Each year on the anniversary of the Soldiers’ departure from Spring Bluff, returned members of the 25th Battalion and their families gather at Spring Bluff Railway Station for a flag raising ceremony. This special commemoration is open to the public. You can follow in the footsteps of the men of the 25th Battalion by walking from Cronin Road down to Spring Bluff railway station along with members of the local Defence Force. 

Meet: Cronin Road 8.45am (Limited parking) 

March leaves: 9.20am sharp. (track access is locked at 9.20am) The walk is a grad 4 walk, rough ground, some steep sections, reasonable level of fitness and mobility is needed. (Please no pets on the walk or at the satation) 

Commemoration service: 10am Spring Bluff Railway Station

History

On St Patrick’s Day, 1942 the Darling Downs 25th Battalion left Cabarlah barracks at 2am and marched down the steep Range to the siding at Spring Bluff Railway Station. The soldiers boarded trains bound for the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, Townsville and eventually Milne Bay. More than 200 did not return from battles with Japanese forces at Milne Bay in 1942 and Bougainville in 1945. A memorial plaque is located on the Station and the Trust hold a commemoration ceremony for the veterans each year on St Patrick’s Day.