Former US President Barack Obama arrives in Melbourne ahead of speaking tour

The 44th president of the United States is continuing his whirlwind trip to Australia as part of his sold-out speaking tour.

Former US president Barack Obama has touched down in Melbourne ahead of the second night of his sold-out Australian speaking tour.

The former president has been in the country since Sunday after arriving ahead of his highly anticipated series of talks with former Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop.

Obama first arrived in Sydney and met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese before joining wife Michelle for lunch at Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral, a tour of the Opera House and dinner at Grana in Circular Quay on Monday.

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

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 26, 2023

The 44th US president was welcomed by about 9000 people at the Sydney “Evening With President Obama” event on Tuesday night in Darling Harbour.

The speaking tour with Ms Bishop aims to offer ticket holders an intimate discussion about leadership and the world’s future, including the political climate with China, Russia and Ukraine.

Tickets for the Melbourne event have sold out, with prices ranging from $195 for a standard seat to a whopping $895 for “platinum” bookings.

For the biggest Obama fans, purchasing a “platinum package” gets the ticket holder a welcome cocktail at a one-hour drinks function, a commemorative lanyard and a signed copy of Mr Obama’s book.

Former US president Barack Obama arrives in Melbourne. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Mr Obama started his speaking tour in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

There are 10,500 people expected to see him speak at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night, plus those who were able to buy a link to the online stream selling for about $400.

It’s understood the former president could be up for a payday upwards of $1m after his tour is complete.

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

“President Barack Obama’s path to success is unlike any other. As a global leader, pioneer and 44th president of the United States, his journey is one of resilience, perseverance and triumph, the result of exceptional determination and true tenacity,” the website read.

AFP and security at Sydney airport as Mr Obama left for Melbourne on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

He flew aboard his jet from Sydney for Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“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.

“Attendees will hear President Obama discuss strength in leadership and explore techniques for navigating an unpredictable future.”

The Obamas were spotted taking in the sights on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb on Wednesday. Picture: Jayden Seyfarth/ Instagram

It marks his first official visit to Australia since 2014 when the former president, then in office, visited Queensland for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane.

He’d also previously visited the country in 2018 to speak at a private event at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Mr Obama was also spotted on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with his wife and entourage hours before boarding the flight to Melbourne.

Originally published as Former US President Barack Obama arrives in Melbourne ahead of speaking tour