Details
Date
– 2 August 2026, 11:30 am
Location
CairnsCost
FreeThe Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and 104 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets will come together during Cairns Defence Week 2026 to celebrate a combined 200 years of service to Australia (125 and 75 years respectively).
A series of community events will be held, including a Ceremonial Sunset parade, Freedom of Entry parade with a C-130J Hercules flypast, and HMAS Cairns Open Day.
The activities will showcase the Australian Defence Force's enduring connection to Far North Queensland, its people and its capabilities.
Media are invited to attend a Preview of Cairns Defence Week activities.
Cairns Defence Week - Schedule of Events
| Event | Date and Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Media Event Preview of Cairns Defence Week activities |
29th July 2026 11:00am | Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph |
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The following representatives will be available for interview at this preview event:
|
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| Ceremonial Sunset | 30th July 2026 6.30pm | Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph |
| ADM Queensland Defence Summit Visit the ADM Queensland Defence Summit website for further information. |
30th July 2026 9.00am - 5:00pm |
Pullman Cairns International |
| 104 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets Freedom of Entry Parade and Flypast | 1st August 2026 Flypast - 8.00am Parade - 8.30am |
Fogarty Park via the Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph, finishing at Crystalbrook |
| HMAS Cairns Open Day | 1st August 2026 9.30am – 1.30pm |
HMAS Cairns, Portsmith |
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| 104 Squadron Open Day and Cairns Airport Careers Day |
2nd August 2026 8.30am – 11.30am |
104 Squadron Air Force Cadet Hut Cairns Airport General Aviation Precinct |
|
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Further media opportunities
Vision, photography and interview opportunities will be available throughout Cairns Defence Week events
Imagery of events through Cairns Defence Week 2026 will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20262110
Media Note
Flying activities are conducted within strict safety and operational guidelines.
Flying is subject to change due to variables such as air-traffic control requirements, weather and other aviation considerations.
Safety, noise management and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of Defence flying activities. Participating aircraft will operate with a view to minimising the impact on the local communities.
Information regarding aircraft noise is at https://www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise/, or by calling 1800 DEFENCE (1800 3333623).
Media Contacts
Event contact:
Ken Wilson
0409 175 148
ken.wilson1@defence.gov.au
Navy Media - navy.media@defence.gov.au
Defence Media - media@defence.gov.au
Details
Date
– 2 August 2026, 11:30 am