[1] Bulimba State School was first established in 1866 and contains several generations of buildings and structures that have been erected by the Department of Public Works to meet the growing needs of the community and are representative of some of the developments in education policy in Queensland since that time.

In April 1866, a public meeting was held in the Bulimba Ferry Hotel with a view to raising funds for the construction of a National School.

[3] Through submissions from the meeting and the subsequent actions of a building committee, an agreement was reached by the Government to establish the school.

[5][1] The first school building and residence were aligned and located at the top of the site in the south east corner facing south-west.

As the district prospered and enrolments grew, extra classrooms were required and two additional timber wings were added to the school, which was raised at the turn of the century to allow for eight teaching rooms at ground level.

It was clad in weatherboards with an asbestos cement slate roof and was lined internally with tongue and groove v-jointed boards to the walls and coved ceiling.

The Basement contained play areas and lavatories for teachers and pupils and a complete drainage system was provided with septic tank.

[1] The swimming pool and dressing sheds were erected in 1955, in the location of a disused tennis court, with funds raised from parents and supporters during 1953–55 and subsidised by the Queensland Government.

[1] The in ground concrete swimming pool has covered seating and changing rooms enclosing it to the north, east and west.

Block C, the former infant school and now used as the Preschool, is located to the west of the swimming pool and faces Oxford Street.

[1] Block A is a symmetrical two storey load bearing brick building with basement and hipped terracotta tiled roof.

The primary and secondary entrances to the building are expressed by a projected pedimented gable wing to the west and a pair of breakfronts to the east.

The load bearing brick work to the basement is rendered and ruled to form a plinth upon which bays of stretcher bond red brickwork are relieved with pilasters of contrasting Flemish bond dark glazed brickwork shafts with cement rendered bases and capitals of restrained detail.

The main entry is expressed by a pedimented doorway and the symmetry reinforced by two straight flight of stairs with half landing from the north and south.

Separate facilities were provided for infants, older children and teachers and have now been altered to include a parents' room and storage areas.

Detailing in the play area includes bullnose brickwork on freestanding and engaged piers, eliminating right angle corners to reduce injury.

[1] Biscoe Wilson Architects later oversaw the construction of the new 10 General Learning Areas (GLA) and Library along Oxford Street.

The school's structures and grounds provide a series of formal and informal spaces including open playground spaces, a formal parade ground, pathways, sports areas, swimming pool and tennis court facilities as well as undercroft and verandah areas.

It is a fine example of a school building designed by the office of the Queensland Government Architect and has aesthetic significance brought about by its massing and restrained classical detailing.

[1] Bulimba State School and grounds is also significant for the landmark value of its principal building and setting which provides a reference point in the community.

The imposing massing and scale of the brick building looms high atop Carlton Hill above surrounding suburban development with commanding views afforded both to and from the site to Moreton Bay, Hamilton and New Farm.