On 3 February 1954 the royal barge pulled into Farm Cove, Sydney. The newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II stepped ashore, becoming the first reigning monarch to visit Australia. Australians responded passionately to the young Queen, turning out in their millions to catch a brief glimpse of their sovereign. Fifty years on, it is fascinating to look back on this, the most celebrated of royal tours.

Photo: Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Australia, 1954
National Archives of Australia, A1773, RV1080