Queen Elizabeth II engaged the public in Sydney during the first walkabout.
On March 18, 1970, while touring Australia, Queen Elizabeth II introduced a novel approach to royal engagements: the royal walkabout. During her visit in Sydney, she stepped away from formality and protocol, interacting more informally with gathered crowds. This initiative allowed her to meet ordinary citizens face-to-face rather than from a distance, fostering a sense of personal connection and approachability not previously associated with monarchs. The walkabout became a staple of royal tours, humanizing the crown and drawing the monarchy closer to the public.