There was a time when Nambour was unquestionably the “big smoke” of the Sunshine Coast, a major commercial centre sitting bang in the geographic centre of the region.
Like Rome, all roads led to Nambour – and still do, for that matter - and it’s also on the main northern rail line out of Brisbane.
First settled in the late 1860s and officially named Nambour in 1891, it is one of the oldest townships on the Sunshine Coast where, for more than a century, farmers would arrive from far and wide to do their business.
This historic role as a prosperous commercial centre ensured that it was always well provided for with infrastructure and services and it remains the headquarters for plenty of government, professional, community and emergency services.
Among them are the region’s major hospital, TAFE college, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre, the DPI research station and a large collection of schools (one of which has produced an Australian prime minister and treasurer as well as national stars of stage, screen and sport.)
Its appeal now, as it always has been, is that it is a country township where housing radiates from its main street and shopping precinct, and where “locals” can bank, shop and access a wide range of government services from one parking spot. This means it is also a good place to find a job.
Residential development was always consistent but took off in the 1970s and has continued steadily since, with the opening of new estates and the expansion of the town’s borders.
It now officially includes the area south to Woombye including Coes Creek, Perwillowen, Burnside and Towen Mount and north to Wappa Falls Road near Yandina, including Parklands, Kulangoor and Kiamba.
To the west, collections of houses have taken a life of their own and become officially recognised as Nambour Heights, Highworth and Image Flat.
Higher up the Blackall Range foothills, Kureelpa and Dulong offer fabulous views down the Maroochy River Valley and Panorama Drive in the east is also a high point with range or coast views.
This expansion of boundaries and the rise of neighbourhood convenience stores has extended Nambour’s lifestyle options way beyond the original town’s urban heart to include a wide choice of allotment locations and sizes in rural acreage and smart new residential estates.
The population now stands at around 15,000, but density for the whole 5804 hectares that make up Nambour and Burnside district remains an easy 2.59 people per hectare.
While retaining a distinctive hinterland town amenity, Nambour is in fact only a 20-minute drive from Maroochydore. This is reflected in property prices, as comparable properties can generally be found for less, so much so that it was last year given a national listing as a property hotspot, based on its strategic affordability.
Summing up: Nambour is a good, old-fashioned country town that represents good value for money based on location, necessities and social options. In short, it’s a place where families can find an affordable house, a job, a good school for the kids and a strong sense of community.
