Lit in Olympia, extinguished in New South Wales.
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It visited 12 island countries and territories of Oceania. On June 8, 2000 it reached Yulara in Australia and began its quest near the sacred rock of Uluru.
It travelled the country for 100 days and passed through over 1,000 towns and suburbs.
Before the Sydney Olympic torch lit Stadium Australia marking the opening ceremony, the illustrious flame blazed through the Southern Highlands.
On September 4, 2000 the Olympic torch passed through Bowral on it's final leg.
Carrier of the torch through the Highlands was Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, Heather Turland.
Heather recalled what an honour it was for her to represent the Southern Highlands whilst carrying a piece of history in front of her hometown.
"Due to me winning a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games a few years prior, I was asked by the committee to be a part of the torch relay," Ms Turland said.
"To be asked to carry the Olympic torch in front of your hometown is an absolute privilege.
"I was more than happy to do it and jumped at the opportunity."
A phone call from the late, great dual Olympian and patron of the Southern Highlands Water Polo Club, Raymond Leslie Smee delivered the news that Heather would be a part of the relay.
"Ray was a lovely man and he gave me the great news," Ms Turland said.
"I was really excited when I got the news. The Southern Highlands is such a tight knit community. Over the time I was competing, they all supported me.
"I was very proud to run through the town with the torch."
Heather ran the last leg which ended at the home of Australia's greatest cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman at Bradman Oval.
She came home to an almighty roar of support as the hallowed turf was surrounded with her hometown companions.
"The oval was lined with people and it was such a festive feeling," Ms Turland said.
"I lit the cauldron which was very, very special. To think that the flame had been passed from country-to-country, to Australia, then in my hands is a pretty awesome feeling.
"I felt very united with every person who had touched that torch.
"The camaraderie between other relay runners when we eventually met was instantaneous.
"But, my strongest memory was definitely running into Bradman Oval with the crowd cheering and it being a very community filled event. Then the lighting of the cauldron.
"I still have a torch from the the relay and it will always give me wonderful memories."
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