HISTORY
Chermside was settled in the late 19th century, but was originally known as Downfall Creek. The name was changed in 1903 to commemorate the then Governor of Queensland, Major – General Sir Herbert Chermside. Chermside was used by the Cobb & Co coachline in the 1800’s as a refreshment stop and to change horses on the way to the Gympie goldfields.
REAL ESTATE & DESIGN
As the population increased in Chermside, so did the architectural design of property. The suburb has beautiful original early 1900 houses, as well as many post-war homes from when the area boomed. It also showcases modern houses and units, especially in the area surrounding the shopping centre.
SHOPPING
Westfield Chermside is the largest retail centre in Queensland and the largest single level shopping precinct in Australia. The centre opened in 1957 as an Allan & Clarke’s department store with 12 specialty stores before becoming a Myer’s. Originally named Chermside Drive-In Shopping Centre, it was the first centre in Australia to offer on-site parking. The 1970’s saw Chermside shopping centre expand to become one of the busiest hubs in Brisbane Northside, and further expansion occurred in the 1990’s. Westfield Chermside now boasts a 16 screen Birch Carroll & Coyle cinema, Myer’s, David Jones, K-Mart, Big W, Target and over 370 specialty shops.
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Located inside Westfield Chermside is a large Goodlife Gym; the suburb also plays host to many parks and playgrounds including Marchant Park and 7th Brigade Park – both named after the US troops who made camp in the area during WWII.
DISTANCE FROM CBD & TRANSPORTATION
Only 10km from Brisbane CBD, Chermside is ideally located for city commuters, as well as those heading north to the Sunshine Coast. Having the largest shopping centre in the area also ensures the major bus routes service the suburb, particularly once the Northern Busway is completed in 2013.
FAMOUS LANDMARKS
The Westfield Chermside on Gympie Road is a very popular tourist destination. The suburbs also have the Kedron-Wavell Services club, which is gaining popularity with the younger generations and you can also find a small waterpark in the suburb. The Chermside library was opened in 1909 and is located beside the Kedron-Wavell Services Club. The Prince Charles Hospital is a public hospital and located next to it is the Holy Spirit private hospital.
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
Chermside sees many trendy restaurants and boutique cafes, in and around the streets surrounding the Westfield Shopping Centre as well others located along Gympie Road.
SCHOOLS, EDUCATION & INSTITUTIONS
Downfall Creek State School was opened in 1900, before the Suburb was renamed Chermside, and was closed in 1996. Craigslea State School opened in 1972, with Craigslea State High School following in 1975.