Where to see the King and Queen on their visit to Sydney and Canberra
By Sarah McPhee
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Australia for their royal tour visiting Sydney and Canberra.
Amid speculation as to how they would spend their Saturday “rest day”, and whether that would include an appearance at The Everest racing carnival in Randwick for the King Charles III Stakes, the couple was captured on a morning stroll around the grounds of Admiralty House in Kirribilli about 10am.
Queen Camilla and King Charles III on a walk around the grounds of Admiralty House on Saturday.Credit: Nine News
The five-day trip, running to October 23, is the King’s first as monarch, and was scaled back due to his ongoing cancer treatment.
“Their Majesties have a deep regard for Australia, and this visit will be an opportunity to showcase the very best of our modern and dynamic nation,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Here is where you can spot the King and Queen on their tour.
Sunday, October 20 - Sydney
Royal watchers will be able to see the couple at 11.30am on Sunday after they attend a service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, on the corner of McLaren and Church streets, in North Sydney.
“Please note, there is very limited space and limited amenities available,” the department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet advised. “Members of the public should plan to gather on the lawns next to St Thomas’ Church no later than 11am to avoid road closures and allow for possible security screening.”
Monday, October 21 - Canberra
They will then travel to the nation’s capital, paying their respects privately on Monday at the Australian War Memorial, laying a wreath and floral tribute. However, the public will be able to see the pair when they visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial, For Our Country, in the sculpture garden at 12.35pm. Spectators are asked to be in place no later than 11.45am.
Next up is a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House at 1pm. Attendees are encouraged to be in position no later than 12.10pm to avoid road closures and restricted areas, in place from 12.30pm.
Upon departure, there will be an opportunity to meet their majesties on the Parliament House forecourt at 2.10pm.
Free shuttle buses are being provided for Canberra’s royal events from the City Interchange. The ACT government has advised spectators that “due to timing and travel logistics, it will not be possible to attend both events”.
King Charles will address a reception of political and community leaders, and meet with CSIRO scientists, while Queen Camilla will join a discussion with domestic violence advocates and meet representatives from the charity GIVIT, for which she is the patron. There will also be a tour of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, closed to the public on Monday.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Sydney to start their five-day tour of Australia.Credit: Janie Barrett
Tuesday, October 22 - Sydney
Back in the harbour city, gates open at 3pm on Tuesday outside the Sydney Opera House ahead of a 4.20pm appearance in the forecourt by the King and Queen, joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns. Large crowds are expected.
Security screening will be required to enter the precinct. There is a slight chance of rain in the afternoon, so consider packing a raincoat or poncho as umbrellas (along with large bags and banners) are not permitted.
At 4.50pm, there will be a Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour, featuring an Australian Defence Force fly-past. The King and Queen will board the Admiral Hudson naval vessel from the Man O’War Steps to review the Hobart, Warramunga, Arunta, Gascoyne and Yarra ships. An exclusion zone of at least 100 metres will be enforced around official vessels.
Suggested vantage points include Farm Cove, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
As part of the itinerary, the palace has said the King will meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives “to learn about their work in supporting local community and strengthening culture”, and the Queen will meet children at a Sydney library participating in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. The premier will also host the couple at a community BBQ in Parramatta.
The royals will then depart on Wednesday for Samoa, including a Commonwealth heads of government meeting.
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