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.