Bli Bli, Queensland 4.78

Bli Bli is a both a town and a locality in the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. At the 2011 census, Bli Bli had a population of 6,283.GeographyA few kilometres inland from the Maroochydore urban area, Bli Bli rises above the wetlands which were, for many years, the home of the Sunshine Coast sugar cane industry. Whilst this industry is all but gone, state government legislation ensures the wetlands will remain an undeveloped "Green Space" (See Qld Plan).HistoryThe name Bli Bli is believed to be derived from the Kabi word bilai meaning sheoak tree (Casuarina glauca).Bli Bli Provisional School opened on 2 April 1901, becoming a State School in 1909.The first Bli Bli Post Office opened by March 1903 (a receiving office had been open from 1898) and closed in 1954. The current Bli Bli Post Office opened on 1 October 1987.In March 1973, Bli Bli Castle was opened. The Norman/medieval-style castle was built as a tourist attraction. The Castle now houses medieval paraphernalia as well as a large doll display and coffee shop.AmenitiesToday Bli Bli has become a conveniently located residential community, it retains its small-town feel, yet is minutes from Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore, Mudjimba Beach and the Bruce Highway (which forms the western boundary of the locality).