Australia welcomed its first British holidaymakers today as most of the country reopens to fully vaccinated travellers. 

Two Qantas flights from London Heathrow landed in Australia this morning, bringing the first British holidaymakers to Australia in two years.

Passengers on QF2 landing in Darwin were welcomed by Northern Territory-based tourism operator, TV presenter and the star of his own upcoming Netflix series, Matt Wright.

The second flight, QF10, arrived two hours later to a red-carpet welcome and reception that included an official reception.

In Sydney, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan joined Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison at the international airport to welcome the first holidaymakers since 2019, who were treated to live entertainment, Aussie-themed gifts and a giant 75-metre ‘Welcome Back World’ painted on one of the runways.

“At Tourism Australia we are so excited to be welcoming back international visitors who make up a critical part of our visitor economy,” said Ms Harrison.

“There is no doubt the last two years have been very challenging for the tourism industry, and whilst recovery will take a bit of time, operators can’t wait to say g’day and welcome back international tourists.”

Tourism Australia launched the campaign, ‘Come and Say G’day – Don’t Go Small. Go Australia’, into key western markets, including the  UK, ahead of the border reopening.

However, Western Australia won’t reopen to international leisure travellers until next month.