queen visits australia 2011

16 visits over 57 years: reflecting on Queen Elizabeth II’s long relationship with Australia

Associate Professor of English, Flinders University

Disclosure statement

Giselle Bastin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Flinders University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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“Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth” has died. Given her advanced years, this has long been expected, yet it still seems incredible this woman who has been Australia’s queen for the duration of most Australians’ lives is no longer with us.

While the focus of the formalities and ceremony of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II will centre on London and the UK, there is no doubt it will be keenly observed by many Australians.

The queen liked Australia and Australians. She came here 16 times throughout her reign and was, famously, on her way to our shores in 1952 when she learned her father had passed on and she was now queen.

Her visits to Australia – from her first in 1954 through to her last in 2011 – offer a snapshot of the changing relationship Australians have had with their sovereign and with the monarchy.

An enthusiastic nation

The queen’s 1954 tour took place during a time described by historian Ben Pimlott as the age of “ British Shintoism ”. Deference to the Crown was paramount in Britain and the Commonwealth, and many Australians were madly enthusiastic about their queen.

After her arrival at Farm Cove in Sydney on February 3 1954, Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to set foot on Australian soil. The royal tour lasted nearly two months and consisted of a gruelling schedule taking in visits to every state and territory apart from the Northern Territory.

During the tour, the queen greeted over 70,000 ex-service men and women; drove in cavalcades that took in massive crowds; attended numerous civic receptions; and opened the Australian Parliament in Canberra. The tour saw Elizabeth travel 10,000 miles by air and 2,000 miles by road – including 207 trips by car and by appointed royal trains.

It is estimated as much as 75% of the population saw the queen and Prince Philip during this tour.

No Australian prime minister has ever had a reception on this scale or exposure to so many of the country’s citizens.

A “new” and prosperous country

During her first two tours in 1954 and 1963, the Australia laid-out for display for the queen was depicted as having gone from being a small colonial settlement to a thriving economy that had ridden to prosperity “ on the sheep’s back ”.

The queen was treated to endless displays of sheep shearing, surf carnivals, wood chopping, whip cracking, and mass displays of dancing and singing by school children. Federal and state dignitaries, mayors and civic leaders from across the political divide jostled to meet and be seen with her; the country’s florists were emptied of flowers for the hundreds of bouquets presented to her by dozens of shy, nervous school children nudged gently forward by awe-struck parents.

During the early tours, Aboriginal Australians were kept at a discreet distance. Apart from a demonstration of boomerang and spear throwing, the closest the queen came to experiencing anything of Indigenous Australian culture was a ballet performed by the Arts Council Ballet titled Corroboree, with no Aboriginal dancers but dancers with blackened faces.

During the 1970 visit, the queen witnessed the re-enactment of Captain James Cook’s arrival at Botany Bay, with Cook and his crew meeting “the resistance of the Aborigines with a volley of musket fire”.

By 1973, Indigenous Australians were given a more significant role in the royal tours. Aboriginal actor Ben Blakeney, one of Bennelong’s descendants, gave the official welcome during the opening of the Sydney Opera House, and the then unknown actor David Gulpilil was among those performing a ceremonial dance.

Invited guest, not ruler of the land

As early as the 1963 tour, the nation-wide royal fervour had dimmed a little. The 1963 visit witnessed smaller crowds and fewer mass public events. When Prime Minister Robert Menzies courted the queen with the now-famous line, “I did but see her passing by, and yet I love her till I die”, the ensuing blushes – including the queen’s own – reflected many Australians’ growing sense of embarrassment at public displays and unquestioning expressions of deference.

Despite this, Menzies’ displays of public ardour saw him being granted The Order of the Thistle shortly after, a bestowal which must surely remain the envy of some subsequent prime ministers.

The 1977 Silver Jubilee and 1988 Australian bicentenary visits perhaps marked the end of a period of royal tours as overt celebrations of Australia’s ties to Britain. This new flavour of tours positioned the sovereign as an invited guest to an independent, modern and multi-cultural nation.

On her 10th tour in 1986, the queen returned to sign the Australia Act , which brought to an end the ability of the UK to create laws for Australia.

Her role as our sovereign subtly transformed from cutting ribbons and opening Parliament to signing the documents that slowly, by degrees, contributed to the cutting of Australia’s ties to the UK and the Crown.

A question of the republic

By the 12th tour in 1992, the cost of the queen’s visits to Australia were increasingly scrutinised by a public feeling largely indifferent about the royal family. The prime minister of the day, Paul Keating, was seen not so much as an entranced liege lord revelling in the opportunity to see his sovereign “passing by” as one who instead – unthinkingly – committed an act of lèse majesté by placing his bare hand on the royal back and waist as he guided her through the crowd.

The gloves, it seemed, were coming off.

The queen made it clear in her last visits to our shores that whether or not Australia should become a republic was a decision for its own citizens to make. Her official announcement after she learned of the result of the 1999 Republic Referendum confirmed this:

I have always made it clear that the future of the Monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people and them alone to decide, by democratic and constitutional means. … My family and I would, of course, have retained our deep affection for Australia and Australians everywhere, whatever the outcome.

In the last decades of her life, the queen retained the affection of many. Her popularity seemed to grow in line with Australians’ increased disenchantment with their home-grown political leaders: the former prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Julia Gillard are right to have sensed that any discussion about an Australian republic would have to wait until after Elizabeth II’s death.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned across seven decades and her tours to Australia served as a marker of Australia’s changing relationship with the Crown as well as with its own colonial past and national identity.

