In the 1840s, Owanyilla was known as Coopers Plain and Police Camp.[6] Owanyilla was used as a barracks for the Native Police from 1857 until the mid-1860s.[2]
The 20,000-acre (8,100 ha) Mary River Agricultural Reserve was proclaimed circa 1861.[7] The reserve was a two farm wide strip on the eastern bank of the Mary River, with the northern limit being the junction of Graham's Creek with the Mary and the southern boundary, Myrtle Creek, and included Coopers Plain.[8] The town site was gazetted in early 1865.[9]
In 1869 a Wesleyan Methodist chapel was built.[10][11] Nearby was a brewery owned by Mr. Biddle. It was well-known throughout the district as the source of the famous Owanyilla ale and porter.[12] Mr. Muir, of the hotel, was also postmaster, and the Gympie coach stopped to breakfast and change horses there. Owanyilla was the first stop on the road south of Maryborough.[12]
In the 2016 census, the locality of Owanyilla had a population of 194 people.[19]
In the 2021 census, the locality of Owanyilla had a population of 245 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Owanyilla. The nearest government primary schools are Tiaro State School in neighbouring Tiaro to the south-west and Parke State School in Tinana South to the north. The nearest government secondary school is Maryborough State High School in Maryborough to the north.[20]
^"UPPER MARY". The Queenslander. Vol. IV, no. 184. Queensland, Australia. 14 August 1869. p. 8. Retrieved 14 September 2023 – via National Library of Australia.