Jubilee Walkway

Did you know?
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953 at her Coronation. Her Majesty was the 39th Sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey.

A little local history…
Philip Park was named after the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Prince was beloved husband to Queen Elizabeth II, who refers to him as her "strength and stay" during her reign.

Slightly north-east of Philip Park, approximately 500 metres offshore, lies the Scottish Prince – an iron-hulled sailing ship with three masts built in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1878.

On the night of 2 February 1887, the Scottish Prince, under the care of its second mate, ran aground off the coast of Main Beach shortly after midnight.

Learn more about the Scottish Prince

Did you know?
Coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey since the year 1066. Before the Abbey was built, Coronations were carried out wherever was convenient – taking place in the United Kingdom cities of Bath, Oxford and Canterbury.

A little local history…
Main Beach received its name as it was the 'main' surf beach for the town of Southport – the earliest surveyed town in the immediate area.

Before the Jubilee Bridge connecting Southport to Main Beach was completed in 1925, visitors were ferried across the Nerang River by Meyer's Ferry to surf at the main surf beach.

After the bridge's construction, the area became more popular. The Southport Town Council opened the Main Beach Bathing Pavilion in 1934 to cater to the comfort of visitors, tourists and residents alike.

Learn more about Main Beach and Meyer's Ferry

Did you know?
Queen Elizabeth II is the sixth Queen to have been crowned in Westminster Abbey. The first was Queen Mary I, who was crowned on 1 October 1553.

A little local history…
More impressive in its origins than its humble appearance, the Cable Hut, located at Cable Park in Main Beach, was built to house the telegraph terminal of the Pacific Cable. Completed in 1902, it stretched all the way from Australia to North America.

Click to read more about the Pacific Cable

Did you know?
The Queen's grandmother, Queen Mary, at 81, was the first Queen to see a grandchild ascend to the throne. Unfortunately, she died before the Coronation took place.

A little local history…
Built in 2007, the Macintosh Island Bridge was constructed to give pedestrians and cyclists access from Narrowneck to Macintosh Island Park.

Macintosh Island Park is home to the Les Rogers Memorial Sanctuary. The sanctuary is named after a dedicated Council employee of 22 years, who started as a signwriter and found his true calling as a landscape designer in Council's Health Department.

Learn more about Les Rogers Memorial Sanctuary

Did you know?
Prince Charles attended his mother's Coronation as Sovereign. Princess Anne did not attend the ceremony as she was considered too young.

Prince Charles received a special invitation to the Coronation that was hand-painted by children.

A little local history…
David Evans Reserve was named after a young Gold Coaster who loved the city's many lifestyle opportunities. In 1995, he died accidentally at only 22 years old. Council agreed to a request from Mr Evans' family and friends to name the park in his honour.

Learn more about David Evans Reserve

Did you know?
Before the Coronation, Buckingham Palace housemaids, chefs and gardeners gathered inside the Grand Hall at Buckingham Palace to see The Queen leave for Westminster Abbey.

A little local history…
Cavill Avenue is named after James Freeman (Jim) Cavill. Originally from England, Mr Cavill was one of the founders of tourism on the Gold Coast.

As well as building the Surfers Paradise Hotel, Mr Cavill planted extensive gardens, built cabin accommodation and created a zoo that was considered one of the best private zoos in Australia.

Click to read the full story of Jim Cavill

Did you know?
The Queen's Coronation dress was designed by British fashion designer, Norman Hartnell. The dress was made of white satin and embroidered with the emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in gold and silver thread.

A little local history…
This park was named after Eileen Peters for her 50 years of selfless community service.

Businesswoman and Gold Coast City Council Alderman for Surfers Paradise, Mrs Peters is regarded as the driving force behind the 25-year success of the original Surfers Paradise Meter Maid Service.

Dressed in a two-piece swimsuit and golden tiara, the Meter Maids patrolled the streets feeding coins into the parking meters for visiting tourists.

Click to learn more about the Gold Coast Meter Maids

Did you know?
The Duke of Edinburgh wore a full-dress naval uniform for the Coronation. While in the Abbey, he wore a coronet and his Duke's robe over his uniform.

A little local history…
Jewel is a landmark three-tower resort located in the heart of tourism mecca, Surfers Paradise. Many don't realise the suburb of 'Surfers' was originally named 'Elston'.

The opening of the Jubilee Bridge in 1925 was the first permanent crossing of the Nerang River between Southport and Elston, revolutionising the South Coast.

Elston came to life as local people reopened the post office and provided refreshments and facilities for campers and holidaymakers. It was renamed Surfers Paradise in 1933.

