1973 Royal Visit

Royal Visit to Australia by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh: 17–22 October 1973

1973 Royal Visit program

In partnership with the National Library, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has shared digital copies of its collection of official Royal Visit programs.

Read the 1973 program on Trove

Vessels on Sydney Harbour in 1973
Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A3576, KR25185.

Timeline

Wednesday 17 October 1973
Canberra

AM

  • (Separate program for The Duke of Edinburgh)

PM

  • The Queen arrives Canberra
  • Ceremonial Arrival, Fairbairn
  • The Queen receives Presiding Officers, The Chief Justice, Ministers of State, Opposition Leaders and spouses, Government House
  • Dinner and overnight – Government House
Thursday 18 October 1973
Canberra

AM

  • (Separate program for The Duke of Edinburgh)

PM

  • Parliamentary Luncheon, Parliament House
  • (Separate program for The Duke of Edinburgh)
  • Dinner and overnight – Government House
Friday 19 October 1973
Canberra

AM

  • (Separate program for The Duke of Edinburgh)

PM

  • Lunch given by The Prime Minister and Mrs Whitlam, The Lodge
  • The Queen receives the Prime Minister, Government House
  • Attends Executive Council meeting, Government House
  • Dinner, Government House
  • Attend performance of ‘Carmen’ by the Australian Ballet Company, Canberra Theatre
  • Attend Buffet Reception, Canberra Theatre
  • Overnight – Government House
Saturday 20 October 1973
Canberra - Sydney

AM

  • Ceremonial Farewell, Fairbairn
  • The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Canberra and arrive Sydney

PM

  • Civic Welcome, Sydney Town Hall
  • Lunch, Government House New South Wales
  • The Queen officially opens the Opera House, Sydney Opera House
  • Private dinner, Government House New South Wales
  • Attend Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
  • Attend Reception, Sydney Opera House
  • Overnight – Government House New South Wales
Sunday 21 October 1973
Sydney

AM

  • Divine Service, St Andrew’s Cathedral
  • Attend Press Reception, Government House New South Wales

PM

  • Luncheon, Government House New South Wales
  • Formal Dinner, Government House New South Wales
  • Overnight – Government House New South Wales
Monday 22 October 1973
Sydney

AM

  • (Separate program for The Duke of Edinburgh)

PM

  • Private dinner, Government House New South Wales
  • Attend performance of ‘The Magic Flute’, Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House
  • The Queen leaves Sydney for overseas
  • (The Duke of Edinburgh remains in Australia for separate program)

Disclaimer: This is a summary of events and does not reflect the full details as described in the Royal Visit Program.