Almost certainly, Elizabeth II’s reign as the stalwart, loyal, dutiful, and most cherished and admired of “Glorianas” is one we are unlikely ever to see again.

Correction: the article previously stated the queen was on her way to Australia in 1953 when she learned of her father’s death. This has been corrected to 1952.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘farewell tour’ of Australia in 2011 and how the younger generation of royals are rising up

THIS decade began in style in April, 2011, when Prince William wed Kate Middleton, followed by Queen Elizabeth’s 16th visit to Australia.

THE decade began in style in April, 2011, when Prince William wed Kate Middleton.

The Queen’s visit to Australia in October 2011, her 16th, was dubbed by royal watchers as her “farewell tour” because it was likely to be her last.

The 85-year-old monarch and her husband Prince Philip, 90, visited Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, where they attended “The Big Aussie BBQ”.

Everywhere they went, thousands of people crowded to see the Queen.

In Melbourne, the Queen opened the new Royal Children’s Hospital, right beside the former Royal Children’s Hospital she opened in 1963.

Later that day the couple were cheered by a flag-waving crowd in Federation Square. Children pushed forward to present her with bunches of flowers.

The Queen then rode a specially painted “Royal Tram”.

The following year, the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee — 60 years on the throne — by touring the UK.

Part of the celebrations included a spectacular concert outside Buckingham Palace.

Among the eclectic group of performers were Robbie Williams, Cliff Richard, Kylie Minogue and Elton John.

Other members of the royal family were sent out to Commonwealth nations as her representatives. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visited Australia on her behalf.

And so, after a lifetime of service, of jubilees and celebrations, the Queen, now 89, is preparing for another remarkable milestone.

As of September 9 she passes her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

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Home News Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth II’s long relationship with Australia

Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth II’s long relationship with Australia

While the focus of the formalities and ceremony of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II will centre on London and the UK, there is no doubt it will be keenly observed by many Australians.

The queen liked Australia and Australians. She came here 16 times throughout her reign and was, famously, on her way to our shores in 1953 when she learned her father had passed on and she was now queen.

Her visits to Australia – from her first in 1954 through to her last in 2011 – offer a snapshot of the changing relationship Australians have had with their sovereign and with the monarchy.

An enthusiastic nation

The queen’s 1954 tour took place during a time described by historian Ben Pimlott as the age of “ British Shintoism ”. Deference to the Crown was paramount in Britain and the Commonwealth, and many Australians were madly enthusiastic about their queen.

After her arrival at Farm Cove in Sydney on February 3 1954, Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to set foot on Australian soil. The royal tour lasted nearly two months and consisted of a gruelling schedule taking in visits to every state and territory apart from the Northern Territory.

During the tour, the queen greeted over 70,000 ex-service men and women; drove in cavalcades that took in massive crowds; attended numerous civic receptions; and opened the Australian Parliament in Canberra. The tour saw Elizabeth travel 10,000 miles by air and 2,000 miles by road – including 207 trips by car and by appointed royal trains.

It is estimated as much as 75% of the population saw the queen and Prince Philip during this tour.

No Australian prime minister has ever had a reception on this scale or exposure to so many of the country’s citizens.

A “new” and prosperous country

During her first two tours in 1954 and 1963, the Australia laid-out for display for the queen was depicted as having gone from being a small colonial settlement to a thriving economy that had ridden to prosperity “ on the sheep’s back ”.

The queen was treated to endless displays of sheep shearing, surf carnivals, wood chopping, whip cracking, and mass displays of dancing and singing by school children. Federal and state dignitaries, mayors and civic leaders from across the political divide jostled to meet and be seen with her; the country’s florists were emptied of flowers for the hundreds of bouquets presented to her by dozens of shy, nervous school children nudged gently forward by awe-struck parents.

During the early tours, Aboriginal Australians were kept at a discreet distance. Apart from a demonstration of boomerang and spear throwing, the closest the queen came to experiencing anything of Indigenous Australian culture was a ballet performed by the Arts Council Ballet titled Corroboree, with no Aboriginal dancers but dancers with blackened faces.

During the 1970 visit, the queen witnessed the re-enactment of Captain James Cook’s arrival at Botany Bay, with Cook and his crew meeting “the resistance of the Aborigines with a volley of musket fire”.

By 1973, Indigenous Australians were given a more significant role in the royal tours. Aboriginal actor Ben Blakeney, one of Bennelong’s descendants, gave the official welcome during the opening of the Sydney Opera House, and the then unknown actor David Gulpilil was among those performing a ceremonial dance.

Invited guest, not ruler of the land

As early as the 1963 tour, the nation-wide royal fervour had dimmed a little. The 1963 visit witnessed smaller crowds and fewer mass public events. When Prime Minister Robert Menzies courted the queen with the now-famous line, “I did but see her passing by, and yet I love her till I die”, the ensuing blushes – including the queen’s own – reflected many Australians’ growing sense of embarrassment at public displays and unquestioning expressions of deference.

Despite this, Menzies’ displays of public ardour saw him being granted The Order of the Thistle shortly after, a bestowal which must surely remain the envy of some subsequent prime ministers.

The 1977 Silver Jubilee and 1988 Australian bicentenary visits perhaps marked the end of a period of royal tours as overt celebrations of Australia’s ties to Britain. This new flavour of tours positioned the sovereign as an invited guest to an independent, modern and multi-cultural nation.

On her 10th tour in 1986, the queen returned to sign the Australia Act , which brought to an end the ability of the UK to create laws for Australia.

