Thousands entranced by story told large
It was a story that had taken three days to reach its spectacular conclusion - but had also taken 100 years to earn its national significance.
And so when The Giants who had entranced Perth came together with the centenary of the Anzac legend that has helped define Australia, it was enough to leave 400,000 people simultaneously silent and spellbound.
They had come from all over the city and beyond, and queued for hours - some even overnight - to find a spot.
By 9am, Langley Park was again awash with people, all eyes trained on the Diver and the Little Girl asleep in his arms.
They awoke a little late, as many do on a Sunday.
But the snores of the sleeping Giants then gave way to a pulsating didgeridoo as the third act of their special visit got under way.
The rousing, extended playing of Richard Walley, Sam Pilot and James Webb echoed around the park and across the river as the Little Girl rested in the arms of her protective uncle.
Then the rest of the band, led by Royal de Luxe music director Michel Augier, sparked into life and the red-coated Lilliputians filed on to the arena to start work for the last time in Perth.
Soon, the girl was hoisted up on her crane, dancing in midair to Euro-pop music to thousands of tapping toes and hoisted cameras, as her puppeteers swirled around below hanging on to ropes like kids on a giant Hills Hoist.
The Diver Giant watched like a massive Buddha as a convoy of double-decker "car-kebabs" raced into the arena, drummers strapped to the roofs and pounding out a beat.
But the enormous, poppy-laden wreath lying to the side was a solemn reminder of why The Giants were really here.
Despite some slight technical issues, the eternal flame arrived in a relay from Kings Park to the backing beat of a uniquely Gallic version of AC/DC's Hell's Bells.
The playground became a parade ground for the Anzac commemorations. Cadets in white, khaki, blue and white of the three services filed in to join the red troupe of Royal de Luxe.
And after the ode was read by Graham Edwards, the WA president of the Returned and Services League, a lone bugler played The Last Post as bubbles from the Giant Diver drifted across on the easterly breeze.
The minute's silence was absolute. But it then gave way to the climax of the biggest street party Perth has seen.
As the Little Girl followed by the Diver made a farewell lap of the city, accompanied by confetti explosions, the people of Perth piled 10-deep to wave them off.
With a final flourish, the smiling Little Girl and her uncle were hoisted aboard a barge to signal their departure down the Swan River, leaving behind a city that had embraced them completely.
"It is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen," Jake Watkins, 7, from Cottesloe, said.
"I so hope they will come back."
'It is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.'" *Jake Watkins * , of Cottesloe
