The 400 children, from four Gold Coast schools, were joined by athletes, Games and Goverment representatives to celebrate the milestone.

"Four years, 1461 days, 208 weeks, 35,064 hours or 126,230,400 seconds from April 4 2018 is well worth celebrating because in just a few short months, following the Glasgow Games in July/August, the Commonwealth Games are ours," said Gold Coast 2018 chairman Nigel Chamier.

"We are well and truly on track with planning and ready to deliver a great Commonwealth Games in 2018."

Children from Guardian Angels Primary School, Southport State Primary School, The Southport School and Surfers Paradise State School waved flags with the words "four years to go" as they formed the 14 metre-long, 10 metre-wide number four.

There was a party atmosphere on the beach as children joined Games organisers and Government representatives for the celebration ©Gold Coast 2018



Jann Stuckey, Minister for the Commonwealth Games, said: "Gold Coast 2018 will be a memorable, life-changing landmark event that will instil a sense of community pride and ownership through the Gold Coast and Queensland.

"Part of the Embracing our Games Legacy action plan is a global education programme currently being developed that will draw on the diverse experiences that will be delivered through Gold Coast 2018.

"These students and many more across the state will be engaged in the education programme that will focus on enhancing curriculum, skills and networks in the lead up to, during and following the Games."

Last week, plans for the Athletes' Village were revealed and branded as "one of the Games' most significant legacy projects".

It will be built on the 29-hectare Parklands site near Southport, comprising more than 1,200 apartments and townhouses for athletes and officials during the Games.

The Games are due to run from April 4 to April 15 2018.

It will be the fifth time Australia has hosted the Games, after Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and Melbourne in 2006.

This year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is scheduled to open on July 23.

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