The Queen and Prince Phillip arrive at the opening ceremony for the 18th Commonwealth Games

Former world champion and Sydney Olympic Australian legend, Cathy Freeman proudly attends Melbourne Cricket Ground

Metal fishes illuminate the Yarra River and spray water into the sky, as the ceremony splurges outside of the ground

As the ceremony proceeds, a flying Melbourne tram enters the arena in front of 80,000 spectators

England athletes lead the teams into the stadium as they parade in front of a cheering crowd

A dancer performs, whilst the baton is close to arriving after its epic journey to 71 Commonwealth countries

A boy takes part in an amusing and magical adventure which includes a giant koala and a toy duck

Ballerinas then fly above the lit-up stadium before fireworks shower out from jets attached to their feet

Cathy Freeman enters with the baton before passing to Ron Clarke and Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson

Former AFL football legend Ron Barassi then takes control of the Queen's baton who makes his way across the river

Fireworks explode towards the end of the Opening Ceremony as the baton makes its way to the Queen

Governor of Victoria John Landy carries the Queen's baton, containing Her Majesty's message

The Queen's message opens with; "We celebrate the value of sport as a means of bringing together people from 71 nations"

Delta Goodrem sings amidst glittering fireworks which are set off from in-line skaters' trailing sparks