Ms Gallagher escorted the royal couple around the National Arboretum Canberra on Thursday morning, saying it had been a privilege to do so and to show them ''a different side of Canberra''.

''They were very down-to-earth, very friendly and with a great rapport with everybody they met,'' she said. ''And very interested, I think it was lovely to meet them.''

Ms Gallagher said they chatted about the history of the site, a former pine plantation destroyed in 2001 fires and set aside as an arboretum in the wake of the devastating 2003 bushfires, with 100 forests eventually to grow on the hillside location.

''They were quite interested in why we didn't re-plant pine and why we went for this big experiment in a way,'' she said.

''And then, [we were] just talking about sights of Canberra and the views that you get. They could see Government House which is where George is.

''They were very interested in the playground and meeting the children.''

Ms Gallagher, a staunch republican, conceded the visit by Kate, William and baby Prince George could not help but reignite support for the monarchy.

''I think the difference with the duke and duchess is that they're really connecting with young people, so that's where you're seeing a connection with the monarchy and our ties and history to the UK,'' she said.

''So, you know, I think it has changed with their visit and I think that's ignited more interest with what's going on and the connection we have with our past.''

And she said the tour had also been a win for Australia, showing it off to a worldwide audience. ''I think their visit has been incredibly successful for the whole of Australia, to showcase different parts of it.

''We're a long way from their home so I guess it's publicity and exposure we wouldn't normally get, particularly in Canberra and particularly for the arboretum,'' she said.