10,000 Steps Labrador Heritage Walk
Take a stroll down memory lane on the Labrador Heritage Walk...
Discover Labrador’s rich and captivating heritage with a self-guided walk.
Marvel at amazing historical images illustrating the bygone days of Labrador.
Learn about significant events, buildings and characters that have helped shape this unique part of the city. It’s a great day out so get up, get out, get active and enjoy.
Labrador
In April 1878 sugar farmer Robert Muir and investor John Lennon bought 139 acres of portion 62 of Crown Land, originally known as Southport North. Portion 62 fronted the Broadwater from Biggera Creek to Broad Street, and the future Billington Street formed part of the western boundary, which continued north until it reached Biggera Creek. The land was surveyed and divided into 19 sections not long after its purchase.
When the allotments were sold they were advertised as part of ‘Mr Muir’s Central Southport Estate’. The land overlooked the expanse of the Broadwater and was a good spot for fishing. Robert Muir was a Scottish engineer, who had previously sailed around the Labrador Peninsula, a large coastal area in north eastern Canada. It is believed he named his newly acquired land after the Labrador Peninsula, where the streams and small islands bore a resemblance to the terrain along the Broadwater.
In 1881 the general manager of the Queensland Cobb & Co coach service, Frederick Shaw, built the Labrador Hotel. It was destroyed by fire in 1888 but the name Labrador was perpetuated by other landmarks such as the vanished Labrador Creek, a residence called Labrador House and eventually the Labrador State School, which opened in 1921.
Biggera Waters
Biggera Waters derived its name from the Yugambeh language word ‘bigera’, which refers to the red iron bark tree (eucalyptus sideroploia). Originally part of Labrador, the area north of Brisbane Road to Biggera Creek was officially named Biggera Waters in 1982.
Aim for 10,000 steps a day
Get up, get out and get active – every step counts! Use the Labrador Heritage Walk to help you reach 10,000 steps a day and enjoy better health. To help you keep track, the distance of each walk is provided in steps as well as metres. You can also keep count of your daily steps by borrowing a pedometer from your local Gold Coast City Council library.
Enjoying your walk
Please note the distance of each walk and allow plenty of time. Taking your dog (on a leash, of course) or walking with a friend will increase your enjoyment. Take drinking water with you. Wear comfortable shoes, sun smart clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Look both ways and take care when crossing roads. Gold Coast City Council is determined to preserve and maintain the special character of this area. If you notice graffiti or maintenance problems on your walk, please report them.
Graffiti Hotline: (07) 5581 7998
Parks Maintenance: (07) 5581 7967
Enjoy your walk down memory lane.
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