60th Anniversary British Royals Tour
Guest blogger: Niles Elvery - Manager Public Access, Queensland State Archives
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh waving to crowds, Brisbane, 12 March 1954 Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 1649
March this year represents the 60th anniversary of the tour of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; the first reigning monarch to visit Australia. An extensive trip, it was the first visit to use air travel and included 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 tour 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.
Front cover of Queensland's 1954 Royal Visit Official Souvenir. Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 10196
Illumination of the Executive Buildings in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, 1954. Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 7967
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at State Reception, Brisbane, 1954. Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 3076
The tour was described as a magnificent success which 'left an imperishable memory for Australians of our Queen and her husband' (E J Harrison, Minister in Charge, Royal Visit, to Premier Vince Gair, 31 May 1954).
Discover more about visits by the British royal family to Queensland at The British Royals: A Queensland Story.
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Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
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You may also want to ask our librarians.
I had the privilege of being a pilot on the aircraft that escorted HM from NZ to Australia, and during the searchlight display at the opening of the 1956 Olympics. I was also the bearer of the Queen's Colours with the Guard-of-Honour when HM arrived at Brisbane Airport.._