General News
29 July, 2026
Defending city’s seashores
CAIRNS has been a vital part of Australia’s northern defence story.
Military service has long been part of the region’s identity.
During times of conflict men and women from Far North Queensland have served with distinction, contributing to Australia’s defence efforts at home and overseas.
Today, that legacy continues through the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, headquartered in Cairns.
Known as the “eyes and ears of the north,” the battalion conducts surveillance and border security operations across Cape York, the Torres Strait and remote northern Australia.
During the Second World War, Cairns became a critical military staging and logistics centre.
As the Pacific conflict moved closer to Australia, thousands of Allied troops passed through the city and its port, while supplies, equipment and personnel were transported north to support operations in New Guinea and beyond.
Cairns also forged strong naval and aviation traditions.
On 1 February 1974, HMAS Cairns was officially commissioned as a new local navy base following decades of regular navy visits to the port of Cairns.
The Royal Australian Air Force operated from Far North Queensland airfields, supporting reconnaissance, transport and defence activities throughout the war and beyond.
From soldiers and sailors to aviators, generations of Australians have served from Cairns. Their contribution has helped make the city a lasting symbol of resilience, readiness and service on Australia’s northern frontier.
Northern Beaches
BETWEEN May 1943 and December 1944, the beaches of Cairns were busy with Australian and American troops.
Australian servicemen bound for the northern islands and Pacific War arena, undertook rigorous training alongside American units, who constructed landing craft grounds as well as trained Australian soldiers in their use.
Both Trinity Beach and Palm Cove were used as training grounds for thousands of troops, with exclusions enforced: civilians were forbidden to access without a permit.
The cove north of Taylor Point was used for landing craft maintenance and repairs, safe and sheltered in its position, the remains of that workshop are still there.
Yorkeys Knob proved popular as a place for ‘RnR’ (rest and relaxation).
Across the inlet, False Cape with its strategic gun position, proved an excellent spot to practice skills learnt along the northern beaches.
