Australia have won their opening gold medal of the world swimming titles in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay in Melbourne on Sunday night.

The Australian team of Libby Lenton, Melanie Schlanger, Shayne Reese and Jodie Henry clocked 3 minutes 35.48 seconds to set a new championship record.

The United States were second in 3:35.68 and the Netherlands third in 3:36.81.

World record holders Germany finished fourth.

Lenton made a superb start, giving the team the lead after her opening leg.

"It was really important obviously," she said. "It's a pretty important part of the race.

"It was equal to my best time so I'm really happy with that."

Henry produced a sensational final leg, guiding the Australian team home after giving the Americans a sizeable start.

"I did the same thing at the (Athens) Olympics, so it's old news to me," she said with a laugh.

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