[4] The school's foundation principal, Faye Conley, played a significant role in its establishment, overseeing the scouting of the location and construction of the initial buildings, with a total cost of $2.1 million.

[4][5] The school opened its doors on 2 February 1993, with an initial enrollment of 80 students and 11 staff members, housed in four buildings.

[6] A blessing and opening ceremony took place on 24 July 1993, attended by representatives from the Queensland Government, Redland City Council, and Brisbane Catholic Education, as well as staff, students, and parents.

On 20 December 2011, the College library suffered severe damage in an arson attack, resulting in a loss of books, textbooks, and computers.

[8][9] On 20 December 2011, the College library was burnt down in a suspected arson attack from gasoline spillage in a nearby locker.

In July 2015, Carmel College hosted the 2015 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival.

The lighthouse is located on a green hill representing Mount Carmel, showing that students should be a beacon for others through leading by example in faith.

In the top left corner, the glowing yellow cross represents Jesus, the focus of Catholic life.

[19] Carmel College offers co-curricular activities, which are divided into sport, arts and social justice categories.