Former US president Barack Obama to visit Australia in March 2023

Barack Obama is heading Down Under for the first time in nearly a decade where he will headline a series of events. See how you can attend.

Former US president Barack Obama is heading to Australia for the first time in nearly a decade to deliver a series of speeches on leadership.

The 61-year-old, who served as the 44th US president from 2009-2017, is set to speak at Aware Super Theatre in Sydney on March 28 and John Cain Arena in Melbourne on March 29.

The series will be hosted by business event organiser Growth Faculty, who have previously brought Hillary Rodham Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, Malcolm Gladwell, and George Clooney to Australia.

The upcoming “An Evening with Barack Obama”, will feature Mr Obama discussing strength in leadership and techniques for navigating an unpredictable future.

Barack Obama will discuss strength in leadership and share his wisdom on how to navigate an unpredictable future. Picture: AFP.

General tickets cost $195 per head, however, Sydney attendees can opt for a platinum ticket for $895 which also includes canapes and drinks for an hour before the event but does not include Mr Obama’s participation.

Live stream tickets can also be purchased for those unable to physically attend.

“Today, I’m incredibly excited to relaunch our live, in-person events and it is a great honour to be able to welcome President Obama,” Growth Faculty chief executive and founder Karen Beattie said.

Mr Obama has remained politically active post-presidency. Picture: AFP.

“There‘s no leader better equipped to share their experience, unique strategy and wisdom, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen us for this limited and exclusive event.”

Mr Obama’s last visit to Australia was in 2014 for the G20 leaders’ summit in Brisbane.

He was also hosted by then prime minister Julia Gillard in 2011, when he travelled to the Northern Territory and confirmed plans for a rotating US military presence on Australian soil.

Barack Obama and Julia Gillard during his visit in 2011. Picture: Pablo Martinez Monsivais.

The first African-American president is one of only five US presidents to have visited Australia while in office, according to US Embassy records.

Mr Obama has also remained politically active post-presidency, including his most recent campaigning for Democratic candidates in the US midterms.

He also penned a memoir A Promised Land, published in 2020. Platinum ticket holders for the Sydney event will receive a copy.

Originally published as Former US president Barack Obama to visit Australia in March 2023