Royal Visits To Australia (Near Our Parks!)

In honour of the recent royal wedding and the Queen's Birthday Weekend (in most states), we look back on the visits the royal family has made to our fair Australia. We discovered something very special: royalty have been near several Discovery Parks! Well, at least in the same city.

Read on about our royal suggestions on what to do when visiting these destinations. Because you might as well do what the Queen would do!

HIKE IN GEELONG

Life Guard Bollards at Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong; Credit: Visit Victoria & Robert Blackburn

Did you know that Prince Charles studied at the esteemed Geelong Grammar School? That's right: Charles, Prince of Wales spent a few weeks of his education in Geelong. He has fond memories of his former Aussie life, going for hikes in the bush with his classmates. While we don't know if he ever visited the You Yangs, Discovery Parks - Geelong is just a half hour drive from the You Yangs Regional Park. A haven for walks, picnic spots, birdlife and rock climbing (so schedule in a princely hike). Or you can walk along the boardwalk past the bollards, waving to the seagulls. 

TOUR KINGS PARK IN PERTH

The royal family may or may not have a love of Kings Park. Prince Charles greeted the people of Perth at Kings Park and the Queen planted a tree at the War Memorial to comemmorate her visit during the grand tour of Australia in the 1950s. An iconic spot for tourists to visit, Kings Park is nearby Discovery Parks - Perth Airport and Discovery Parks - Perth Vineyards. Home to the lush Western Australia Botanic Gardens, an array of walking trails and an outdoor venue that hosts renown musicians from around the world, Kings Park is a must-see in Perth. 

VISIT THE ROYAL DARWIN SHOW

 Sunset at Mindil Beach, Darwin City; Credit: Aude Mayans & Tourism NT

While the Queen may have skipped over Darwin during her grand tour, that didn't mean she wouldn't come back for the show! The Darwin Show, that is. In 1963, Queen Elizabeth greeted the crowds at the opening of the Royal Darwin Show. Now in it's 67th year, this is the ultimate agricultural showcase of the best the Territory has to offer: from cattle through to native flowers. Stay at Discovery Parks - Darwin for this year's show (and the dreamy sunsets) in July to see why the Queen chose this time to visit. 

PICNIC IN ROCKHAMPTON

Couple in Kershaw Gardens; Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland & Ezra Patchett 

The Queen's visit to Rockhampton drew thousands of people from around the region to hear the monarch speak. She was treated to an afternoon tea of sandwiches cut in the shapes of Australia and Queensland (with little flags of mint showing where Rockhampton was!). Why not make your own Australian sammies and eat them at one of Rockhampton's many scenic picnic spots? The Keshaw Botanical Gardens have plenty of shade, space for the kids to roam and is just a 5 minute drive from Discovery Parks - Rockhampton. A backdrop good enough for a Queen. 

ADELAIDE ARTS

Royal Croquet Club, Victoria Square, Adelaide; Credit: Josie Withers and South Australian Tourism Commission

Adelaide, the City of Festivals. Sometimes Adelaide is overlooked for one of the bigger cities, but it is a true hub for arts & culture in Australia. On a visit from the Queen, she officially opened the Adelaide Festival Centre which now hosts a number of touring musicians, artists, musicals and other performances from around the world. Not only is the Queen a fan, but even Princess Diana had an opportunity to swing by the city for a disco at Adelaide University. Lucky for the uni, it's conveniently placed alongside the state's museum and art gallery. Book your stay at Discovery Parks - Adelaide Beachfront to see one of the festivals, galleries or concerts on year-round. 

STROLL SALAMANCA PLACE IN HOBART

Heart-throb Prince William may have snubbed the Tasmanian capital in his last tour of Australia, but the Queen returned several times to the Apple Isle. In 2000, she made a royal visit to Salamanca Place. Every Saturday morning, Salamanca Place bursts with life with the markets. It teems with people and stalls of fresh produce, clothes, crafts and flowers. Right alongside the Hobart waterfront, tourists and locals alike flock to the outdoor markets to enjoy the bustling atmosphere. Discovery Parks - Hobart is just a hop, skip and a jump away from this Tassie hangout. 

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