Southbrook, Queensland


Southbrook is a rural town and locality in the Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia. In the, Southbrook had a population of 599 people.

Geography

Southbrook is north-east of Pittsworth on the Darling Downs. The Gore Highway passes through the north of the town.

History

Previously under a pastoral run, the area was further developed in the 1880s when it was used for dairying and cropping.
Southbrook later became a stop on the Millmerran railway line.
Eton Vale State School opened on 5 August 1878. In 1888 it was renamed Umbirom State School. In 1909 it was renamed Harelmar State School. It closed on 14 December 1962.
Southbrook Provisional School opened on 11 September 1882. On 15 February 1886 it became Southbrook State School. It closed on 1948.
Elville State School opened on 31 October 1910 with an initial 35 students. The school named after the site it was built on. Circa 1916 it was renamed Southbrook Central State School. In 2010 the school celebrated its centenary.
St Mary’s Anglican Church was dedicated on 30 July 1904 by Venerable A.E. David, Archdeacon of Brisbane. It closed on 12 May 1996. Its closure was approved by Assistant Bishop Wood.
Beauaraba Provisional School opened on 1 January 1919. On 1 Oct 1920 it became Beauaraba State School. It closed on 24 March 1940.
During early settlement the town had a store, a hotel, and two cheese factories.

Education

Southbrook Central State School is a government primary school for boys and girls at 1 School Road. In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 67 students with 5 teachers and 8 non-teaching staff.

Infrastructure

Southbrook was connected to the National Broadband Network in 2014, joining places such as Clifton, Highfields, Oakey, and Pittsworth as the rollout moves to outer Toowoomba regions.

Attractions

Prestbury Farmstay offers visitors the chance to experience country life firsthand. Activities include bushwalking, campfires, cycling, fishing, 4WD farm tours, swimming, and tennis. The picturesque countryside and natural wildlife are also a regular feature at Prestbury.