Two Queens on the Harbour

The Botanic Gardens Trust will play host to two Queens celebrating 30 year milestones Sunday week with spectactors viewing the QE2 on one side and Mardi Gras party-goers on the other.

On Sunday, 24th February the QE2 makes its way into the harbour, 30 years after its maiden visit to Sydney and it’s also the 30th anniversariy of the birth of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Botanic Gardens Trust Executive Director Dr Tim Entwisle said Mrs Macquaries Point is one of the vantage points to view the QE2 while Mardi Gras partygoers will be whooping it up close-by.

“In order to help things run smoothly we’ve made arrangements to ensure crowds on the Point are managed and directed to their respective destinations without too much confusion,” Dr Entwisle said.

“For safety reasons and protection of the plant collections, the Royal Botanic Gardens will of course be closed as usual after dark.

“We’re also advising people to leave cars at home and catch public transport because public interest in viewing the vessels is high and thousands are expected at the Mardi Gras Sol y Luna Harbour party,” he said.

Vantage Points for the QE2 and Queen Victoria event include:  Milsons Point, Cremorne Point, Bradleys Head, Woolloomooloo, The Rocks and Mrs Macqauries Point. The Royal Botanic Gardens is not a viewing site and doors close at 8pm.

There will be some minor road changes over the weekend of these events, for more info contact the RTA. 

For more info about public transport phone 131 500.

QE2 & Queen Victoria:  On Saturday, 23 February, Queen Victoria will make her way into Sydney Harbour at approximately 5.30am. 

She will dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay overnight.

On Sunday, 24 February, QE2 will arrive into the Harbour from 5.30am, 30 years to the day since her maiden visit to Sydney. 

She will then dock at Garden Island. 

Later that day, at approximately 6pm, both QE2 and Queen Victoria will leave their berths.

At approximately 6.30pm Queen Victoria and QE2 will pass on either side of Fort Denison.

They will greet each other with a ‘whistle salute’ using their signalling horns that can be heard over 16 kilometres away. 

This memorable moment will be the first, and the last time two Cunard Queens will meet in Australian waters. 

For more info visit:www.queen-victoria.com.au.

Tickets are still available for the Mardi Gras’ Harbour 2008 – Sol y Luna – The final week of Mardi Gras’ 30th Anniversary celebrations includes Mardi Gras’ Harbour.

A Report by The Mole