Living History

Queen Elizabeth II: Visit to Australia, 1954

Since 1867 there have been over 50 royal tours to Australia, and in 1954 it was Queen Elizabeth II that toured around Australia for two months. It was time for Australia to be on show and for Australia to meet the Queen. At the time, only recently crowned, Queen Elizabeth II sailed into Sydney Harbour with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Many may remember her sailing around the Great Barrier Reef, experiencing the stunning view of the 'Three Sisters' at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, visiting the Flying Doctor Service base at Alice Springs, the many town halls, local produce and farm animal displays. Who could forget the amount of sporting events on show for Queen Elizabeth II: the Sydney Surf carnival, a cricket match in Adelaide, horse races at both Randwick and Flemington?

More importantly, what do you remember of this time? Did you get to see the Queen, or set up an event for her? Did your community get caught up in the excitement of it all? You are invited to send in your memories, photos or family stories about the days during this time. Send in your contributions during the months of January and February and help build Living History’s ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Visit to Australia, 1954’.

More Information

Want more information on this topic? Check out the following links!

The Official Website for the British Monarchy

National Archives of Australia

Royal Visits to Australia

Contributions