Memorials on the Esplanade
Cairns has a rich history that is highlighted in the memorials and monuments along the Cairns Esplanade foreshore.
For more information on these memorials, visit Cairns Arts and Culture Map and choose the 'memorials' tab.
Cairns Cenotaph
The memorial is surmounted by a statue of a digger and records the names of 142 men and women from the region who served in World War I.
Cenotaph Guns Component
The gun to the south of the Cenotaph is a rare 5" breech-loading gun, rifle barrelled, mounted on a slide recoil system. The gun to the north is a 25lb artillery piece, Mark II, c.1940. This type of gun was the main field gun used by the British and Commonwealth military forces from 1940 to the 1970s.
Memorial Gardens
The Memorial Gardens were created to acknowledge the valuable contribution made to our community by volunteers, emergency service workers and military service personnel.
Memorial Flame
The Memorial Flame artwork at the end of the Memorial Gardens, was created in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.
US Navy Small Ships Memorial
The memorial was placed by the US Army Small Ships Association and the Australian Merchant Navy Association in June 2005. The memorial recognises the contribution of the men and boys of the Merchant Navy and of the US Army Small Ships in World War II and their association with Cairns.
Merchant Navy Memorial
The Merchant Navy Memorial is in recognition of Australia's commercial shipping crews who served during WWII.
Olympic Torch Monument
The granite monument commemorates the 1956 Olympic Torch Relay run.
Catalina Memorial
The Catalina Memorial is for 11 and 20 RAAF Squadrons and was unveiled in 1976.
Anchor Memorial
The anchor was salvaged from local waters for the Cairns Centenary as a memorial to the early mariners.
Last Updated: 5 October 2021
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