Australia has opened its international borders to all vaccinated tourists, nearly two years after the nation first imposed some of the world's strictest COVID-19 travel restrictions.

"The wait is over," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said during a press conference on Sunday ahead of the re-opening. "Pack your bags," he told potential visitors, adding, "Don't forget to bring your money with you, because you'll find plenty of places to spend it."

The first flight into Sydney Airport arrived from Los Angeles at just after 6am, and other arrivals are due from Tokyo, Vancouver and Singapore. Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan was on hand to welcome the first arrivals and told the Nine Network: "The first passenger (to enter the arrivals hall) had a huge smile on their face even though they have been on a plane for what, 20-odd hours."
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