The Prince of Wales' Diamond Jubilee tour of Australia was described as having gone "well" by the nation's prime minister as the visit drew to a close.

Charles and Camilla have experienced everything from an Aussie barbie with outback cattlemen to the excitement of the Melbourne Cup during their six-day trip to the nation.

Julia Gillard, Australia's prime minister, who has returned home after co-chairing a democracy forum in Bali, Indonesia, said: "I've been overseas myself so I've been watching from on far, but it seems to have gone delightfully well."

The royal couple ended their Diamond Jubilee visit in the capital Canberra where they renamed a section of road close to the striking Parliament House - Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

Ms Gillard welcomed the Prince and Duchess when they arrived at the thoroughfare which was lined with crowds.

The politician, who was criticised last year for not curtseying when she met the Queen, nodded briefly to the royals in turn when they had stepped from their chauffeur-driven car.

The prime minister paid tribute to the Queen's devotion to duty in a speech before the royal couple unveiled a plaque naming the terrace.

She said: "This place will be a lasting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, inscribed forever in the architecture of our capital. It will remind future generations that for more than half our journey as a united nation Elizabeth II has been our monarch.

"No-one in the history of our federation has shared more consistently in the affairs of our Commonwealth or followed them with deeper interest and goodwill.

"As Canberra prepares for its centenary it is fitting that the Queen's life of duty is given recognition here in our nation's heart, and her wisdom and dignity are honoured among the people she has so faithfully served."