Palmwoods, Queensland
Palmwoods is a rural town and locality in the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. In the , Palmwoods had a population of 5,676 people. Geography. Palmwoods is part of the Sunshine Coast situated near Nambour. It is situated close to popular family tourist attractions such as The Big Pineapple. Pineapple growing remains the most important primary industry in the area. Palmwoods is located 15 minutes from the beach and the Blackall Range. History. The small town was previously named Merriman Flats in 1881 by the Kuskopfs who were early European settlers in the area. Palmwoods Provisional School opened on  21 October 1889. On 1 January 1909 it became Palmwoods Provisional School. A preschool was added in 1985. Palmwoods railway station was opened in 1891 leading to the nearby town to be renamed Palmwoods after the Piccabeen Palm groves growing in the area. Palmwoods Post Office opened by 1902 (a receiving office had been open from 1892). From 1915 to 1935 a tramway existed from Palmwoods to Buderim. At the Palmwoods had a population of 5,492. Heritage listings. Palmwoods has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Tourism. Palmwoods is regarded for its various eating and drinking establishments. The Palmwoods  Pub, built in 1902, has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation, and is known for creating job opportunities for backpackers. Ricks Garage, an American themed diner, is one of the most popular eateries in Queensland, and attracts tourists from across eastern Australia. Palmwoods is a hub of arts and craft at the crossroads of the Sunshine Coast region. Amenities. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council operates a mobile library service which visits Main Street. The Palmwoods branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at the QCWA Hall at 11 Main Street. Education. Palmwoods State School is a government primary  (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 111 Palmwoods-Montville Road (). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 495 students with 40 teachers (37 full-time equivalent) and 23 non-teaching staff (13 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program.