Her role as our sovereign subtly transformed from cutting ribbons and opening Parliament to signing the documents that slowly, by degrees, contributed to the cutting of Australia’s ties to the UK and the Crown.

A question of the republic

By the 12th tour in 1992, the cost of the queen’s visits to Australia were increasingly scrutinised by a public feeling largely indifferent about the royal family. The prime minister of the day, Paul Keating, was seen not so much as an entranced liege lord revelling in the opportunity to see his sovereign “passing by” as one who instead – unthinkingly – committed an act of lèse majesté by placing his bare hand on the royal back and waist as he guided her through the crowd.

The gloves, it seemed, were coming off.

The queen made it clear in her last visits to our shores that whether or not Australia should become a republic was a decision for its own citizens to make. Her official announcement after she learned of the result of the 1999 Republic Referendum confirmed this:

I have always made it clear that the future of the Monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people and them alone to decide, by democratic and constitutional means. … My family and I would, of course, have retained our deep affection for Australia and Australians everywhere, whatever the outcome.

In the last decades of her life, the queen retained the affection of many. Her popularity seemed to grow in line with Australians’ increased disenchantment with their home-grown political leaders: the former prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Julia Gillard are right to have sensed that any discussion about an Australian republic would have to wait until after Elizabeth II’s death.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned across seven decades and her tours to Australia served as a marker of Australia’s changing relationship with the Crown as well as with its own colonial past and national identity.

Almost certainly, Elizabeth II’s reign as the stalwart, loyal, dutiful, and most cherished and admired of “Glorianas” is one we are unlikely ever to see again.

This article is republished from The Co nversation under a Creative Commons license.

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In pictures: A look back at Queen Elizabeth II's visits to Australia during her 70-year reign - as nation mourns her death

Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia 16 times during her long reign, including to open the Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parliament House in 1988 and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.  

Queen Elizabeth II's "deep affection" for Australia is being remembered as the nation mourns her death aged 96.

Her Majesty died "peacefully" at her Balmoral home in Scotland on Thursday afternoon (local time) surrounded by close family members. 

She was the first reigning sovereign to visit Australia, making a total of 16 trips Down Under during her 70-year reign, the longest in British history.

The Queen's visits included opening the Sydney Opera House in 1973, Darling Harbour in 1988 and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.  

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She first visited in 1954, two years after ascending to the throne following the death of her father King George VI, and made her last visit in 2011.

More than seven million Australians, or 70 per cent of the country's population at the time, turned out to catch a glimpse of the young Queen during her first visit. 

"From her famous first trip to Australia, the only reigning sovereign to ever visit, it was clear Her Majesty held a special place in her heart for Australia," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"Fifteen more tour before cheering crowds in every part of our country confirmed the special place she held in ours."

On a visit in 1988, the Queen opened the new Parliament House in Canberra, with the parliament's website on Friday stating: "She had a deep affection for Australia and its people, visiting on many occasions to perform official functions".  

"The Parliament of Australia sends its deepest condolences to her family and will commemorate her life in coming days."

Her majesty's 12 visits to New South Wales featured trips to country towns including Tamworth and Wagga Wagga. 

"As the first reigning monarch to visit our nation, Queen Elizabeth set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 at Farm Cove in Sydney Harbour where an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people greeted her," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said. 

"The public's overwhelming jubilation and enthusiasm at seeing the young monarch was the beginning of the state's long-held joy in her frequent visits.

"Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State's history. She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988.

"She also visited NSW regional areas including Newcastle, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Armidale, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, drawing huge crowds of well-wishers."

The Queen visited Victoria 11 times, with Premier Daniel Andrews saying "during those trips, she left her mark on the state we know today".

"She talked with patients and families at the Royal Children's – and opened our Commonwealth Games," Mr Andrews said. 

"She rode a tram around the Hoddle grid, watched Richmond win at the MCG, and caught a show at the Princess Theatre.

"She travelled across the state – visiting Tatura, Echuca, Rochester, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Ballarat and Geelong - touching so much of what makes Victoria special.

"Her historic reign and long life has come to an end, but Victorians’ deep affection and respect for Her Majesty lives on."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted Her Majesty visited the state "often and displayed her care and concern for the people of this state, especially during times of natural disasters".

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said the Queen will forever be an inspiration to the state's residents. 

"Most Western Australians have never known another monarch, with Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning British monarch," Mr McGowan said. 

"She led the Commonwealth through some of the darkest days and will forever be an inspiration to the world and Western Australia, a State she visited seven times."

South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said: "Her Majesty's great fondness and interest in the welfare of South Australians was evident through her seven visits to our state during her reign". 

"Her Majesty's first visit to South Australia was with the late Duke of Edinburgh in March 1954," Mr Malinauskas said.  

"Some 200,000 people lined the route from the Parafield Airport, where they were met by the Premier, Tom Playford at Government House. Her last visit to South Australia was in February 2002."

Commonwealth countries will observe 10 days of mourning and remembrance in the period between the Queen's death and her funeral. However, in Australia there will not be a limit placed on mourning of the Queen.

The Prime Minister will declare a day of National Memorial Service and a National Day of mourning as he suspended parliament for at least a fortnight.

Mr Albanese and the Governor-General will travel to London in the coming days to meet with King Charles III, as they offer condolences on behalf of Australia.

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2011 – The Queen and her “Farewell Tour” in Australia

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Palace releases details of Queen's Australia visit

Details of Queen Elizabeth II's upcoming visit to Australia have been released by Buckingham Palace.

Earlier this year, there had been speculation the 85-year-old Monarch and her 90-year-old husband were not making any more long-haul journeys.

