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 The BBC's Dominic Hughes"In 1954, it was a very different place"  real 28k The BBC's Jennie Bond"Nearly three million people packed the streets"  real 28k |
There were tumultuous scenes as millions thronged the streets of Sydney to glimpse the newly-crowned head of state and her husband, Prince Philip.
The BBC reported that the couple were given a "rapturous welcome" as they drove in an open car along the 10-mile route of the royal procession.
Carnival atmosphere
"All the way, the streets were densely packed and in some places people broke through the barriers and engulfed the Australian troops who lined the route.
 Millions wanted to see her
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"The scene was like a carnival as the royal car drove down George Street, one of Sydney's main thoroughfares. Confetti, balloons, cascades of torn-up paper, streamers and flower petals came down like snow from the tall buildings."
Australia's political leaders also gave the royal visitors a lavish reception.
 Stamps bore her profile
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The BBC's Dominic Hughes says that in 1954, Australians were mostly of Anglo-Irish descent, and many still thought of the UK as the mother country.
A Morgan Gallup poll conducted in 1953 showed that 77% were in favour of retaining the monarchy.
But by the Queen's last visit to Australia in 1992, polls had begun to show roughly equal numbers of monarchists and republicans.
Republicanism then and now |
1953 - 15% in favour
1973 - 32% in favour
1983 - 28% in favour
1999 referendum - 45% vote Yes
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On this theory, last November's referendum only failed to produce a majority in favour of a republic because of the controversy surrounding the proposed new constitutional model.
In recognition of the changing mood, the Queen visited the country only once during the 1990s.
This compares with four visits in the 1970s, and five in the 1980s.
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One of her destinations will be the former gold mining town of Sovereign Hill, where in 1854 a group of miners rebelled against the British-appointed authorities and swore allegiance to a new Australian flag.
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