The 13-time Paralympic Games medallist and 2010 Commonwealth Games champion was given the opportunity to carry the Baton without the mandatory white gloves and was thrilled with the experience.

"It just feels like I've been a part of this journey for so long," he said.

"I feel like I'm sharing with my town and my home now.

"Eight weeks out from the Commonwealth Games, it's now a reality and it's exciting to be here with the other local Batonbearers because they're the ones that keep our community rolling."

Diana Santleben, the 2017 Newcastle Citizen of the Year for her local community work, carried the Baton aboard a pilot boat along the New South Wales coastline before it was taken to Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, where thousands turned out to greet the Relay.

Australian indigenous boxer Jamie Pittman, who competed at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and carried the Baton today, said how much he was looking forward to the Games in Gold Coast, which open on April 4.

"I always love the Opening Ceremony," he said.

"A buzz for me was walking out in 2002 in Manchester and I can't wait to see the athletes walk out there at this year's Commonwealth Games."

The Queen's Baton will now head to Sydney where it will be carried by cricketer Glenn McGrath and former Olympic swimming champions Leisel Jones and Ian Thorpe, who both won ten Commonwealth Games titles each.