Where is the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial?
The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial sits within Queens Park in Maryborough, Queensland — a lush, heritage park established in 1860. Its address is the corner of Bazaar and Sussex Streets, and the memorial is free to visit year-round. The striking contrast between the park's peaceful greenery and the harrowing story told within the memorial makes it one of the most affecting war commemorations in regional Queensland.
What does the memorial commemorate?
The memorial traces the journey of the ANZACs from Anzac Cove at Gallipoli through to the Western Front battle theatres of World War I, drawing on the personal voices of Wide Bay district men who served on the front line. At the entrance, ironbark reproductions of the three 9th Battalion landing craft that first touched Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 set the scene immediately. Correspondence written by soldiers aboard the lead vessel — which reached the shore before the enemy opened fire — enabled official historian Charles Bean to determine that Lieutenant Duncan Chapman was the first Allied soldier to land at Gallipoli. Chapman's story is central to this memorial: a statue of him stands at its heart, and his ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Pozieres is honoured at the memorial's sombre arbour.
What will you see along the memorial walk?
Soaring eight metres into the sky, a series of weathered steel columns represent the cliffs of Gallipoli that greeted those first exhausted soldiers. Panels at the base tell the stories of the battles that followed. From there, inscribed pavers lead you along the path to the Western Front, past sculptures and recordings of whispering voices that conjure the chaos and camaraderie of the trenches. The walk culminates at an arbour dedicated to the Battle of Pozieres — a site official historian Charles Bean regarded as the place where Australian sacrifice was concentrated more intensely than almost anywhere else on earth. It was at Pozieres that Major Duncan Chapman, the first man ashore at Gallipoli, lost his life.
Who designed and built the memorial?
The memorial was developed in collaboration with Fraser Coast Regional Council, with local contractor Aspect Contractors overseeing construction and Allen Gillespie Electrical installing the lighting and audio systems throughout. The combination of ambient sound and considered lighting brings the memorial to life at dusk and after dark, adding another dimension to the experience for evening visitors.
Is the memorial accessible to everyone?
Yes — the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial is explicitly designed as an all-abilities attraction. Its path is fully accessible, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to complete the entire journey from Anzac Cove to the Western Front. This commitment to accessibility reflects Maryborough's broader approach: the city's museums and heritage streets are designed to be welcoming to all visitors, regardless of mobility.
How does this memorial connect to Maryborough's wider military heritage?
The Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial is a key stop on the Maryborough Military Trail and sits alongside other significant military and social history destinations in the city — among them the Cenotaph, the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum, and the Walk of Achievers. The names commemorated here also appear on the Cenotaph, reinforcing the deep connection between the memorial and the living community that honours those who served. Maryborough has long held military heritage at its core — Queensland's heritage city carries stories of loss, courage, and enduring community spirit that span from its colonial past into modern times.
How to get to Queens Park in Maryborough
Maryborough is approximately 34 kilometres from Hervey Bay and is easily reached via the Maryborough–Hervey Bay Road. Queens Park is centrally located in the city, making it simple to combine a visit to the memorial with other Maryborough attractions such as the Story Bank, the Maryborough Mural Trail, and the Bond Store. The memorial is a natural anchor for a half-day or full-day heritage walk through the city.