Perth-ect Aussie farewell for the Queen

In typical Perth style, the sun was shining over the banks of the Swan River and an estimated 100,000-strong crowd turned out to farewell Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The ‘Big Aussie Barbecue’ was the State of Western Australia’s ‘sizzling’ farewell to the Royal couple who were in Perth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Held at the Perth Esplanade on the banks of the picturesque Swan River, event organisers couldn’t have wished for a more perfect day with the sun shining brightly, clear blue sky and an expected top of 25 degrees.

Crowds gathered steadily throughout the morning, with the sound of The Swan Bells ringing out from the Bell Tower as The Queen’s motorcade arrived.

The Queen paid tribute to the beauty of WA’s Margaret River region and the Kimberley in her address to crowds and congratulated Premier Colin Barnett and the WA community for hosting CHOGM.

"Over the years I have seen how this State has developed; Western Australia has evolved in its own unique style which is distinctive yet complementary.

"I can think of no more fitting way to end my visit here than in this idyllic Swan River setting which I have enjoyed on so many occasions.

"The rich diversity of this vast state has never been more apparent, from Margaret River wine to the rugged beauty of the Kimberley.

The Queen also made comment about Western Australia’s economic potential and professionalism as the host city of CHOGM.

"And, your proximity to Asia has created opportunities for Western Australia to lead the nation's economic future in this region.

"This past week the world has come to Perth as host of the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

"You have endeared yourselves to the international Commonwealth, showing them a state of professional excellence, generosity and good will," she said.

The historic event was beamed across Australia and to the United Kingdom.

MORE: WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S CROWN JEWELS

The Kimberley
The Kimberley is one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Covering an expanse of nearly 423,000 square kilometres and with an estimated population of just 30,000 it has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on Earth. Here you can experience the world’s only Horizontal Waterfalls or marvel at the magnificent Bungle Bungle Range in the World Heritage-Listed Purnululu National Park, 350 million years in the making.



Margaret River Wine Region
Margaret River boasts the perfect combination of pristine beaches, ancient tall-timber forests and world-class vineyards. Producing just three per cent of Australia’s wine, the region is responsible for making more than 30 per cent of the nation’s premium wines - testament to its exceptional quality. In 2010, the Western Australia’s south west was included in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” World Top 10 destinations to visit, and it’s no wonder with these credentials.

The Swan River
The Swan River is Perth's natural heartbeat - the city's location right on the river banks makes the capital one of the most beautiful in the world. The view of the river and city from Kings Park is among Western Australia's most scenic - city sky scrapers shining against a brilliant blue Perth sky, green parklands and the shimmering blue river combine to create a stunning vista. Named after the famous “Black Swan” that inhabits the river, it’s also not unusual to see wild dolphins frolicking in the waters on the steps of the Central Business District.

For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com