Bulimba: A hidden island-like oasis in the heart of Brisbane city
IT MAY be positioned just 4km from Brisbane’s CBD, but residents of this affluent suburb like to think of their area as an island in the middle of the city.
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IT may be positioned just four kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, but residents of Bulimba like to think of their area as an island in the middle of the city.
In many respects the suburb is cut off from the rest of Queensland’s capital.
The lack of bridge connecting it to the north of the city means the only way in or out is through neighbouring suburbs or via the ferry.
But that is just the way Bulimba residents like it.
The heart of the suburb, Oxford St, is a constant hub of activity.
Cafes, florists, bakeries, newsagents, ice-cream stores and book shops line both sides of the thriving street, enhancing the community feel.
People of all walks of life spend their mornings on the sun-drenched deck of Riverbend Books.
Older couples enjoy a leisurely brunch, business meetings take place over a coffee and mums enjoy some downtime with their newborns.
On weekends, Bulimba Memorial Park fills with children who take to the field for games of soccer.
Suzy Wilson opened the much-loved Riverbend Books store 18 years ago.
Ms Wilson said while Bulimba had changed over the years, its sense of community was still strong.
“It used to be called the island,” she said.
“There is no major thoroughfare through the suburb.
“People come here to be here and feel rather than passing through.”
Despite the invention of kindles and ipads in that time, Riverbend has continued to thrive.
The bookstore holds about 75 author events each year and coordinates 18 book clubs.
Ms Wilson’s idea to send books to indigenous children in remote communities also led to the formation of the indigenous Literacy Foundation, a now national charity that aims to improve the reading levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Ms Wilson said the success of her store was a lot to do with its ties to the community.
“One of my customers has said to me, ‘this reminds me of the local pub’,” she said.
Shayne Sutton has represented the Morningside Ward on Brisbane City Council for 12 years.
Ms Sutton said it was Bulimba’s strong sense of community that made the suburb tick.
“People refer to the Bulimba bubble,” she said.
“We have families that have been here for three or four generations.”
Bulimba was a farming area in the 1800s, but it then became a hub for boat building.
Ms Sutton said it had transformed from a largely working class area into one that was full of professionals.
“It still has a lot of heart,” she said.
“It still has a lot of families who have worked hard and done good.”
Ms Sutton said Bulimba residents didn’t just live in the area, they were passionate about the place they inhabited.
“It means there are a whole range of people willing to step up and give to that community vibe,” she said.
“It is about the strong sense of community.”
Outsiders wanting to buy in the area will likely have to fend off existing residents to enter the market.
McGrath Bulimba agent Glenn Bool said the highly sought-after area was one of the top three or four most desired suburbs in Brisbane.
“It has that small village atmosphere that everyone wants to be apart of,” he said.
“It’s family groups and professionals that want to move into there.”
Mr Bool — who also lives in the area — said very few people left the suburb after they moved in.
“They’re either upsizing or downsizing but staying in the suburb,” he said.
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