There is also a network of cane tramways through the locality to transport the harvested sugarcane to the sugar mills.[3]
The lower flatter land to the north is used for crops, predominantly growing sugarcane. The higher elevations are used for grazing on native vegetation, while the highest areas are unused.[3]
The Marian–Hampden Road commences at the Bruce Highway in the north of the locality and travels south exiting the locality in the south (Marian). In the south of the locality the road passes through is a flat area (232 metres (761 ft) above sea level) which is a rural residential area. The cane tramway also travels this route towards the Marian sugar mill.[3]
History
A postal receiving office opened at Hampden on 21 August 1884, became a post office in August 1904 and closed on 14 October 1924.[8]
Hampden Provisional School opened on 9 May 1887. On 1 January 1909 it became Hampden State School.[9]
The name Parapi as chosen by the Queensland Railways Department on 18 September 1923. It is an Aboriginal word meaning creek. It was originally called Mount Jukes from 12 January 1917.[7]
The name Mulei was chosen by the Queensland Railways Department on 1 February 1926. It is an Aboriginal word meaning hill.[6]
Demographics
In the 2016 census, Hampden had a population of 566 people.[10]
In the 2021 census, Hampden had a population of 598 people.[1]
There is no secondary school in Hampden. The nearest secondary schools are Mirani State High School in Mirani to the south-west and Mackay State High School in Mackay in the south-east.[3]