But the palace has now confirmed the Queen and Prince Philip are to visit Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne in October.

The royal couple will arrive in Canberra on October 19 and will have a side-trip to Brisbane on the 24th.

On October 26 they will have a quick stop in Melbourne before travelling on to Perth.

Queen Elizabeth, as head of the Commonwealth, is to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Perth, which runs from October 28 to 30.

The pair will then head home on October 29.

The visit to Australia will be the couple's 16th, the first coming in 1954 - the year after the Queen's coronation - and the latest in 2006.

Queen Elizabeth is head of state of 16 Commonwealth realms, including Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Jamaica.

Prince William, the Queen's grandson and the second in line to the throne, visited Australia earlier this year.

He travelled to Queensland, which was hit by massive floods and then by Cyclone Yasi.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is held every two years.

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The Queen in Australia

Since her very first visit to Australia in 1954 to her last in 2011, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has captivated crowds across our nation.

Elizabeth II was the first reigning monarch to set foot on our shores and the visit was beautifully captured in the documentary The Queen in Australia . The film was designed to show that, despite post-war changes to Australia’s political, social and demographic landscapes, the nation was proud to belong to the Commonwealth and its citizens held a deep affection for their monarch.

The film shows sequences of the young Queen opening Parliament in Canberra, attending the races at Royal Randwick and enjoying a surf lifesaving carnival at Bondi Beach. Queen Elizabeth also made time to speak to isolated families via the Royal Flying Doctor Service radio. 

The Queen returned to Australia another 15 times since that tour and her ability to win over the Australian people is as strong as ever. At the NFSA we have a wealth of material documenting the monarch's official tours and this collection includes just some of the many highlights. 

Main image: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II tours Queensland in 1970. Courtesy Queensland State Archives.

The Queen In Australia (1954)

The first feature documentary made in colour in Australia, documenting the very first visit of a reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1954.

The film was shot by a total of 16 cameramen, capturing her visits to each state capital and many regional areas over her two-month official visit. Major sequences include the arrival of the Royal Navy ship SS Gothic in Sydney Harbour, the Queen opening the 20th Australian Parliament in Canberra, attending a cricket Test in Adelaide, horse races at Royal Randwick and Flemington, tennis at Kooyong in Melbourne, and major exhibitions by schoolchildren in several cities. 

The result is a remarkable and revealing insight into our nation in the 1950s.

The Queen Returns

In February 1963, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh returned to Australia for the Jubilee Year of Canberra.

The film follows them on their 9,000 mile tour and shows the beauty and variety of the Australian scene, and thriving development ranging from hydroelectric schemes to universities.

The Queen's Australian tour in early 1963 provides the medium for three neatly blended films illustrating the tour itself, a history of Canberra and an introduction to Australia and its people at work and play.

The main features of the tour are depicted in some detail, while in the section dealing with the history of Canberra the highlights in the development of this city are portrayed in film flashbacks. The final sections show Australians at work.

The Queen in Australia: Surf Carnival at Bondi Beach (1954)

At Bondi Beach, the Queen observes an Australian surf carnival, a gathering of teams from surf clubs around the country and New Zealand, all wearing the traditional neck-to-knee surfing costume that was required just after the turn of the century, when Australian surf clubs began.

After the traditional march past, the lifesavers take to the water to give a demonstration of rescue techniques, using both hollow surfboards and surfboats, but the heavy seas play havoc with their plans.

Notes by Beth Taylor

The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at the Sydney Opera House (1973)

The Queen and Prince Philip waving to large crowds as they arrive by car at the official opening ceremony of the Sydney Opera House on October 20, 1973.  

Heir to the Throne: Princess Elizabeth's speech on her 21st Birthday

In this clip from the 1947 film Heir to the Throne , Princess Elizabeth made her most famous pledge, which still rings true today: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’

Written by journalist for The Times and royal correspondent Dermot Morrah, the speech was delivered on her 21st birthday while she was on a three-month tour of Southern Africa with her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and sister Princess Margaret.

While seated in the grounds of Tuynhuys in the shadow of Table Mountain in Cape Town, the young Princess used the medium of radio and film, to confidently communicate to her future subjects that the priority of her future reign would be of service to her country and the Commonwealth.

One would argue that The Queen has kept this promise tenfold. During her reign she has been patron of over 600 organisations and charities, attended thousands of official engagements and toured every country in the Commonwealth.

Summary by Michelle Davenport

HM Queen Elizabeth II - A Christmas message to the Commonwealth

HM Queen Elizabeth II delivers the 1952 Christmas message.

Schoolchildren celebrate The Queen's Coronation

This newsreel item from 1953 shows the activities of schoolchildren in Australia anticipating the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 2 June 1953 .

In Melbourne, we see schoolchildren looking at an exhibition of dolls dressed in royal regalia. The proceeds from the exhibition are going to the Queen Elizabeth Child Health Centre.

At Newport in Sydney, children – resplendent in carefully constructed replica gowns – re-enact the coronation in the grounds of their school.

At Fort Street School in Sydney, 11-year-old Kay Hogden is confidently reciting her speech, the recording of which is promptly flown to London and broadcast on the BBC before the coronation.

Queen Elizabeth opens Victorian Parliament (1954)

Sir Robert Menzies' home movie collection includes this footage of the Royal tour in 1954.

It shows the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, by car outside the Parliament of Victoria on 25 February 1954. They alight from the car and walk up some stairs on the red carpet past a guard of honour and surrounded by a huge crowd. The clip ends with a close-up of the Royal Standard flag.

