Royals thrill crowds in Sydney

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, together with baby George, have thrilled huge crowds after touching down in Sydney.

The public got their first glimpse of the royals at Sydney Opera House, where big crowds gathered for the welcome reception.

They then headed across Sydney Harbour to Admiralty House, where they wil be spending the night.

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED

5PM: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spend around ten minutes meeting the public before being escorted across Sydney Harbour to Admiralty House, where they will be staying the night.

The crowds have dispersed and, for now, the excitement is over. Remarkably, given the massive security, the whole visit ran to schedule, from touchdown to arrival at Admiralty House.

They have no official engagements tonight and will head to the Blue Mountains tomorrow.

4:25PM: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have emerged from the Sydney Opera House to large cheers and are meeting the large crowd who have been patiently waiting to see the royals.

It is their first meet-and-greet on Australian soil.

However, there will not be a chance to meet baby George today, as he has been taken ahead to Admirality House - where the family will stay tonight - with his nanny, Maria Borello.

Earlier, about 400 guests attended the welcome reception, including former Australian cricket fast bowler Glenn McGrath and Australian Women's Cricket Team member Ellyse Perry, along with children dressed to represent all nations competing in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

3:30PM: Prince William says they have been 'looking forward to coming to Australia for a long time', reports Sunrise Royal Editor Robert Jobson.

Prince William also joked that he suspected George's first word 'might be bilby - only because koala might be harder to say'.

"There cannot be a more impressive place than the iconic Sydney Opera House to begin our first visit together to Australia," Prince William said.

"Australia and Australians have always been for us a beacon of confidence, creativity in the arts and sporting ability.

"I know that a truly unforgettable few days lie ahead."

Prince William also mentioned his late mother, Diana, adding: "My mother’s deep affection for Australia – which you were so kind to reciprocate – needs no reminder."

3.15PM: Thousands have gathered at the Opera House to greet the Royals.

Baby George is left with the nanny as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge climb the stairs and head of the offical welcome reception.

It appears that Catherine has chosen to wear Australian yellow as the duo are shown around Sydney harbour.

2.45PM: The Royals have arrived in Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, wearing yellow, touched down shortly after 2.30PM and left the plane shortly after.

They were greeted at the bottom of the steps by the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, and will now head to the Sydney Opera House for a welcome reception.

1.45PM: Reports suggest outgoing NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has pulled out of the welcome party after his shock resignation this morning.

It is reported Governor Marie Bashir will host the Royals at the Opera House.

Meanwhile, large crowds - and of course the world's media are starting to gather at the Sydney Opera House. The good news is that it is looking like sunshine ahead of their arrival after they spent their last few hours in New Zealand sheltering under umbrellas from torrential rain.

1PM: The Royals were expected to land in Sydney at around 2.30PM after departing Wellington in a Royal Australian Air Force jet just after midday.

Large crowds are expected to gather at the Sydney Opera for a welcome reception after 3PM.

Prince William carried his son, all dressed in white, to the jet.

They were escorted to the plane by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife, Lady Janine.

A small crowd of dedicated royal fans gathered at the fence at Wellington Airport's military terminal, becoming some of the last Kiwis to catch a royal wave from the family on this tour.

Of course, their visit is not the only big story in Sydney today after outgoing NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s shock resignation.

Mr O’Farrell announced he will step down as NSW premier after evidence he gave to the state's corruption watchdog.

Mr O'Farrell was due to be part of the welcome party, along with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Governor-General Peter Cosgrove and NSW Governor Marie Bashir, and it is still unclear if he will be present.