The BBC's Nick Bryant blogs on Australia's celebration of Queen's Birthday, noting the lack (as is the case in New Zealand) of actual celebrations for the monarchy:

"Much of Australia will enjoy a national holiday today in honour of the Queen's official birthday. To some Australian monarchists, it's occasion to raise a glass to a much-loved head of state. To many more, it's the happy chance to take a quick winter break"

Very true. Mr Bryant's analysis is worth reading also. Bryant notes that there is a significant number of Australians who could be described as "Elizabethans", that is, people who support the status quo because of the popularity of the monarch.