Former US president Barack Obama’s arrival sparks Sydney frenzy

Hundreds of people have waited in the Sydney rain to see Barack Obama arrive Down Under to kick off his speaking tour.

Hundreds of people have braved wet weather to catch a glimpse of the 44th US president as he arrives in Australia to kick off a speaking tour.

Barack Obama touched down in Sydney on Sunday night before visiting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Kirribilli House on Monday morning.

Throngs of fans turned out to see the former commander in chief.

Security was heavy, as was the rain, with some people waiting for hours to snap a picture of Mr Obama.

Barack Obama touched down in Sydney with his wife Michelle on Sunday night. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Crowds lined the streets around Kirribilli House to try to catch a look at the 44th US president. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Mr Obama has speaking engagements in Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday and Wednesday nights respectively. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Earlier, the two leaders posed for photographs, grinning and holding black umbrellas against a backdrop of a rainy Sydney Harbour.

“Honoured to welcome President Barack Obama to Sydney,” Mr Albanese said on Twitter.

Honoured to welcome President @BarackObama to Sydney. pic.twitter.com/0EsyEBIceP

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 26, 2023

Mr Obama and his wife Michelle landed in Sydney overnight after travelling via private jet.

The 61-year-old is hosting speaking events in Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings respectively.

He will discuss global challenges with moderator and former Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop.

The Growth Faculty, which organised the tour, has said on its website Mr Obama and Ms Bishop will discuss “strength in leadership” and “explore techniques for navigating an unpredictable future”.

“In times of great challenge and change, President Obama’s leadership ushered in a stronger economy, a more equal society, a nation more secure at home and more respected around the world,” the event description reads.

The two leaders posed for photos in the rain. Picture: Supplied via Prime Minister's Office

The price of the tickets ranged from $195 for a standard seat to nearly $900 for a “platinum” booking.

Four Australian prime ministers came and went during Mr Obama’s time in office between 2009 and 2017. These were Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.

Originally published as Former US president Barack Obama’s arrival sparks Sydney frenzy