Donnybrook, Queensland


Donnybrook is a small coastal town and locality of the Moreton Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. It is north of Brisbane, the state capital. The closest major population centre is Caboolture, to the west.

History

The town name was approved by the Queensland Place Names Board on 1 October 1975. The name appears to be derived from a corroboree site, or because of fights amongst oyster gatherers at weekend camps. The town started out as a small fishing community but has since developed into a minor tourist destination. Pumicestone Post Office opened on 1 August 1958. It was renamed Donnybrook in 1976.
In 1985, an unsealed road running along the waterfront was named Grant Lane after Robert Grant for his 90th birthday, a popular local who everyone knew as "Pop". A few years later the road was sealed after he had complained for years of the dust produced by all the passers-by.
Sand mining and sewerage works have recently been proposed for the area.
At the, Donnybrook had a population of 554.
At the, Donnybrook had a population of 461.

Demographics

In the, Donnybrook recorded a population of 461 people, 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The median age of the Donnybrook population was 53 years, compared to the national median age of 37. 87.3% of people living in Donnybrook were born in Australia. The other top responses for country of birth were New Zealand 4.8%, Germany 1.1%, Netherlands 1.1%, Papua New Guinea 1.1%, Wales 0.9%. 93.7% of people spoke only English at home; the next most common languages were 1.1% Greek, 0% Welsh, 0% Celtic, nec, 0% Irish, 0% Gaelic.

Activities

There are a number of activities in Donnybrook. Although commercial fishing has reduced the quantity and quality of catches, fishing remains a popular activity due to its proximity to Pumicestone Passage which opens up in Moreton Bay to the south, and Caloundra to the north. The passage separates Bribie Island from the mainland. It is frequented by dolphins, dugongs and turtles and parts of it have been declared a . Mud crabs were once sizeable and in abundance.
Camping and caravan sites are available. Water sports such as sailing and wind surfing are available along the passage, but normally require travelling to Bribie Island.

Amenities

The Moreton Bay Regional Council operates a mobile library service which visits the Community Hall on the corner of Alice Street and Edith Street.