Learn more about the history of Surfers Paradise

Did you know?
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were driven from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey to her Coronation in the Gold State Coach. The coach was pulled by eight grey gelding horses named Cunningham, Tovey, Noah, Tedder, Eisenhower, Snow White, Tipperary and McCreery.

A little local history…
Australia Avenue in Broadbeach is surrounded by several local roads with Royal ties, including Victoria, Albert, Philip, Mary, Alexandra and George Avenues.

Broadbeach as we know it was established in 1934. Around 280 acres of vacant Crown land about one mile south of Surfers Paradise was released by the Department of Lands to form part of a new township along Southport-Burleigh Road. The township was to be known as Broadbeach and be part of the Nerang Shire.

The Broadbeach sand dunes were an important resource during World War II. Southport Minerals mined the mineral sand, rutile, from the leased reserves and exported the concentrated mineral overseas to make special alloy steels and welding equipment.

Learn more about the history of Broadbeach

Did you know?
The Queen's Coronation service began at 11.15am and lasted almost three hours.

A little local history…
Many people don't realise the iconic bikini has its Australian origins right here on the Gold Coast.

Located a short walk north of where you are standing now at Pratten Park, you will find a smaller park named after Paula Stafford – and Australian fashion designer credited with introducing the bikini to Australia.

An article in the Gold Coast Star in 1973 refers to Paula making her first bikini. She turned the lower half of her Cavill Avenue house into a workshop and sales room and within a week had eight girls working for her.

Paula was awarded the Gold Coast City Council's Legend Award in 2012 and the Paula Stafford Park was named in her honour.

Learn more about Paula Stafford

Did you know?
The Coronation service fell into 6 parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture (includes the crowning), the enthronement and the homage.

A little local history…
The Rainbow Stairs at Miami – originally painted by an unknown local artist - are a popular and brightly-coloured gateway to the picturesque North Burleigh headlands.

There is no definitive answer as to why European settlers named the two headlands at Miami 'The Nobbys'.

In Yugambeh Dreamtime stories, Jabreen, a giant carrying a fighting club, formed the imposing headlands at what became known as Burleigh Head and 'Little Burleigh' at Miami.

Learn more on the history of the Nobby Headlands

Did you know?
8251 guests attended The Queen's Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

129 nations and territories were officially represented at the Coronation service.

A little local history…
Miami's Bora Memorial Rock, dedicated in 1991, demonstrates a symbolic association with the Indigenous men and women of the region who served in the defence of Australia in conflicts from 1914–1991.

The Bora Memorial Rock is the only Indigenous war memorial on the Gold Coast, and one of a few in Queensland. The memorial rock displays artistic merit and innovation through its traditional Indigenous design, use of a natural boulder and traditional use of local ochre in the painting of the story.

The Bora Memorial Rock has a special association with the Yugambeh language people.

More information can be found on the Gold Coast Local Heritage Register

Did you know?
The St Edward's Crown, made in 1661, was placed on the head of The Queen during the Coronation service. It weighs 2 kilograms (4 pounds and 12 ounces) and is made of solid gold.

A little local history…
Justins Park was named after the Justins family, who were local shopkeepers in the 1930s. The family made a major contribution to the development of the Burleigh Heads area.

The Justins also planted the heritage-listed Norfolk Pines, which have become iconic to the Burleigh area. The family planted 100 pines, but when they came to tend to them, 60 had gone missing. It was first thought vandals were responsible, however, the local shire council of the time destroyed the trees. According to a descendent of the Justins family, the original saplings were transported from Sydney and cost one shilling and three pence each.

Did you know?
The orb is the second most important piece of regalia after the St Edwards crown, which was placed on the head of The Queen during the Coronation service. The orb is a Christian symbol of authority. Made in 1661, it is a globe of gold surrounded by a cross girdled by a band of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphire and pearls, with a large amethyst at the summit.

A little local history…
It was recognised very early on the Burleigh Headland was worth preserving. In November 1886, the 46 acres encompassing 'Big Burleigh' was set aside as a reserve for public purposes. Attempts failed to subdivide the land for banana farming or residential use over the next 60 years.

From 1949, Alf Wintle managed the headland and lived onsite with his wife in a 6-room tent. With a staff of 6 men, he was responsible for maintaining the existing walking paths and constructing the lookouts. He also planted gum trees to feed the resident koalas to encourage them to stay in the park and not venture near the roads.

Learn more about the history of the Burleigh Headlands

Did you know?
BBC coverage of the Coronation was a breakthrough for the history of broadcasting. It was the first Coronation service to be televised and for most people, it was the first time they had watched an event on television.

A little local history…
Tarrabora Reserve is managed by City of Gold Coast and looked after by volunteers from Tarrabora Reserve Bushcare Group and Friends of Currumbin.