Ex-servicemen rally at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (1954)

This home movie clip by Sir Robert Menzies, begins with an excited crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

They stand and take off their hats on the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, by car to the stadium. They drive past children waving flags and they meet the official party. They are lead up onto a stage where they address the crowd.

Dedication of the Shrine of Remembrance (1954)

Sir Robert Menzies' home movie footage of Queen Elizabeth II arriving with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.

They walk through the crowd to the forecourt where they commemorate those who served in the Second World War by the Eternal Flame. Ex-servicemen and children also arrive for the dedication of the shrine forecourt. The Australian flag is shown hanging next to the Union Jack. 

Royal Silver Jubilee Exhibition Train (1977)

A look back to 1977 and the touring museum of 700 years of British history that was the Royal Silver Jubilee Exhibition Train.

The film shows many of the exhibits and the stories behind them, and follows the progress of the train's 11,250 kilometre trip throughout Australia hauling what was then valued at $100 million worth of treasures.

The bullet that killed Lord Nelson, Queen Elizabeth I's gloves, Princess Anne's wedding dress and Nell Gwynn's silver bellows were among the exhibits on this four-carriage train, the first mobile museum of its kind in the world.

Over a period of four months the train visited 26 centres between Brisbane and Perth and this film records the unique and ambitious project. 

Queen Elizabeth at Flemington races (1954)

Home movie footage by Sir Robert Menzies of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their arrival at Flemington horse races. Queen Elizabeth II watches the race through her binoculars, a close-up of the official party is shown – including Menzies on the right – and then they leave by walking down a path amongst the crowd.

The Queen officially opens the Sydney Opera House (1973)

Queen Elizabeth II with other dignitaries including Prince Phillip on stage, for the opening ceremony of the Sydney Opera House on 20 October 1973.

The ceremony included a display of fireworks and a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No 9. Thousands of people celebrated the ceremony along the shoreline and in boats on the harbour, while another 3 million people all over the world viewed the proceedings on television.

Jubilee and Beyond: Her gracious Majesty (1977)

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, visit Victoria in 1977. We see them disembark from their plane to be greeted by dignitaries and a crowd of children waving flags. They move through the crowd, stopping to talk to particular children.

Eighteen thousand schoolchildren greeted the Royal visitors that day, giving a sense of the relationship between Australia and the UK at this time.

Jubilee and Beyond: Reign over us (1977)

A crowd of eighteen thousand people greet the Queen in Royal Park Victoria in 1977. The royal party stands on the dais while 'God Save the Queen’ is sung by the massed crowd. The royal party then drive, waving, through crowds of cheering children to the strains of 'Waltzing Matilda’.

Waterloo: Queen in Waterloo

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh officially open the Housing Commission’s tower blocks in Waterloo. Residents’ furniture was removed from four units and temporarily replaced with hired new furniture before the royal couple inspected the units. The residents’ furniture was returned after the visit. Summary by Damien Parer .

Seven News Perth: Great Aussie BBQ for The Queen

Seven News reporter Chris Reason follows Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for the final day of their 11-day tour of Australia in 2011 on which they are treated to the most Australian of traditions. The big Aussie barbecue on the Swan River foreshore attracted tens of thousands of well-wishers, with people of all ages coming out to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple.

Before addressing the crowd, the Queen and Prince Philip stopped by the barbecues and spoke with volunteers who were cooking up sausages to raise money for charity.

Heir to the Throne: Young Elizabeth

Excerpt from the BBC film Heir to the Throne , showing Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret with their parents. 

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation - Souvenir film and Cineviewer

Original cardboard box with an image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the title The Film Story of the Coronation.  

Inside is a red marble effect hand held film strip cine viewer, a 35mm film strip of The Crown Jewels  and a 35mm film strip of The Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2 June 1953 Westminster Abbey London .

Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour - Coronation and procession

This clip from a home movie, filmed by Australian Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, shows Queen Elizabeth II arriving at Westminster Abbey in a horse-drawn carriage. She alights from the carriage surrounded by her Maids of Honour and enters the Abbey. The Groom of the Robes delivers the Robe Royal of Pall cloth of gold with the Stole Royal to the Dean of Westminster, who, assisted by the Mistress of the Robes, puts it upon the Queen. The Lord Great Chamberlain fastens the clips.

The Archbishop of Canterbury gives the Sceptre and then the Rod with the Dove to the Queen. The Archbishop then lowers a crown onto her head then kisses her right hand. The Duke of Edinburgh then ascends the steps of the Throne, and having taken off his coronet, kneels down and places his hands between the Queen’s and says the words of Homage. Then Her Majesty leaves the Chapel wearing her Crown and bearing the Sceptre and the Orb.  Summary by Elizabeth Taggart- Speers .

Glass slide of Queen Elizabeth II

This hand-coloured glass cinema slide shows The Queen in one of her first official portraits as taken by society photographer Dorothy Wilding.

She is wearing the Diamond Diadem, a necklace gifted to her as a wedding present by the Nizam of Hyderabad and finished with a brocade gown designed by couturier Norman Hartnell. Hartnell created her wedding dress and would eventually design her coronation dress.

The Queen is presented as elegant and refined, yet fresh and youthful: the fitting monarch for a post-war age. The slide was shown prior to film screenings and was one of the many ways the Queen made her image accessible to her subjects across the Commonwealth.

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The Royal Family in Australia

From Bondi Beach surf carnivals to Parliamentary openings, explore some rare footage from our collection of the Royal Family in Australia. 

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.

Enter the NFSA Our Statement of Reflection

Stories from the Archives

Queensland state archives, royal visits to queensland: an historical essay.

