Smaller boats came out in their hundreds and people flocked to vantage points around the Sydney Harbour to watch the iconic cruise liner Queen Mary 2 arrive in Sydney halfway through her maiden world voyage.

Reaching 62 metres above the water line, the 345m-long ship can carry up to 2620 guests and 1253 crew and boasts 10 restaurants, five pools, the biggest ballroom at sea and the largest library afloat, featuring more than 8000 books.