Singer Delta Goodrem performs amidst the fireworks of the Opening Ceremony.
Spectacular, glittering, surreal, elaborate and extravaganza are words used by the international media to describe the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
The Times Online (UK) described "giant koalas, a flying tram and a performing duck were among the delights laid on as Melbourne staged an elaborate opening ceremony for the 18th Commonwealth Games".
The Canadian Press was attracted by the "surreal giant koalas, a tram with wings, aerial ballerinas and a performing duck" while noting that the Canadian flag bearer, wheelchair racer Chantal Petitclerc, made history at the ceremony as the first Paralympian to carry Canada’s flag at a major international Games event.
The New Zealand Dominion Times leads with the Yarra River display of fish representing each of the 71 nations, noting that "While the national icons that paraded down the Yarra River ranged from Samoa's zebra moray to Nigeria's Nile perch, Kiwis were represented by a silvery-coloured table fish" - a John Dory.