About JACOBS WELL
Named for its natural freshwater waterhole, thirsty travellers from across the globe have been visiting Jacobs Well since the mid-1800s. Situated near the mouth of the Pimpama River on the edge of the pristine Moreton Bay, which is peppered with uninhabited islands, Jacobs Well is a haven for fishermen and boating enthusiasts alike. Thirsty travellers in the know eventually chose Jacobs Well as their home and have become multi-generational families who have in turn nurtured a strong, supportive, and friendly local community. Driving through the township, affectionately referred to by locals as ‘The Well’, you’ll see tidy streets, well-kept homes, and a boat in every driveway.
This beautiful location, which provides both enviable water views and scenic country drives through the cane fields, is situated approximately halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, only 10 minutes off the Pacific Highway after a short drive through fields of sugarcane. The nearby Calypso Resort offers luxury facilities and a deep-water marina, alongside the knock-out views over the Bay.
As the gateway to southern Moreton Bay, Jacobs Well is just a short boat ride to the Gold Coast Broadwater and the tourist Mecca of Southport. With a world-class boat ramp, the area is an ideal launch site to access islands and channels of the Jumpinpin area, renowned for its ideal fishing and boating conditions.
The History
In the late 1800s, the farming district located between the Pimpama River and the Logan River called Pimpama Island encompassed the present-day localities of Jacobs Well, Norwell, Steiglitz and Woongoolba and was a place that hard-working German and English farmers called home. It was referred to as an island because there were several lagoons and swamps that isolated the area during the wet season; however, this feature also made it good land for growing sugar cane.
The bountiful natural waterways have grown the traditional farming district to also include fishing as one of the primary industries.
Pictured Above: View of the main road near Huth’s General Store, Jacobs Well, 1960s. The camping reserve is pictured on the left. The road led down to the Jacobs Well jetty.
The Origin of The Name
There are a number of different theories about the origins of the name Jacobs Well.
1. The area was possibly named after the ‘Jacobs Well’ in the Bible, so called after Jacob, son of Isaac in the Bible. Book of Genesis: Chapter 29: Verses 1, 2 and 10. Oliver Riesenweber, a descendant of pioneer settlers, believed that British settlers named the well in the early 1880s after the Bible reference.
2. It was named after the eldest son of Johann Gottlieb Gross, a pioneer and early settler of Pimpama Island in the early 1860s. His son found a well whilst hunting and fishing with friends and the well was named after him. This account of the naming of Jacobs Well was signed by B.E. Mondientz and was presented to the Albert Shire Council in July 1971.
3. In April 1872 a visitor to the area wrote that the well was a round waterhole surrounded by ferns. The place name Jacobs Well was widely in use by this time. (Queenslander 20/3/1873)
JW&DPA
Would you like to know what is happening within our community?
Take a look at our local Jacobs Well & District Progress Association web page to read all about our community projects, upcoming events & a directory of local businesses
Donald James Waters Oam
Interested in any of the magnificent artwork displayed around the tavern? Contact Donald for more information.
