Discover the history behind Anzac Ave and remember our fallen soldiers by visiting the Anzac memorial sites along this heritage-listed main thoroughfare running from Redcliffe to Petrie, an approximate 40 minute car trip from start to end.
Returned servicemen began constructing the avenue in 1922 - its purpose twofold - to serve as a much-needed major arterial road for a growing city and to honour the fallen soldiers of the First World War (WWI).
Originally known as the Brisbane Road, the Anzac Memorial Avenue road project was the brain child of Thomas Rothwell, then-President of the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland. His intention was to provide employment for returned Anzac soldiers who were struggling to find work back home, accommodate the steadily increasing volume of traffic as car usage grew within Queensland, as well as reduce Redcliffe's isolation from the heart of the city.
This avenue of honour was inaugurated with a tree planting ceremony at Petrie on February 28 1925 and opened on December 5th, 1925 and using trees donated by family members and loved ones of fallen Anzac soldiers. Unfortunately, today many of these original trees have been removed to make way for further infrastructure and congestion improvements.
Turn right at the Old Petrie Town roundabout and head up Dayboro Road to the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum for a closer look at Petrie’s historic past, just a short 5 minute drive from Anzac Park.
The Museum is closed Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Check holiday opening times by calling (07) 3205 0555.
For more interactive fun rediscovering a part of Queensland history, why not pick up a copy of the North Pine Heritage Trail map and pamphlet (courtesy of the North Pine Historical Society Inc.) and take yourself on a self-guided tour around the original and replica sites of North Pine Heritage Trail, through ye’ Old Petrie Town.
For more resources, readings and films regarding Anzac Avenue and Anzac soldiers please peruse the selection listed below from the Moreton Bay Regional Council Library and follow the link to check its availability, or search the Moreton Bay Regional Library website yourself for a specific resource. Alternatively, you’re welcome to visit your local branch in person.
The Moreton Bay Regional Council libraries of Arana Hills and Bribie Island host weekly and week-long bargain book sale days.
GENERAL ANZAC READINGS/DVDs
The quaint Pine Rivers Heritage Museum resides within the lush grounds of Old Petrie Town. A treasure trove of Pine Rivers Shire history, digging up the district’s past to present permanent displays and fresh exhibitions delighting visitors and engaging curious minds in a jaunt down Pine Rivers memory lane.
The Pine Rivers Art Gallery is a dynamic North Brisbane gallery exhibition space with a strong commitment to representing local arts in the Moreton Bay Region.
Set among a beautiful backdrop of ancient Moreton Bay fig trees and heritage buildings, Old Petrie Town in Kurwongbah looks like a page out of a history book. Given both its rustic and natural beauty, it’s no surprise this location serves as a popular wedding venue. Old Petrie Town is always available for all to enjoy and attracts huge crowds for its weekly markets.
Flip Out Trampoline Park is the number one north Brisbane trampoline park for all ages and skill levels. Flip Out Strathpine Trampoline Park in the Moreton Bay Region provides hours of fun, all you need is one bounce and you'll 'Flip-Out' with excitement!
Laserzone Brisbane features a remarkable multi-level laser tag arena, drifting and sliding bumper cars track, Australia’s first jungle safari laser train and an enormous video arcade and prize redemption, there is an endless choice of exciting activities for kids guaranteed to suit the whole family!