This article, by Margaret Cook, was originally published on the Queensland State Archives website, March 2011.

The first royal visitor to Australia was Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria (later to become the Duke of Edinburgh). A Royal Navy Captain on a world tour on board   HMS   Galatea   he visited Queensland in March 1868. During his visit,   The Brisbane Courier   reported a   restless, feverish excitement as seemed to pervade all classes during the whole time . His visit included a trip to Ipswich and Jondaryan and laying the foundation stone at the original Brisbane Grammar School site in Roma Street.

Princes Edward and George (aged 17 and 16 respectively) visited from 16 to 20 August 1881, while serving as midshipmen on   HMS Bacchante . A public holiday was declared and the Princes were greeted by cheering crowds and a fireworks display in the Domain within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The visit included a meeting with parliamentary representatives, a riding party, garden party (where the Princes played tennis), an “At Home” at Government House in George Street with up to 500 guests (where the Princes danced most dances), a picnic at Enoggera Reservoir for 200 people (where they rowed), a ride to One-Tree Hill (Mt Coot-tha) and a tree planting ceremony at Brisbane Grammar School of two figs labelled “Edward” and “George”. Prince George, the press recorded, had a ‘merry air and a very pleasant smile’.

In 1901 Prince George returned as the Duke of Cornwall and York, with his wife (later King George V and Queen Mary). His father’s (Edward VII) planned Empire tour was cancelled on the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901, prompting Prince George to visit Australia instead to open the first Federal Parliament in Melbourne. In Queensland from 20 to 25 May 1901, the Duke’s duties included the presentation of an address at Government House and laying the foundation stone of St John’s Cathedral. The royal couple opened the Brisbane Agricultural Show and attended a children’s fete and fireworks in the Domain, (where a children’s choir of 5000 performed) and a municipal concert in the Exhibition Hall. They travelled by train to Warwick with scheduled stops providing opportunities for more people to view the future King and Queen. A private shooting party was held for the Prince near Warwick.

Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) visited from 26 July to 5 August 1920 on behalf of his father, King George V, to thank Australians for the part they had played in World War I. Travelling by royal train Prince Edward visited Wallangarra; Warwick; Toowoomba; Gatton; Hendon; Clifton; Ipswich; Maryborough; Gympie; Nambour; Landsborough and Caboolture. Train platforms were decorated and the route was lined with ex-servicemen and loyal subjects. Special emphasis was given to meeting ex-servicemen, including visits to Amiens, Cottonvale and Beerburrum Soldier Settlements; Anzac House and Rosemount and Enoggera military hospitals.

A less strenuous visit than others, the Prince enjoyed the Ascot races (where he broke a track racing record) and a private visit to “Coochin Coochin” Homestead. Official functions included opening the Agricultural Show; laying the Brisbane City Hall foundation stone; dinner at the Queensland Club; Shakespearean, State and Governor’s Balls; State Banquet; a People’s Reception in the Botanic Gardens attended by 8000 children; a reception of 12,000 people in South Brisbane and a Citizens’ Garden Party at New Farm Park. 4   The Prince was met with a ‘general air of rapturous joy’ with flags and banners flying from every building. 5

The Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth who became the Queen Mother) visited in 1927, their principal duty to open parliament in Canberra. Between 5 April and 12 April 1927 they travelled by train from Wallangarra to Toowoomba; Gatton to Beaudesert; Brisbane and Tweed Heads, stopping in between. The royals’ request for the tour was to see and be seen by as many people as possible and to meet returned soldiers, new settlers, war widows, bereaved mothers and school children. The Duke of York laid a wreath at the Toowong Cemetery Cross of Sacrifice and visited Rosemount Repatriation Hospital. A Vice-Regal Ball and state, civic and people’s receptions were held. They attended the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Show (the royal prefix was added in 1921) and watched school children perform. Private visits to “Coochin Coochin” near Boonah and “Tamrookum” near Beaudesert were enjoyed. The Duke was conferred with an honorary law degree by the University of Queensland.

The Duke of Gloucester, sent primarily to celebrate the centenary celebrations of Victoria, toured Australia in 1934. Travelling by train and car, he spent 10 days in Queensland. Arriving on 1 December 1934 he visited Wallangarra and Stanthorpe and spent the weekend at “Terrica” station near Stanthorpe. A civic reception and function in the showgrounds at Toowoomba; a visit to Gatton Agricultural College and the opening of the Sunshine Ward at Ipswich Hospital preceded a busy Brisbane itinerary of civic and state receptions, visits to the Exhibition grounds and the University of Queensland, dinners, lunches and balls including two in one night. On 10 December at Archerfield Aerodrome he declared the overseas service of Qantas open. The Duke visited the Cleveland and Redlands district, Nambour and Buderim before leaving on HMAS Australia.

Princess Elizabeth was en-route to Australia when her father died in 1952 and she returned to England. As a new monarch, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, toured Australia in 1954. The first visit to use air travel, it was an extensive and exhausting tour, including 33 flights, 130 hours of driving, train and boat travel. All capitals (except Darwin) and 70 country towns were visited, allowing about 75 per cent of the population to view the new Queen.

