Centaur Memorial and Lookout - Image 1
1 / 3

Centaur Memorial and Lookout

4.6
·246 reviews·Kings Beach, Australia

A poignant memorial and scenic lookout offering panoramic ocean views, perfect for reflection and picnics.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best ocean views

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Centaur Memorial and Lookout - Image 1

Centaur Memorial and Lookout

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best ocean views

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant memorial and scenic lookout offering panoramic ocean views, perfect for reflection and picnics.

4.6
(246 reviews)

"A beautiful tribute with stunning views, ideal for a peaceful picnic or moment of remembrance."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Utilize the BBQ facilities and picnic tables for a meal with a view. Remember to bring your own food and drinks!

Check the Weather ☀️

For the best panoramic views of Bribie and Stradbroke Islands, visit on a clear, sunny day.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Centaur Memorial Cenotaph

Centaur Memorial Cenotaph

Centaur Park

A poignant tribute to the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, sunk in WWII. A place for remembrance and reflection.

Panoramic Ocean Views

Panoramic Ocean Views

Lookout area

Breathtaking vistas of Bribie Island and Stradbroke Island, especially on a clear day. Perfect for a peaceful moment.

Picnic and BBQ Facilities

Picnic and BBQ Facilities

Centaur Park

Enjoy a meal with a view at the well-maintained picnic tables and barbecues available for public use.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

A Moment of Reflection

This memorial park honors the tragic sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur. It's a place for quiet contemplation with stunning ocean views, perfect for a picnic or a moment of reflection during your coastal walk.

Picnic & Views

Centaur Memorial and Lookout offers excellent BBQ facilities and picnic tables. While there's no playground, the panoramic views of Bribie and Stradbroke Islands make it a worthwhile stop on a clear day.

Best Times

When
Clear mornings
Why
Best ocean views
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Respuesta a @WAM MOVING AND STORAGE INC Kings Beach State Recreation Area #laketahoecalifornia #california #hiddengems #lake #travel
@viajandoporcalifornia1
269.1K likes • 5.3M views

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Utilize the BBQ facilities and picnic tables for a meal with a view. Remember to bring your own food and drinks!

Check the Weather ☀️

For the best panoramic views of Bribie and Stradbroke Islands, visit on a clear, sunny day.

Kings Park Psyciatric Center #abandoned #ny
@eexplorethewrld
26.6K likes • 206K views

Coastal Walk Stopover 🚶‍♀️

This is a perfect spot to pause during the Kings Beach coastal walk. Toilets are available at Kings Beach.

Parking Availability 🚗

Parking is available next to the park and along the coastal path, including spots for people with disabilities.

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Utilize the BBQ facilities and picnic tables for a meal with a view. Remember to bring your own food and drinks!

Check the Weather ☀️

For the best panoramic views of Bribie and Stradbroke Islands, visit on a clear, sunny day.

Coastal Walk Stopover 🚶‍♀️

This is a perfect spot to pause during the Kings Beach coastal walk. Toilets are available at Kings Beach.

Parking Availability 🚗

Parking is available next to the park and along the coastal path, including spots for people with disabilities.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(246 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Centaur Memorial and Lookout for its beautiful ocean views and well-maintained picnic and BBQ facilities, making it a lovely spot for reflection and relaxation. It's a poignant tribute to the Centaur and a scenic stop along the coastal walk, though some note the limited shade and lack of on-site toilets.

"As part of the coastal walkway it is a nice place to stop if you have a packed lunch or need to have a break with a view. There isn’t a playground or toilets here but there is picnic tables and barbecues. With views of Bribie Island and Stradbroke Island it is definitely worth a visit on a nice clear day. Only downside is there isn’t a great deal of shade."

Morgan Cooper

"Centaur Park is a memorial park set up by the Sunshine Coast Council & the Caloundra RSL in the commemoration of the tragic sinking of the Australian Centaur Hospital ship 🚢 at 4.10 am on the 14th of May 1943.

This Centaur was attacked & sunk by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Queensland.

Unfortunately, due to damage caused & the ship sinking within minutes, there was no time for an SOS to be sent.

Of the over 300 people on board, only 64 survived.

Centaur Park is a beautifully presented memorial cenotaph overlooking the seaside at Kings Beach that commemorates this hospital ship with the history of what actually occurred.

There are excellent BBQ facilities & picnic tables along with grassed areas, which are suitably located at Centaur Park.

Parking is available for anyone, including people with disabilities wanting to stop off to view this excellent memorial or just relax & enjoy looking at over Moreton Bay.

Centaur Park is also a popular place for wedding ceremonies & other special events."

John O'Brien

"A beautiful place to experience the calm of the sea breeze and the endless ocean with mystical views. Part of the Sunshine Coasts coastal walk. Toilets are found at Kings Beach. Parking is next to the park and along the coastal path."

