Queen Elizabeth II will make day trips to Brisbane and Melbourne during her 10-day visit to Australia in October, her first in almost six years.
The 85-year-old monarch is scheduled to be in Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth from October 28-30.
She and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, will arrive in Canberra on October 19 before travelling to Perth on October 26 for CHOGM, Buckingham Palace said in a statement late on Friday.
It was also announced the royal couple will make day trips to Brisbane on October 24 and Melbourne on October 26.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the visit was "great news" for the state, which is still recovering from a summer of disasters.
"I know Prince William's visit really gave people a shot in the arm after the terrible disasters that we had and I'm sure that people will feel the same when they see Queen Elizabeth here in late October," Ms Bligh said.
"...I'm sure there are many people who've had a tough 2011 and having a visit from the reigning monarch will mean a lot to a lot of Queenslanders."
The Queen's itinerary is still being finalised, but it is understood she will make a public appearance.
"We're still in discussions with the palace but her majesty is very keen to make sure that the public will have an opportunity to see her while she's here for that day," Ms Bligh said.
The royal visit would also be a boost for the tourism industry, she added.
"It puts us back on the international stage, gives us some international spotlight. ... it's a very clear message from her majesty that Queenslanders have not been forgotten."
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu said he was delighted the Queen had chosen to visit Melbourne.
"We look forward to welcoming the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Melbourne and we are delighted that her majesty and his royal highness have chosen Melbourne as one of only two day visits while in Australia," Mr Baillieu said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she would welcome the Queen and Prince Philip back to Australia "with great honour".
"Visits by the Queen are etched into the collective memory of the Australian people," she said.
"Many Australians can recall her majesty's previous visits as landmarks in their own lives."
The royal couple's last visit to Australia was in 2006 for the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
They last visited Queensland in 2002 for CHOGM.
It will be the Queen's 16th visit of Australia as monarch.
The Queen and Prince Philip will arrive in Canberra on October 19.
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