The Queensland portion of the “Royal Progress” was from 9 to 15 March 1954 and included Brisbane, Bundaberg, Oakey, Toowoomba, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton as well as a day of rest on the Great Barrier Reef. Public holidays were declared by an Act of Parliament; buildings were painted, decorated and illuminated for the visit and in all towns people turned out in droves to see the royals. In Brisbane a civic welcome, state reception, investiture, Executive Council meeting and Lord Mayor’s Ball were held. The tour was described as a magnificent success which ‘left an imperishable memory for Australians of our Queen and her husband.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother returned to Queensland from 18 until 21 February 1958. The visit was restricted to Brisbane and a return trip to “Coochin Coochin” Homestead. A civic welcome was held in nearby Boonah. In Brisbane a civic reception, state reception and functions at the Exhibition Grounds, Brisbane Cricket Grounds and the University of Queensland were held in her honour. Street and buildings were illuminated and decorated as Premier Frank Nicklin urged citizens to   Brighten-up for Royal Visit. 7

An extremely popular visit was that of Princess Alexandra of Kent in 1959. Heralded by Premier Nicklin as a   shining highlight of Queensland’s Centenary Year celebrations , the 22 year old Princess won hearts with her ‘girlish charm’ and ‘unaffected grace and simple dignity.’ 8   Her tour from 18 August to 9 September 1959 took her to Brisbane, Warwick, Oakey, Charleville, Longreach, Mt Isa, Mareeba, Atherton, Cairns, Townsville, Proserpine, Bowen, Lindeman Island, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Childers, Maryborough, Gympie, Nambour and Redcliffe (a 3000 mile tour). Princess Alexandra unveiled a mural on the State Library of Queensland at William Street; declared ANZAC House (new Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA) headquarters) open and was conferred an honorary law degree from the University of Queensland. Such was her popularity that when she returned to Brisbane from her state tour, the streets were lined with 350 000 people from Redcliffe to Government House to welcome her “home”. 9   The   Alexandra Waltz was written and composed in her honour by prolific Queensland composer Clyde Collins. In 1960 the Diamantina Hospital was renamed Princess Alexandra Hospital in honour of her visit.

Designed to be less arduous with fewer formal functions than the 1954 tour, the 1963 tour by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh occurred between 6 to 8 March 1963 and only included Brisbane and Coolangatta. 10   An enormous crowd gathered at Brisbane City Hall for the Civic Reception. The tour included a citizens’ welcome reception at the Exhibition Grounds; a visit to the Queensland Spastic Centre; unveiling a cairn at Bulwer on Moreton Island commemorating the discovery of oil in Queensland; an investiture; surf carnival and children’s welcome at Brisbane Cricket Ground.

The Duke of Edinburgh has been the most frequent royal visitor to Queensland, both as Queen’s consort and as Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In 1967 he visited Brisbane when organising the third Commonwealth Study Conference.  He visited independently in 1971, 1973 and again in 1986 when he opened the Gateway Bridge over the Brisbane river on 11 January.

Prince Charles first visited Queensland unofficially in 1966 when studying at Timbertop, part of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria. He subsequently visited in 1974, 1977, 1979 and in 1983 with Princess Diana.

Queen Elizabeth II returned with the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne from 12 to 23 April 1970. Her duties included opening the Brisbane District Courts; an investiture; planting a tree in Longreach commemorating 50 years of Qantas; visiting the Royal Flying Doctors Base at Mt Isa and Lavarack Army Barracks at Townsville; proclaiming the independence of James Cook University in Townsville; unveiling a memorial stone at Cooktown where the   Endeavour   landed and opening the James Cook Museum in Cooktown. The Duke of Edinburgh presented his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gold medals and had an underground tour in Mt Isa.

Princess Anne visited the Oasis Tourist Gardens at Sunnybank and planted a tree at the Cunnamulla Civic Centre. On 13 May the royal family attended a production by the Queensland Theatre Company, the only Australian theatre company to give a royal performance. In Brisbane HMS Britannia was used as the official residence. The royal family travelledby RAAF aircraft.

To celebrate the Silver Jubilee of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Queensland from 9 to 11 March 1977. A civic welcome was followed by dinner at Government House and a state reception at Cloudland Ballroom. The following day the duke presented his Duke of Edinburgh awards at Brisbane Grammar School with 400 guests present and attended a conference of capital city Lord Mayors. With Queen Elizabeth II, he attended a secondary schools carnival at Nathan (with 25,000 students present). A youth gathering at Government House was followed by dinner. The final day included unveiling a silver jubilee fountain at the new Queensland Cultural Centre in Brisbane and presenting art awards.

The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the Brisbane Commonwealth Games on 30 September 1982 at QEII Stadium, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. He read the Queen’s message which had been carried in a baton 15 000 kilometres from Buckingham Palace to Brisbane. Queen Elizabeth II officially closed the Games on 9 October 1982 and with the Duke, she was driven around the stadium several times while the Australian team formed a guard of honour running alongside the car. It was considered an iconic moment summing up the spirit of the games.

On 30 April 1988 the World Exposition (known as Expo 88) was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. In her opening speech she stated:

‘All those who visit it will take away lasting and affectionate memories of the warm welcome extended by the people of Brisbane and Queensland. I say that with great confidence, because each time I come here I am made to feel truly welcome. I am told you like to call your state the Sunshine State – but I prefer to think of it by its original name – “Queen’s Land”. 11

Other royals to have visited officially are Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent (1964); Prince Henry and Princess Alice, Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (1965); Prince Edward and Princess Katherine, Duke and Duchess of Kent (1985); Prince Andrew and Princess Sarah, Duke and Duchess of York (1988) and Princess Katherine, Duchess of Kent in 1988 and 1992.

In March 2011 Prince William visited Queensland to tour places damaged by floods and Cyclone Yasi.

