Coral Sea Battle Memorial Park

Commemorating an air and sea battle, some 800 km east, between Australian/US forces and Japanese, in May 1942, this beachfront park is unique because of its close proximity to the site of the battle as well as being AustraliaÍs largest war memorial.

With Hinchinbrook Island silhouetted against the skyline and cool sea breezes this is a beautiful park in which to enjoy a picnic. Facilities include picnic tables, BBQÍs, a shelter shed and toilets. At the north end of Cardwell turn off the highway at Toohey Street and follow the signs for 1.1kms.

Battle of the Coral Sea 4-8 May 1942
The months prior to the WWII Coral Sea Battle were dark days for the Pacific region. Japan had entered the war in December 1941 with plans for supremacy in the region, which included the invasion of Australia. Following the fall of the Pillipines, the Japanese invaded Singapore in February 1942 taking 14,000 Australian prisoners. Morale was low. A major confrontation was considered imminent when Japan invaded New Guinea and then, during February 1942, began dropping bombs on Darwin.

The critical stage of the four-day battle, lasting just 16 hours, was fought on 8th May. *"0800 hours. Both carrier forces started the day on curiously even terms, over the horizon and out of sight of one each other. In the pursuing Naval Air battle the United States lose carrier USS LEXINGTON whilst the Japanese heavy carrier SHOKAKU is badly damaged, and together with the other heavy carrier, ZUIKAKU, is drastically depleted of trained aviators and planes. This was the first naval battle, in history, in which the opposing ships never came within sight of one another. The entire action was fought by carrier borne aircraft." The Japanese claimed a tactical victory whilst the Allies a strategic victory, in that the assault on Port Moresby had been thwarted.

This battle is commemorated in Cardwell annually, during early May, with dignitaries from both the United States and Australia participating.