Eight months after his cancer diagnosis was revealed, this royal tour is important for Charles - and the monarchy.

For the 200 students and their guests, the fact that King Charles is travelling over 16,000 km (10,000 miles) across 10 different time zones, to tour the country from 18 to 26 October - all while going through cancer treatment - is a testament to his love of Australia. And for that they are grateful.

Local maps? Etiquette guide? Spare blood? There’s a lot more involved in arranging a royal tour than you might imagine!

King Charles is heading to Australia for his first royal visit since becoming king. Here's where you might catch a glimpse of royalty.

King Charles III will touch down in Australia on Friday evening in what is expected to be his final visit Down Under.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon will meet privately with King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Sydney Harbour foreshore after the British monarch arrives on Friday evening,

King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s upcoming visit to Australia is significant for several reasons. It is Charles’ first visit since ascending to the throne – as well as the first time a British male head of state has visited Australia.

Anti-monarchy protests are planned for the King’s first tour of Australia as its head of state. Charles and Queen Camilla begin a five-day visit to Australia on Friday, the King’s first long-haul overseas trip since his cancer diagnosis.

He is only the second reigning British monarch to visit Australia. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, became the first 70 years ago. While the welcome will be warm, Australia's national and state leaders want the royals removed from their constitution.

King Charles going ahead with his royal tour of Australia despite still undergoing cancer treatment shows the significance of the monarch’s trip, according to King’s College London royal historian Dr George Gross.