During an official visit to Australia in October 2011 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, the first time the event had been held in Australia since Queen Elizabeth II opened the 2002 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at Coolum, Queensland. The tour lasted from 19 to 29 October and, on 24 October, included a visit to Brisbane where the Queen attended a Queensland Government Reception for those affected by the natural disasters during the summer of 2010/11. Whilst in Brisbane, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh delighted crowds taking a cruise on the Brisbane River from Bretts Wharf to South Bank and strolling through the cultural forecourt at South Bank.

• The Brisbane Courier, 23 March 1868, p. 5.
• The Brisbane Courier, 18 August 1881, p. 3
• The Brisbane Courier, 31 July 1920, p. 5.
• The Brisbane Courier , 5 July 1920, p. 7.
• The Brisbane Courier, 28 July 1920, p. 4.
• EJ Harrison, Minister in Charge, Royal Visit, to Premier Vince Gair, 31 May 1954, Queensland State Archives Item ID 318693
• The Courier Mail, 4 January 1958. Cutting in Queensland State Archives Item ID 318717
• The Courier Mail, 9 September 1959.
• The Courier Mail, 5 September 1959.
• The Courier Mail, 12 November 1963.
• Foundation Expo 88, Opening Ceremony Speeches, National Day Speeches, Closing Ceremony Speeches , 1988

About Queensland State Archives

13 responses.

I have included your blog in Interesting Blogs in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at

http://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/friday-fossicking-jan-20th-2017.html

Thank you, Chris

Great memories and lots I didn’t realise

Thanks Chris, much appreciated!

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Princess Alexandra also went to Toowoomba in 1959.

I was a school cadet one of many lining Coronation Drive in Brisbane in 1954, we were all armed with Lee Enfield .303s including bolts. Imagine that now!! I remember going to the Carlton theatrette afterwards and leaving the rifle at the box office and then later going home with it on the tram.

Heath and Safety guidelines were certainly different then! Thanks for sharing.

I was looking for some pictures of my grandparents king George Doughboy and wife Annie taken at the Cooktown jetty to welcome the British king and queen in the 60’s or the 70’s.

Hey Adelaide. If you contact us at: [email protected] one of our archivists may be able to assist.

I was sure that, as a schoolboy, I saw Princess Alexandra in Toowoomba during her visit in 1959. Yet, in this article, Toowoomba is not listed among the towns she visited.

My mother now 93 remembers being told of Prince George’s visit to Laidley Train Station in 1927 and how the Prince noted her dad’s British medals and briefly spoke to him. Somewhere in my researching I have come across a picture of the people lined up at the old Laidley Station, but I can’t quite remember where.

I have a copy of the Courier Mail supplement of Edward V111’s visit to Queensland 1920 which includes the photograph featured here in “Royal Visits to Queensland: An historical essay”. Fantastic to look at it and remember that era.

I was an Alderman on the Toowoomba City Council in the early 70’s when his Royal Highness visited. A day or so prior to his visit the Mayor pulled out of a presention of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards at the Harristown High School. I prepared a speech at short notice and then presented the awards with a photo appearing in the Toowoomba Chronicle. I remember the Harristown School hall was packed with students and if I may say, the morning was a success. I often wonder where those students are now.

I can clearly remember being taken by my Grandfather (Jack Sills) to watch the Queen arriving at the RNA Showgrounds. We were in the very front standing near corner of Water Street and Brunswick Street. The mounted police guard came first and I was frightened by the HUGE horses but wouldn’t move as I wanted to see the Queen. I still cannot go near a horse to this day. God save the Queen

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Queen flies out to Australia for 11-day tour

Australia is preparing to welcome the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for an 11-day royal tour that will embrace all elements of the nation.

The monarch's visit is her first to the country in five years and comes before her attendance at a gathering of Commonwealth leaders in Perth. The royal couple will be based for much of their time in the capital, Canberra, but will also travel to Melbourne and Brisbane.

Some commentators have said the 85-year-old's visit could be her last to Australia, but similar views have been expressed about other royal tours ever since she turned 80. Though republicans believe it is only a matter of time before Australia dumps the monarchy for an elected head of state, few protests are expected.

Australian actor Hugh Jackman described the high esteem the sovereign is held in by some when he joined Elle Macpherson and a host of other stars at a Buckingham Palace reception for Australians last week. He said: "Even the republicans, the ones in Australia who want to see Australia move on, still have great respect and love for the Queen. I've never heard anyone say different."

Highlights of the tour include a barbecue, a tram ride through Melbourne and a boat trip up the Brisbane river. The royal itinerary reveals a comprehensive list of events for the Queen and the 90-year-old duke, with an away-day to Brisbane on 24 October and Melbourne two days later. The royal couple will receive an official welcome when they arrive in Australia on Wednesday and the following day will tour Floriade – a national flower show.

Australia's military heritage and its servicemen and women, and veterans, will be recognised by the Queen. Colours will be presented by the monarch to the Royal Military College, Duntroon, which trains the country's officers, on 22 October and three days later a wreath will be laid at the Australian war memorial.

The efforts of the emergency services who dealt with the Brisbane floods earlier this year and the families they helped will also be recognised. The couple will meet firefighters, paramedics, police and local communities at a reception.

During the Melbourne away-day the Queen will open the Royal Children's hospital before taking a short tram ride through the city to a reception hosted by the governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov.

The Commonwealth heads of government meeting – a three-day gathering staged every two years – begins next Friday with the sovereign's opening speech and that evening a traditional banquet will be held.

On the agenda will be proposals aimed at making the Commonwealth more relevant.

The couple will spend their last day in Australia at the Big Aussie BBQ before returning to the UK on 29 October.

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