16 Times Queen Elizabeth II Visited Australia

Queen Elizabeth II made a total of 16 visits to Australia during her reign. Her first visit was in 1954 after her coronation. Supposedly, she was to visit the country two years prior, but the sudden news of her father’s death left the late Queen in haste to Britain from Kenya, Africa. Elizabeth’s last visit was made in 2011 where Aussies concluded it was more of a “farewell tour” of her majesty.

The queen’s love for this country is evident from her many visits. She has celebrated with Australians through times of victory, tragedy and joy. There is no doubt that Australia will be grateful for the many contributions Queen Elizabeth has made to the country over the years.

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More reading: 

• What Will Happen When the Queen Dies?
• Queen Elizabeth II Passes Away at 96
• Our Beloved Queen Elizabeth has Passed Away..What Now?
• Queen Elizabeth II Timeline: 70 Years of Her Strong and Beloved Reign

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Queen Elizabeth II 1954 Tour

The first British royal to visit Australia was Elizabeth II, who arrived at Farm Cove in Sydney on February 3, 1954. She visited every state and territory (except Northern Territory) on this two-month-long royal trip.

The queen was welcomed by more than 70,000 veterans throughout the journey. Queen Elizabeth II participated in various civic festivities and officially inaugurated the Australian Parliament in Canberra. Elizabeth covered 10,000 miles by air and 2,000 miles by road throughout the journey, making over 200 excursions during her first tour.

Supposedly, the Queen’s visit should have happened two years prior to represent the ill king George VI. It was in Kenya when Philip broke the news to her. Elizabeth automatically ascended to the throne at the age of 25 in 1952.

1963 Tour for Canberra

The Queen travelled again in 1963 to commemorate Canberra’s Jubilee festivities. She travelled to the Red Centre and spoke to isolated areas via the Royal Flying Doctor Service radio network. The Queen also presented a knighthood to Prime Minister Robert Menzies and visited the Australian War Memorial and Elizabeth Town in South Australia.

1970 Tour Captain Cook

The Queen and Prince Philip visited Australia again in 1970 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Captain Cook’s arrival at Botany Bay. She unveiled a monument in Cooktown and then headed to Mt. Isa for the Royal Flying Doctor Service facility. They also toured New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. During this visit, the royal pair forego etiquette and interact with the locals.

In 2009, Former Detective Superintendent Cliff McHardy however stated that the royal couple were supposed targets of a failed assassination attempt.

1973, 1974, and 1977 Tour

• Queen Elizabeth II opened the Sydney Opera House in 1973.
• She opened the Australian Parliament in Canberra in 1974.
• 1977 Royal Tour for Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee reign.

Tours during the 1980s

• Opened the new High Court of Australia building in 1980.
• Attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 1981.
• Opened the new National Gallery of Australia in 1982.
• In 1986, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Parramatta Stadium and signed the Australia Act 1986.
• Visited Australia as part of the bicentenary celebrations and opened the World Expo in Brisbane and the Parliament House in Canberra in 1988.

Tours in the 1990s

The Queen visited Sydney for the city’s 150th anniversary of its establishment in 1992. She visited the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo as part of the itinerary that included stops in traditional towns.

In the 90s, however, there was a broiling movement to remove Australia from the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II, next tour was in the 2000s.

Tours in the 2000s

• Extended tour in the states in 2000.
• Attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2002.
• The Commonwealth Games were inaugurated by the Queen and Prince Philip in Melbourne in 2006 after their arrival.
• October 2011 was the last visit Queen Elizabeth II made as Queen of Australia and Head of the Commonwealth.

You can find more details of her work while in Australia here.

Britain and the world are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8, at age 96. According to Buckingham Palace, the monarch died at their summer home in Balmoral, her Scottish estate, after reigning for 70 years in the throne.

God Bless the Queen and Long Live the New King!