Peter R. Allen

What People Like

Stunning ocean views
Peaceful memorial
Great picnic spots

What People Dislike

Limited shade
No on-site toilets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Centaur Memorial and Lookout is located at Kings Beach, part of the Sunshine Coast's coastal walk. Parking is available directly next to the park and along the coastal path. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those enjoying the scenic boardwalk.

While there isn't direct public transport to the memorial itself, local bus routes service the Kings Beach area, from which you can walk to the lookout. Check local Sunshine Coast transit schedules for the most convenient options.

Yes, the park offers parking for people with disabilities, and the pathways are generally accessible, allowing for a comfortable visit to enjoy the memorial and views.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Centaur Memorial and Lookout is completely free. It's a public park and memorial site managed by the Sunshine Coast Council.

Centaur Memorial and Lookout is an outdoor public space and is accessible at all times. However, for the best experience and views, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.

There's no need to book in advance for general use of the picnic tables and barbecues. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger events, you may need to contact the Sunshine Coast Council.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's a memorial park and lookout dedicated to the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, which tragically sank during WWII. It features a cenotaph, picnic facilities, and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.

There are no toilets directly at the memorial park. However, public toilets are conveniently located at the nearby Kings Beach.

No, there is no playground equipment at Centaur Memorial and Lookout. It is primarily a memorial site and picnic area.

From the lookout, you can enjoy expansive views of the ocean, Bribie Island, and Stradbroke Island. It's a beautiful spot for photography and quiet contemplation.

Yes, the park is a popular location for wedding ceremonies and other special events due to its scenic setting and memorial significance.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining establishments directly at the memorial. However, the nearby Kings Beach area has several cafes and restaurants offering various dining options.

Absolutely! The park is equipped with excellent public barbecue facilities and picnic tables, making it a great spot for a casual meal outdoors.

It's recommended to bring your own food, drinks, and any picnic essentials. While barbecues are available, you'll need to bring your own cooking utensils and fuel.

📸 📸 Photography

The memorial cenotaph itself offers a solemn and striking subject. The panoramic ocean views, especially during sunrise or sunset, provide stunning backdrops. Capture the vastness of the sea and the distant islands.

Clear mornings offer crisp views of the islands, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light that enhances the ocean and memorial. Avoid midday sun for softer lighting.

Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, for commercial photography or events, it's advisable to check with the Sunshine Coast Council for any specific guidelines.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Centaur Memorial and Lookout is a peaceful stop for families, offering a chance to teach children about history in a beautiful setting. While there's no playground directly at the memorial, the nearby Kings Beach has excellent play equipment and toilets, making it easy to combine a visit. The picnic and BBQ facilities are great for a family meal with a view. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no food vendors on-site.

🚶‍♀️ Coastal Walkers & Day-Trippers

For those exploring the Kings Beach coastal walk, Centaur Memorial and Lookout is a must-visit waypoint. It offers a perfect spot to rest, enjoy the stunning ocean vistas, and learn about a significant piece of Australian history. The BBQ and picnic facilities are ideal for a midday break or a light lunch. Its accessibility and scenic beauty make it a popular choice for a relaxed day out.

❤️ Couples & Those Seeking Serenity

This memorial park provides a tranquil and scenic escape for couples or anyone seeking a moment of peace. The beautiful ocean views and the quiet atmosphere of the memorial create a romantic or contemplative setting. Enjoy a picnic together, watch the waves, and soak in the serene coastal ambiance. It's a lovely spot for a quiet afternoon stroll or a sunset viewing.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Centaur Memorial: A Story of Remembrance

The Centaur Memorial and Lookout serves as a solemn tribute to the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, which was tragically sunk by a Japanese submarine on May 14, 1943. Of the over 300 people on board, only 64 survived, with no time to send an SOS signal due to the rapid sinking. The memorial cenotaph at the park is a focal point for remembrance, offering visitors a space to reflect on this significant historical event and the sacrifices made.

This memorial is more than just a monument; it's a place where history comes alive. Visitors often speak of the poignant atmosphere and the importance of remembering such events. The park's location overlooking the sea adds to the emotional resonance, connecting the memorial directly to the vastness of the ocean where the tragedy occurred. It's a vital part of the Sunshine Coast's historical landscape, ensuring the story of the Centaur is not forgotten.

Enjoying the Coastal Views and Amenities

Beyond its historical significance, Centaur Memorial and Lookout is a fantastic spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. The lookout provides uninterrupted panoramic views of Bribie Island and Stradbroke Island, making it a prime location for photography, especially on clear days. The gentle sea breeze and the endless horizon create a serene environment perfect for unwinding.

The park is well-equipped for visitors looking to spend some time outdoors. It features excellent BBQ facilities and picnic tables, making it an ideal destination for a casual lunch or an afternoon gathering. While there are no playgrounds on-site, the adjacent Kings Beach offers amenities like toilets and play areas, making it a convenient stop for families. The well-maintained pathways also make it a pleasant part of the popular Kings Beach coastal walk.

You may also like

1 of 2