Thousands of people gathered in Canberra today to greet the Queen and Prince Phillip on the first full day of their Australian tour.

The royal couple cruised Lake Burely Griffin before attending the Floriade Flower Show.

Vivien Von Drehnen reports.

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The Queen received Governor-General Quentin Bryce at Government House today, before her trip by barge to the Floriade flower show.

Crowds lined the foreshores as the Queen enjoyed her cruise down Lake Burley Griffin in warm conditions.

Looking elegant in a lavender floral print dress Queen Elizabeth greeted well-wishers and accepted flowers at Commonwealth Park.

She then toured the displays at the flower festival known as Floriade, admiring the tulips, pansies and chrysanthemums.

Floriade volunteers have been busy keeping the garden in top shape after the show closed to the public a week ago.

Andrew Forster, Floriade Head Gardener: “I think she’s interested in gardens, she’s an amazing lady and was very relaxed and it was a really nice chat and stroll through the flowers.”

Tomorrow the Queen will attend a reception at Parliament House hosted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Her busy schedule will also include a visit to the Royal Military College and a reception at Government House before heading to Brisbane.

Queenslanders will be able to catch a glimpse of the royal couple on Monday as they take another cruise, this time on the Brisbane River.

Vivien von Drehnen, QUT News.