Beaudesert

Beaudesert, town, southeastern Queensland, eastern Australia. It is situated on the Logan River about 45 miles (70 km) southwest of Brisbane.

A livestock station was established there in 1842 and named by an early resident, possibly for Beaudesert, a residence of a noble family in Staffordshire, England. In 1863 the state’s first cotton plantation was begun nearby, using Kanaka labourers (South Pacific islanders). The community that developed became a town in 1876. Beaudesert lies along the Mount Lindesay Highway. Formerly a transportation hub for the meatpacking industry when a railway line ran between Beaudesert and Brisbane, the town is now the centre of a district of dairy, fruit, pig, corn (maize), alfalfa (lucerne), and pumpkin farming. It also has a variety of small manufacturing companies. Beaudesert is considered a gateway to scenic natural attractions in the region. The town, which has become increasingly important as a resort, holds an agricultural show in September. Pop. (2006) urban centre, 5,388; (2011) urban centre, 5,474.