Emotions were running high on Monday morning as international travellers touched down in Sydney, two years after Australia imposed some of the world's toughest COVID-19 restrictions.
Sydney Anderson spoke with SBS News early in the morning as she waited for her daughter to arrive at the international terminal.
"We haven't seen her for two and a half years, so we're very excited," she said.
Ms Anderson said her daughter - who lives in North Carolina - had applied for a visa to travel to Australia but had been knocked back four times.
"As soon as we heard the announcement, she called Qantas and here she comes," she told SBS News.
"She'll get her Vegemite and a koala and everything's great."
Sydney airport hosted several emotional family reunions on Monday.
Sydney Anderson waits for her daughter at Sydney airport. Source: SBS News
Mariana and Nick Terzis were reunited with Mariana's parents, Adam and Lauren Carrier, after flying in from the US.
Ms Terzis last saw her parents when they visited New Orleans in 2019.
"The feeling is amazing. So exciting to be reunited after such a long time," her father Adam said.
"It's so difficult for families and this is a very special moment for us."
RJ Landis said touching down in Australia felt "unbelievably surreal".
Mariana and Nick Terzis with Mariana's parents, Adam and Lauren Carrier. Source: SBS News
He arrived in Sydney from the US just three days before his best friend's wedding.
“I was ready to Zoom [into the wedding] if I needed to, but I wanted to be there in person. I’m glad I get to be here in person," he said.
"It blows my mind right now. It feels so good, it's been way too long."
Australia's international borders are now open to all vaccinated tourists.
RJ Landis, right, with best friend Jody Tuchan. Source: AFP via Getty Images
"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, with 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."
He added: "What wonderful, wonderful news for our tourism industry and the 660,000 people employed in it.
"There is excitement everywhere, people are loving it, absolutely loving it."
Only 56 international flights are expected to land in Australia in the 24 hours after the re-opening - far below pre-pandemic levels - but Mr Morrison said he had "no doubt" the number will scale up in time.
Australia closed its borders to almost everyone except citizens and residents in March 2020 in an attempt to slow surging COVID-19 case numbers.
The travel ban - which also barred citizens from travelling overseas without an exemption and imposed a strict cap on international arrivals - earned the country the nickname "Fortress Australia".
Every month under the policies has cost businesses an estimated $3.6 billion, according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with tourism particularly hard hit.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said bookings had been strong since the federal government announced the country was opening on 21 February after borders were shut two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're in this position today thanks to the millions of Australians who rolled up their sleeves to get the jab and give the Australian government and state and territory governments' confidence that we can safely reopen to the world," he said in a statement.
With AAP
