In October 1988, at the invitation of the Australian Government, "Flying Scotsman" arrived in Australia to take part in the country's bicentenary celebrations as a central attraction in the Aus Steam '88 festival. The event organisers had been interested in having LNER A4 No 4468 "Mallard" visit, but it was unavailable due to the 50th anniversary of its world record high-speed run, and 4472 was recommended as its replacement. During the course of the next year "Flying Scotsman" travelled more than over Australian rails, concluding with a return transcontinental run from Sydney to Perth via Alice Springs in which it became the first steam locomotive to travel on the recently built standard gauge line to Alice Springs. Whilst in Australia it was operated by 3801 Limited (now East Coast Heritage Rail), and was often seen working with Locomotive 3801.