The Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast draw crowds who are awed by the beautiful and diverse collection of trees lining the town's main thoroughfare. Figs, camphor laurels, lillypillies, flame trees and jacarandas, all share a unique and significant story that most visitors are unaware of. In honor of the 87 men from Eumundi and its surrounding areas who enlisted during WWI, the Eumundi Women's Patriotic Committee raised £100 for the planting of 20 trees representing the lives lost in the war. The original figs that were planted were intended to create Eumundi's memorial drive. Today, only five of them have survived. However, the replanting efforts brought a mix of trees that carry the legacy of the fallen soldiers. Each tree is unique and bears a bronze plaque inscribed with the name, unit, date, and place of death of a deceased soldier. Sadly, some plaques were lost over time. Today, only 12 remain and are displayed at the Eumundi Historical Museum. Eumundi is one of the rare towns in Queensland without a grand WWI memorial. However, the trees have become a focal point for remembrance ceremonies, especially on ANZAC Day, where school children place floral tributes at the base of each tree. Visiting the Eumundi Markets and taking a walk through the town's memorial drive is a meaningful experience that offers a glimpse into the town's rich history and heritage.
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