A black and white image of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip getting out of a car and shaking hands with officials. There are many military personnel in the background.

The National Library is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of our Chair and Council, we send our sincere condolences to Her Majesty’s family. You may wish to leave a message of condolence via the online form on the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

As the collector and keeper of the nation’s memory, we invite you to reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning British monarch in history, through the many moments recorded in our collections.

A black and white image of the Queen in 1954 dressed in full formal dinner attire, looking off to the side and smiling.
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia, 1954, nla.obj-152944952 

Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia when she stepped ashore at Farm Cove, Sydney on 3 February 1954.

On this visit, the Queen went to all state and territory capitals, excluding Darwin, allowing as many people as possible to see her at a range of functions, events and regional centres. Australians responded passionately to the young monarch, who ascended to the throne in February 1952 – her coronation taking place on 2 June 1953.

A black and white image of an open top car on the road. There are many people lining the road and tall buildings in the background behind the people.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arriving at Melbourne Town Hall, Victoria, 1954, nla.obj-133856618 
A black and white image of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip getting out of a car and shaking hands with officials. There are many military personnel in the background.
Queen Elizabeth II greeted by crowds and officials during her visit to Australia, 1954,  nla.obj-152944804 

It is estimated that almost three-quarters of the Australian population glimpsed the Queen at least once during the 1954 royal tour, which was a mixture of politics, fashion and carnival. From the pomp and ceremony of opening federal parliament to massed public displays of affection, she left a lasting impression on those who took part.

A black and white image of the Queen in 1954 dressed in full formal dinner attire.
Queen Elizabeth II in formal gown and tiara during her visit to Australia, 1954, nla.obj-152944658 
A black and white image of the Queen in full formal attire with tiara sitting in an ornate chair on a dias. There are people sitting on chairs on either side of the floor below the dais. There are also two people sitting on opposite sides of a table on that is directly in front of the dais.
Queen Elizabeth II opening Parliament in the Legislative Council Chamber, Melbourne, Victoria, 25 February, 1954,  nla.obj-133856487 

The 1954 tour was not the only time the Queen would visit Australia, and glimpses of these later visits, her life and contribution to Australia are captured in our vast collections.

A black and white image of the Queen meeting and shaking hands with a team of rugby players.
Ern McQuillan, Queen Elizabeth II greets Balmain Rugby League players at Sydney Cricket Ground, New South Wales, 1973, nla.obj-148300934 
A black and white image of the Queen and Prince Philip walking out the front of Parliament House in Canberra.
Andrew Campbell, Queen Elizabeth walking across the forecourt to inspect the guard, Canberra, 1988, nla.obj-143214524 
A black and white image of the Queen receiving a bouquet of flowers from a child.
Andrew Campbell, The Queen accepting flowers from children at Fairbairn, Canberra, 1988, nla.obj-143213728
A black and white image of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip greeting a man in ecclesiastical robes.
Loui Seselja, The Queen and Prince Philip talking with Rev. Jeff Driver, Rector, St Paul's Church, Manuka, A.C.T., 2000,  nla.obj-145807251

You can view a display celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in our Treasures Gallery or view moments of the Queen’s life in our collections. Look back at all of Queen’s visits to Australia in Trove.

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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