Travel writers, a Paralympian, a glaciologist, a '60s pop group and a fairy named Sparkle are among the 783 Australians named in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list - and while all have been recognised for their achievements, not one has become a knight or dame.

NSW Chief Justice Thomas Bathurst was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). He is joined in the second-highest honours class by Professor Richard Gibbs, who was recognised for his work sequencing the human genome, and author Les Carlyon. Dr Megan Clark, chief executive of CSIRO, is the only woman among the seven AC appointees.

The field of entertainment was well-represented. Best known for the hit Georgy Girl, the Seekers - Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Bruce

Woodley and Keith Potger - have each been made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

So too were the founders of the global travel publisher Lonely Planet, Maureen and Tony Wheeler. The company started with a single backpackers' guide, Across Asia on the Cheap, published in 1975. They are among at least five married couples who have made the list.

Other AO recipients include Ziggy Switkowksi, chairman of the NBN and former head of Telstra and Optus, and Professor Paul Grabowsky, jazz pianist and composer.

Glitter and wand make a rare addition to investitures and Fairy Sparkle has been honoured for her work with sick children and help in establishing ''Fairy Gardens'' at six hospitals in NSW and Queensland.

''Nothing makes me happier than seeing a child's face light up - and then seeing that same glow reflected in their parents' faces. If I can wave my wand and make something positive happen, why wouldn't I?'', said Ms Sparkle, who has volunteered in hospitals for 23 years and is now a holder of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). ''I'm a little bit left of field, so to have my work recognised is such a wonderful honour.''

Over more than two decades, she has worked in hospitals around Sydney to improve the lives of patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Accompanied by her pomeranian, Inkling, she sings, plays and chats with the young patients seven days a week.

Particularly close to Fairy's heart is the ''happy garden'' project, which has seen eight separate gardens built in hospitals around Sydney. The project aims to create a sanctuary outside the ward, where patients and their families can go to relax, seek inspiration and interact as a ''normal'' family.

''It's about allowing happiness and dignity to flourish in the face of difficult times,'' she says.

The Prime Minister is able to nominate individuals for a knighthood at any time, taking advantage of new powers announced in March.

Last week he told the ABC: ''We have got the Queen's Birthday honours coming up and let's see what they reveal.''

Of 847 nominations received by the Governor-General’s office, 571 - 393 men and 178 women - were approved. A further 212 meritorious and military awards were announced.

“To these recipients, I offer my warmest congratulations and express my sincere admiration for your achievements,” Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said.“You now join the company of men and women whose actions have enriched our community and whose values we hold dear – compassion, dedication, generosity, tolerance, energetic ambition.”

A Star of Gallantry was awarded to an unnamed soldier, Private B, who repeatedly exposed himself to sustained heavy fire to support his team in Uruzgan as part of Operation SLIPPER. Two unnamed soldiers received Commendations of Gallantry for their efforts as part of the same operation. A total of 27 appointments and awards were given to those who served on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan.

Opera Australia artistic director Lyndon Terracini and 2UE radio presenter Angela Catterns have been appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM), as have Nine Network presenter Richard Wilkins and award-winning Sydney architect Alec Tzannes.

Trailblazing HIV and gay rights activist Lex Watson, who died from cancer aged 71 last month, was posthumously honoured with an AM. NSW State of Origin coach Phil Gould, Paralympic gold medallist Richard Colman and City to Surf champion Steve Moneghetti have also become AMs.

The director of last year’s International Fleet Review Captain Nicholas Bramwell was appointed AM in the military division. James Scott, who helped design drones in the 1950s and equipment onboard the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s twin engine aircraft has been awarded an OAM. The medal was also awarded to Woodenbong man Eric Taylor, who counts in his service to the community being its volunteer cinema projectionist since the 1950s.