Pictures capture wild fan frenzy as Obama steps out in Sydney

The former US president has been welcomed by a storm of supporters as he steps out in Sydney on Tuesday, ahead of his Australian speaking tour.

Former US President Barack Obama was welcomed by swarms of fans on Tuesday morning as he stepped out of the Four Seasons Hotel ahead of a scheduled appearance with former Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop.

Obama and his wife Michelle touched down in Australia on Sunday night, where they were welcomed by US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.

The pair were photographed with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Kirribilli House on Monday morning, before heading to Balmoral, where crowds had raced to catch a glimpse of the couple.

Former US President Barack Obama says hello to fans in Sydney ahead of a speaking tour. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Lawyer, writer and former First Lady Michelle Obama joins her husband on the tour. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Obama was all smiles as he left the Sydney hotel. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Hundreds of fans braved the rain to catch a glimpse of the 44th US President as he hopped off his private jet on the weekend, and a swarm of Sydneysiders have cheered on his every appearance.

The 61-year-old is scheduled to host speaking events alongside former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday and Wednesday evening respectively.

It comes after the Obamas were spotted grabbing a cheeky late night feed at Grana, a restaurant in Circular Quay, late on Monday evening.

The Former US President was flanked by security on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Michelle Obama has accompanied her husband on the whirlwind Australian visit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

The former First Lady cut a glamorous figure in all black. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Organised by The Growth Faculty, ‘An Evening with President Barack Obama’ will see Mr Obama discussing global challenges, moderated by Ms Bishop.

“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.

“In a moderated discussion with The Honourable Julie Bishop, attendees will hear President Obama discuss strength in leadership and explore techniques for navigating an unpredictable future.

“There’s no leader better equipped to share their experience, unique strategy and wisdom on the changing face of leadership.”

Tickets for the events range from $195 for a standard seat to an eye-watering $895 for “platinum” bookings.

The security presence around the former President was massive on Tuesday, with throngs of police officers lining the streets outside of the Four Seasons.

Police stationed outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Police officer and his sniffer dog inspect cars before Obama leaves his hotel in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Obama last made an official visit to Australia in 2014, touching down in Queensland aboard his presidential plane, Air Force One, for the G20 leaders’ summit in Brisbane.

Earlier in his presidency Obama spent a short time in Canberra and Darwin, meeting then-prime minister Julia Gillard and announcing a new military co-operation agreement in 2011.

In 2018 Obama visited our shores to speak at a private event at the Art Gallery of NSW — his most recent trip to the land down under, until now.

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

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 26, 2023

On Monday Obama posed for photos with Mr Albanese in front of a drizzly Sydney Harbour, smiling under black umbrellas.

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

We are failing our children. Guns are now the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.

Michelle and I mourn with the students and families of the Covenant School today. pic.twitter.com/8X9qKKzB9d

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 27, 2023

Despite being in good spirits on Tuesday morning, Obama also took to Twitter to condemn gun violence in the US following the fatal school shooting in Nashville.

A shooter, believed to be a former student at Covenant School, fatally shot three primary school students and three adults on Monday morning before being shot and killed by police.

“We are failing our children,” Obama tweeted.

“Guns are now the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.

“Michelle and I mourn with the students and families of the Covenant School today.”

Originally published as Pictures capture wild fan frenzy as Obama steps out in Sydney