Wilston is a suburb of the City of Brisbane, Australia.
Wilston is a suburb of the City of Brisbane, Australia.
History
Aboriginal history
The Turrbal clan occupied what is today known as Wilston.
Urban development
The area became known as Wilston after the home of the same name built there by the Honourable William Wilson MLC, who settled in the district in 1868. The home, which was constructed circa 1876, was named Wilston House after Wilson's birthplace home at Derrykeeghan Mills, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland. (The family believes it is short for Wilson Town)
In 1884 the land passed to businessman John Stevenson MLA, who subdivided the property.
Between 1924 and 1931 estates were created to provide more land for housing development.
Notable residents
James Tolson, a short-term resident of Wilston House, conducted important experiments in chilling mutton for export from Australia to Great Britain.
Major General William Cahill, a commissioner of police in Queensland, also lived at Wilston House for a period. During his residence he further developed the grounds, which became known as a sanctuary for birds and native fauna.
Peter Beattie, the former Premier of Queensland, previously resided in this suburb.
Landmarks
Oakleigh House, at 17 Murray Street, Wilston, has been a landmark for over fifty years. It was occupied, from 1902, by George Murray, a Brisbane police magistrate and postmaster. It is a colonial timber house which still stands proudly preserved today.
In 1905, 29 Murray Street was built for the Zoeller family. The house became a reception centre in June 1948, and was the venue for over 25,000 wedding and other receptions until in 1990, 'Oakleigh' was also converted to a function venue, and both houses operated as such until 1995.
Population
In the 2011 census Wilston had a population of 3,872 people.
Weather
Things to do