Surf boats which represented each of the past 18 host cities were on the Yarra River as were flags of the participating countries. A W-class Melbourne tram with wings attached was lowered into the stadium. A performance followed based on a poem by Michael Leunig, involving a boy with a duck which was an artificial one at first, and koalas, (people dressed in koala 'suits').
Vessels representing each of the previous 18 host cities were moored along the Yarra River, alongside flags from participating countries. A specially designed tram, equipped with wings, was lowered into the stadium. The event then featured a performance inspired by Michael Leunig's poem, depicting a boy accompanied by an artificial duck and people dressed in koala attire.