Royal tribute: Coolangatta memorial honours Queen’s legacy

A new memorial in Coolangatta has been unveiled to honour Queen Elizabeth II and mark her special connection to the Gold Coast.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate officially opened a Gold Coast memorial to honour the last Queen Elizabeth II, which is at the end of the Jubilee Walk in Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta.

The Gold Coast has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, with a memorial in Coolangatta to honour the late monarch’s historic 70-year reign.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Mayor Tom Tate officially unveiled the special monument on Saturday morning at the end of the Jubilee Walk in Queen Elizabeth Park, a site steeped in royal history.

Mayor Tate said: “Queen Elizabeth II had an amazing passion for the Commonwealth and Australia and this memorial will help honour her more than seven decades of work.”

The park holds special significance as the location where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip viewed the Royal Surf Carnival during their 1963 visit to the city as a part of their royal tour.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate officially opened a Gold Coast memorial to honour the last Queen Elizabeth II, which is at the end of the Jubilee Walk in Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta.

The new memorial features a seating area, three native pandanus trees, informative signage, and feature lighting.

It also ties into the Jubilee Walkway, launched in 2022 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with 70 brass plaques representing each year of Her Majesty’s reign.

“This memorial allows Gold Coasters a space for quiet reflection but also ties in the Jubilee Walkway which was dedicated to respect the Queen’s many years of service.

“It is a great honour to provide this space in memory of Queen Elizabeth II and her many years of service.”

The memorial marks the Queen’s 71st and final year of service.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate officially opened a Gold Coast memorial to honour the last Queen Elizabeth II, which is at the end of the Jubilee Walk in Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta.