Coord|-27.9975|153.0683|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|display=|name=Beaudesert Rifle Club}}).{{Cite web|title=Beaudesert Rifle Club|url=http://www.beaudesertrifleclub.com.au/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309131635/http://www.beaudesertrifleclub.com.au/|archive-date=9 March 2020|access-date=2020-04-29|website=Beaudesert Rifle|language=en-US}}

Beaudesert has a racecourse, 50-metre swimming pool, two gyms, showgrounds, caravan park and several hotels and eateries.{{Cn|date=December 2022}}

File:Il-Bogan Lagoon, Beaudesert, 2022.jpg

The surrounding countryside includes numerous valleys leading up to the ranges dividing Queensland and New South Wales with creeks running through them and accompanying mountain scenery. Access to some of more remote areas is possible by camping in the Stockyard creek valley a branch of the Kerry Valley to the south of the town.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Il-Bogan Lagoon is a waterhole in the west of the locality at 3169 Beaudesert Boonah Road ({{Coord|-27.9933|152.9714|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Il-Bogan Lagoon}}).{{Cite QPN|16615|Il-Bogan Lagoon|waterhole in the Scenic Rim Region|access-date=1 January 2023}} It is on the traditional lands of the Mununjali clan and they believe it is the home of a creature that moves through underground tunnels and waterways across their lands (sometimes referred to as a bunyip).{{Cite web |title=Hunting for the bunyip of Beaudesert |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/hunting-for-the-bunyip-of-beaudesert/atsph6d2v |access-date=2022-12-31 |website=NITV |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231235835/https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/hunting-for-the-bunyip-of-beaudesert/atsph6d2v |url-status=live }} British settlers also had sightings of strange creatures at the lagoon.{{Cite web |title=The Bromelton Bunyip of Beaudesert |url=https://www.timetravelclub.com.au/2019/08/bromeltonbunyip.html |access-date=2022-12-31 |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231235836/https://www.timetravelclub.com.au/2019/08/bromeltonbunyip.html |url-status=live }}

The annual agricultural show held in September is an event that includes a wide range of events and displays. It is run by the Beaudesert Show Society.{{Cite web |title=Beaudesert Show |url=https://www.beaudesertshow.org.au/ |access-date=1 January 2023 |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231234132/https://www.beaudesertshow.org.au/ |url-status=live }}

A bus runs from Beaudesert to Browns Plains and Brisbane on weekdays. Centacare St Mary's Community Services and the Beaudesert RSL provide transport for aged, disabled, veterans and hospital/respite requirements.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

The standard gauge Brisbane-Sydney railway line runs through Bromelton, a few kilometres west of Beaudesert. This line is used by NSW TrainLink Sydney to Brisbane XPT passenger services and Aurizon, Pacific National and SCT Logistics freight services to Sydney, Melbourne, Wollongong and Adelaide. Services ceased calling at Bromelton station in 1994.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

The Beaudesert railway line ran from the outer Brisbane suburb of Bethania to Beaudesert and was in regular use from 1886 to 1996. Until 1991 it had served the meat-packing plant on the outskirts of the town.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

A petition from railway enthusiasts, and considerable grants of government money, resulted in its re-opening in 1999. Beaudesert Rail operated steam-driven tourist trains on the line for a short while thereafter. The company ceased operating in August 2004 after a series of fires, allegedly lit by sparks from the train, were set along the train line. The company was in debt and has ceased to exist, with the rolling stock liquidated and physical infrastructure demolished. Beaudesert Rail had also been trading while insolvent, {{citation needed|date=January 2013}} resulting in the closure of several local business who had extended them credit.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

• Neville Bonner, the first indigenous Australian to become a member of parliament, attended Beaudesert Primary School.{{cite web|url=http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs231.aspx|title=Neville Bonner - Fact sheet 231 – National Archives of Australia|work=naa.gov.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705231044/http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs231.aspx|archive-date=5 July 2015|df=dmy-all|access-date=6 July 2015}}
• Caleb Daniel, current AFL player for the Western Bulldogs.
• Jason Day, a leading PGA golfer who won the 2015 PGA championship, was born in Beaudesert.Source: local sources and Courier Mail 18/8/15.
• Riley Day, Australian sprinter, most notably competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was born in Beaudesert and attended Beaudesert State High School. She is not related to golfer Jason Day, also born in Beaudesert.
• Andrew Gee, Queensland and Brisbane Broncos player, was born in Beaudesert.
• Mel Greig, an Australian radio and television personality, was born in Beaudesert.
• Pauline Hanson, founder and leader of the right-wing One Nation, as well as a federal Senator for Queensland
• Marilyn Leask, professor of education, was born in Beaudesert and attended the primary and high schools. She is descended from pioneering families who migrated from the UK in the middle of the 19th century.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
• Rick Price, musician, was born in Beaudesert.
• Cecilia Smith, Aboriginal activist, born in Beaudesert

{{Portal|Queensland}}

• Beaudesert Shire
• List of tramways in Queensland

{{reflist|2}}

• {{Citation|author1=Henry, Jim|title=In good faith : a history of the Parish of St. Thomas, Beaudesert 1888-1988|publication-date=1988|isbn=978-0-7316-4698-2|author2=Shaw, Leah|year=1988}}
• {{Citation|title=Rivers of faith : commemmorating [sic] the 100th anniversary of the opening of the first St. Mary's Church Beaudesert in 1889|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/33667289|publication-date=1989|publisher=St.Mary's Catholic Church}}
• {{Citation|author1=St. Mary's School (Beaudesert, Qld.)|title=Memories : St Mary's Catholic School, Beaudesert, the first 100 years 1901-2001|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/34340778|publication-date=2001|publisher=The School}}

{{Commons category|Beaudesert, Queensland}}

• {{cite web |title=Beaudesert |url=https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/beaudesert |website=Queensland Places |publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland}}
• [https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-beaudesert-1978.jpg Town map of Beaudesert, 1978]
• [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma99183874319902061 Beaudesert photographs], State Library of Queensland

{{Wikivoyage-inline|Beaudesert (Queensland)|Beaudesert}}

{{Scenic Rim Region}}

{{South East Queensland}}

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Category:Towns in Queensland

Category:South East Queensland

Category:Scenic Rim Region

Category:Localities in Queensland