Charles and Camilla touch down in Aussie outback

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla touched down in the western Queensland town of Longreach this afternoon to begin their whirlwind Australian tour.

The royal couple stepped onto the tarmac as temperatures neared 40 degrees about 5pm (AEDT), but despite the searing heat hundreds of locals turned up to welcome them.

The Prince and the Duchess were to spend just two hours in Longreach before flying to Melbourne for Cup celebrations before visiting Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra before they fly on to New Zealand on Saturday.

Camilla wore a floral summer dress and carried a parasol to shade herself from the heat as she was greeted by a welcoming party including Governor General Quentin Bryce and Queensland Premier Campbell Newman.

The couple, who were headed for a Royal Flying Doctors' event, were expected to join 350 guests from the region for a traditional Aussie barbecue, where they would be served lamb cutlets and beef brisket, washed down with Queensland wines and local XXXX beers.

The 13-day regional tour is part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.