Before it was a City reserve, in 1873, Henry Jordan, a Queensland parliamentarian and sugar planter living in the Logan area, owned much of the coastal land between Tallebudgera and Currumbin creeks.

During the 1880s, William Wood, a retired railway worker and early land speculator, acquired 400 acres of Mr Jordan's coastal block.

Around 1921, Mr Wood's property south of Tallebudgera Creek was purchased by the Palm Beach Company Ltd. The first housing allotments were subdivided from Cypress Avenue to the foreshore.

Mr Wood had numerous properties in South East Queensland. In 1948, he chose to live at Palm Beach, known then as Beechwood Estate.

Learn more history of the Palm Beach area

Did you know?
Many people camped in The Mall near Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of the Coronation procession, including a family who had sailed from Australia in a two-masted sailboat known as a 'ketch', for the occasion. Thousands more celebrated throughout the country and the Commonwealth with street parties.

A little local history…
The name 'Currumbin' is a Yugambeh word that has been interpreted in three possible ways: 'quicksand', 'kangaroo' and the 'place of tall trees'.

During the first part of the 20^th century, a sandy island known as Bill Birch's Island, or Granny Birch's Island, was located in the mouth of the Currumbin Creek. Following her husband Bill's death, Maria Birch continued to lease the small island living in a house that was partly built of driftwood. Her nearest neighbours on the island were a Yugambeh family.

The island existed until the 1930s, when it was washed away by a cyclone and flood waters.

Learn more about the Currumbin area

Did you know?
Queen Salote of Tonga won the hearts of the crowds waiting for the Coronation. Following Tongan custom, she did not want to imitate the actions of the person she was honouring, so she refused to raise the roof of her carriage to protect her from the rain.

A little local history…
In early photos of the iconic Currumbin rock formation, Elephant Rock, it resembled an elephant sitting on the beach facing out to sea.

The rock shelf surrounding Elephant Rock on its protected northern side was chosen by the local surf club as an ideal location to build a small hut as a clubhouse.

Over many decades the clubhouse was often damaged by high tides and cyclones. But the tenacity of the Vikings Currumbin Surf Lifesaving Club membership to maintain their position on the rocky shelf has resulted in the original clubhouse expanding and becoming one of the most popular locations on the Gold Coast for dining and entertainment.

Learn more about Elephant Rock and Vikings Surf Club

Did you know?
Just under 30,000 men took part in the Coronation procession: 3600 from the Royal Navy; 16100 from the Army, 7000 from the Royal Air Force (RAF); 2000 from the Commonwealth; and 500 from the 'colonies'. There were 6700 reserve and administrative troops, while 1000 officers and men of the Royal military police were bought in to help the metropolitan police. A further 7000 police were drawn from 75 provincial forces.

A little local history…
The Rabbit Bartholomew Bridge is named after local surfing legend Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew, who is popularly known as 'The Godfather of Surfing'. Rabbit is an Australian world champion surfer, surf sports innovator, and community advocate.

Did you know?
After her Coronation, The Queen appeared with her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Royal robes to greet the cheering crowds. Her Majesty appeared again on the balcony at 9.45pm to turn on the 'lights of London'. Lights cascaded down the mall, lighting the huge cipher (Royal monogram) on Admiralty Arch and turning the fountains in Trafalgar Square into liquid silver, until all the floodlights from the National Gallery to the Tower of London had been illuminated.

A little local history…
In 1937, Joe Doniger earned himself the title of Coolangatta's favourite son when the 22-year-old heroically pulled his friend Jack Brinkley from the jaws of a shark at Kirra Beach.

He was awarded a gold medal from the Royal Humane Society, a silver medal from the Surf Lifesaving Association and a citation from King George VI for his bravery. In 1949, after a drowning in North Kirra, Joe also helped start the North Kirra Surf Club. This park is named in his honour.

Did you know?
The meal Coronation Chicken was invented for the foreign guests who were to be entertained after the Coronation. The food had to be prepared in advance. Florist Constance Spry proposed a recipe of cold chicken in a curry cream sauce with a well-seasoned dressed salad of rice, green peas and mixed herbs. Her recipe won the approval of the Minister of Works and has since been known as Coronation Chicken.

A little local history…
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the Gold Coast as part of their 1963 royal tour – one of the many tours they completed together as part of their royal duties.

In the months preceding the Royal visit, thought was given as to how the event could be commemorated. The Coolangatta Chamber of Commerce suggested that the foreshore between McLean and McDonald streets be named after Her Majesty. The proposal was adopted by Council. It was viewed as a fitting tribute that the Royals would view a Royal Surf Carnival from Queen Elizabeth Park.

Read more about Coolangatta and Queen Elizabeth Park