Perth beats flag waving record

The world record for the most people simultaneously waving a national flag was easily broken at Perth's Australia Day Skyworks.

A City of Perth spokesman said more than 60,000 flags were fluttered, prompted by a helicopter towing a 15-metre flag over the Swan River.

The previous record stood at just more than 56,000 people.

"It was easily beaten," the spokesman said.

Spectators' numbers were up on last year at more than 300,000.

Police said the crowd was generally well behaved, with fewer arrests than in 2014.

State-wide, 87 people were charged with a total of 112 offences.

"Only 17 had to be arrested for disorderly behaviour," spokesman Sam Dinnison said.

"We're quite happy with that."