Redcliffe is reflecting on the 100-year legacy of Anzac Memorial Avenue, recognising the historic roadway linking Petrie and the coastal suburb as both a tribute to fallen soldiers and an enduring part of the region’s identity.
A Century-Old Tribute That Still Stands
Stretching approximately 18 kilometres between Petrie and Redcliffe, Anzac Memorial Avenue was created as a lasting tribute to those who served and those who never returned from the First World War. Now more than a century since its official opening on 5 December 1925, the avenue continues to carry both historical and everyday significance.
First envisioned in 1921, the project was designed to honour the war dead while also establishing a vital road connection. Construction began in December 1922, with the completed route becoming Queensland’s first bitumen road linking Brisbane to a seaside destination.
Built By Community And Returned Servicemen
The avenue stands as a product of strong community effort, supported by public fundraising alongside additional financial backing. It was built by returned servicemen, providing meaningful employment at a time when many were adjusting to life after war.
This dual purpose — remembrance and re-employment — became central to the avenue’s identity. It reflected a broader sentiment of recognising sacrifice while supporting those who had served.
A Living Memorial Lined With Trees
Over time, around 1,700 trees were planted along the length of the avenue, forming a living memorial to those commemorated. These plantings transformed the roadway into a landscape of remembrance, where each section carried historical meaning.
While some original trees have been lost or replaced due to changing conditions, the avenue’s character as a memorial remains. The tree-lined route continues to reflect the intention behind its creation, blending natural elements with commemoration.
Redcliffe’s ANZAC Reflection On A Lasting Legacy
As ANZAC commemorations approach, Redcliffe is placing renewed focus on the avenue’s role in preserving memory. A local museum event marking the centenary highlights the avenue’s origins, its development, and the enduring spirit behind its creation.
The milestone reinforces the avenue’s place within the community, not only as a transport link but as a visible reminder of sacrifice. More than 100 years after it first opened, the roadway continues to honour those it was built to remember.
Enduring Connection Between Past And Present
Today, Anzac Memorial Avenue remains a key route linking Petrie and Redcliffe while carrying its historical purpose forward. Its continued use reflects how infrastructure can also serve as a place of remembrance, connecting generations through shared history.
In Redcliffe, the centenary and the ANZAC period together highlight a legacy shaped by community effort, practical need, and enduring respect for those commemorated along its path.
Published 10-Apr-2026
