Sandgate 1853-1880
Initial European settlement was at Redcliffe before relocation to Brisbane in 1823. The first land sale in Brisbane was in 1842. By 1846, there were about 500 people in north Brisbane. Missionary activity at German Town (or Nundah) around 1850 led to later settlements at Zillmere. The Caboolture area also attracted settlers in 1840’s.
The initial land sale in Sandgate area was in 1853. The name of the area may have been inspired by Sandgate on the coast of county Kent, England. Sandgate in Kent had a military camp, Shorncliffe Camp, on top of the cliffs adjacent to it. Also, Brighton, England, a popular seaside resort, was the inspiration for another adjacent district.
Many of Brisbane’s prominent citizens purchased land at Sandgate in the early years of settlement (for example, Thomas Dowse and Joshua Jeays). A second land sale at Sandgate was held in 1858 by which time there were some 25 people living in the area. For some time, the foreshore of much of what is now Flinders Parade was referred to as “the flat” and featured ti-tree swamps and mangroves.
In early 1860’s Osbourne House was established to cater for travellers seeking accomodation. It was later known as the Osbourne Hotel – and is currently, the Full Moon Hotel. There were many other boarding establishments such as “Morven” which promoted itself as having views of the pier, sea and beach.
By 1865, there was enough activity in the area that a private company was formed to erect a pier at Shorncliffe. However, Sandgate developed slowly in its first two decades. By 1871, it only had a population of 155.
Prior to the coming of the railway in 1882, coaches travelled from Brisbane to Sandgate twice daily. Access by boat from Brisbane took several hours.
