Nestled in the heart of Nundah, the Toombul Croquet Club is more than just a place to play an elegant game. It’s a living piece of local history, quietly reflecting the evolution of Brisbane’s oldest suburb.
Nundah’s story begins in 1838 with the arrival of German missionaries who came to Australia seeking a new life. Led by Dr Lang, they settled at Zion’s Hill, just under one kilometre east of where the Toombul Railway Station now stands. These were the first European settlers in Queensland, and they quickly set about raising cattle and growing food to become self-sufficient.
By 1882, the suburb was beginning to change. The State Government had purchased land to build a railway linking Brisbane to Sandgate. The new train line brought people and development, and the area known as German Station was renamed Nundah, coming from a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘waterholes’.
From Parklands to Croquet Greens
As the area grew, a portion of land near the railway that had once held cattle became available, and the local stationmaster, Mr Oxenham, saw the potential to turn it into a space for the community. His efforts paid off when, in 1901, the land was declared a recreational reserve and later renamed Oxenham Park in his honour. Over the years, it hosted the Nundah Show, cricket matches, tennis and school sports. Then, in 1928, croquet arrived.
The clubhouse at the Toombul Croquet Club has its own fascinating past. It was originally the Misses Franz Schoolhouse, one of many small private schools in early Brisbane. Located in Best Street, Hendra, it offered education in subjects like English, German, French and history. Two of its most notable pupils were Sir Samuel Griffith, who helped write the Australian Constitution, and Sir Charles Lilley, a former Premier of Queensland.
The schoolhouse was moved to Oxenham Park in 1928. Whether it arrived by horse and cart or truck is unknown, but the building still stands in its original condition. For more than 85 years, club members have cared for it while enjoying the unique challenge and charm of croquet, a game that, like the club itself, has stood the test of time.
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: How Did This Get Made?
- Organic Gardening in September
- Art Hits the Sand in SWELL Style Again
- Chermside Aquatic Centre Set for Major Revamp
- Local Families Gather for Kids’ Safer Future
- Trivia Night Supports Rescued Farm Friends
- How to Walk in the Footsteps of Your Ancestors
- Step Right Up for Free Line Dancing Fun
- Forgotten WWI Veteran Graves Honoured at Lutwyche Cemetery
- Gibson Park’s Bright Future
- Join the Max Up Study: A Free Lung Health Check for Queenslanders
- Nundah Private Hospital Redefines Mental Health Care
- Nundah Unites for a Festival of Fun
- Walk Like A Fan to Frankie Valli Musical Tribute
- Picture Perfect Win for Aspley Photographer
- Mediterranean Pasta
- Ethan Carves out Social Media Success
- Half-Price Finds at Salvation Army Twilight Market
- St Dympna’s Spring Fair Blooms Again
- Sip, Savour and Socialise At Aspley Hornets Wine Luncheon
Feature image courtesy of Toombul Croquet Club.
