From 1881 to 1890 the settlement was the main trading center for logging and
indistry in the area and was home to almost one hundred people.
A paddle steamer, Mavis, was specially built to run between Brisbane and
Campbellville. Try to imaging her coming into view, rounding the sharp
creek bend, heading for the wharf on the incoming tide with yet another load
of supplies for people throughout the district.
Campbellville was abandoned after the railway reached Landsborough in
late 1889 and little is known of the location of the buildings and houses
which once formed the township.
All that is left to remind us of its existence are the remains of this small
cemetery.
Campbellville, one of the first European pioneer settlements north of Brisbane,
was established on this site in 1881. It was built around a sawmill owned by
James Campbell, a Scottish immigrant and enterprising businessman.
The creek behind is about as far north where you could cut timber and without leaving Moreton bay. So the steamer can reach here from Brisbane without leaving protected waters.
More information about
Wikipedia: Coochin Creek
Sunshine Coast Council: Backward Glance: Coochin Creek and its history
Trove: List: Campbellville QLD
Trove: 1976, English, Book, Illustrated edition: Campbellville and cedar days : an outline history of the former south-east Queensland sawmilling township of Campbellville and pioneers of the associated timber industry / by A. C. Gubby.
Bribie Island History: Historic Campbellville
which lists burials (and indicates use as early as 1867) -:
| date | name and notes |
|---|---|
| Mrs. Harry Blake (wife of the saw sharpener and engineer at the mill) | |
| Mr. Petersen, probably Mr. W. Petersen | |
| Mr. Frank Lovsey (or Lovesie) | |
| child of Frank Assen, yardman at the mill. | |
| 13 Feb 1867 | infant child Francis Assen |
| Mar 1884 | Andrew Lovesy |
| 6 Mar 1886 | infant child George Campbell |
Photographed: May 2019
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