That's it for our live updates for today. But we'll be back doing the same thing from tomorrow morning. In the meantime,don't forget to buy a copy of The Canberra Times tomorrow for a wrap up of the visit,including analysis,detail of the announcement,the colour and movement of the day and lots of photos.
7.55pm
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has finally found something he can agree with the PM on. He has issued a statement supporting the troop build up.
"This is in Australia's security interests and will assist the US,the bedrock of global security and stability,in its objectives of maintaining a strong military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and of dispersing its forces,"he said.
6.55pm
Amongst all the excitement of press conferences and the like comes news that the Secret Service do not make exceptions for anyone when it comes to security - not even the first bloke.
Care of the ABC's Latika Burke,again,we hear that he was forced to walk home after the official welcome.
At least it isn't a long way to the Lodge.
Footage of his lonely stroll has already been broadcast on Nine News.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister told Fairfax reporter Dylan Welch:"Tim often walks to and from Parliament House and he decided to do so today."
The first bloke told TV cameras"it's the best way to get home"and it's"only 100m down the road".
6.47pm
And for a further run down of the big news out of the press conference,have a look at this put out by the PM and President.
6.46pm
And yep,that was the last question. It's a wrap for the presser. Time to prepare for dinner.
6.44pm
And the second American question,and likely last of this press conference,is again on China - what is everyone scared of?
Obama replies,"The notion that we fear China is a mistake. The notion that we are looking to exclude China is a mistake".
The PM - perhaps with the terms of trade in mind - says she wants to see China continue to rise.
6.38pm
Second Australian question comes from Mark Riley,on whether the US influenced the Government's decision to consider selling uranium to India and the carbon tax.
Obama says he had no influence on the uranium decision,and"I suspect that you have got some pretty smart government officials here who worked out that india is a big player,and that the Australia-India relation is one that should be cultivated".
He said every country needed to find its own way to reduce emissions most effectively and"Here in Australia,under the leadership of the Prime Minister,you have moved forward with a bold strategy".
6.33pm
Second question comes from the Americans,and it's on Europe's financial problems and budgets,and on why he is here.
He says the US is here to stay and"we are going to fulfil our leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region".
He also believes the trouble in Europe is one of"political will,not capacity".
6.30pm
First question comes from Press Gallery president Phil Hudson,on the troop build up.
The President says it will build cooperation and capacity between the two countries.
He says the region is increasingly important,and it would be good to have more troops here to respond to humanitarian issues and natural disasters more quickly.
He denies it is in response to the build up of China,saying he"welcomes a rising peaceful China".
6.20pm
More detail on the troop build up. In a joint statement,the PM and President say the"initiatives strengthen an already robust partnership that has been an anchor of stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region".
Starting next year,Australia will welcome the deployment of U.S. Marines to Darwin and Northern Australia,for around six months at a time,where they will conduct exercises and training on a rotational basis with the Australian Defence Force. The initial deployment will consist of a small liaison element and a company of 250 U.S. Marines.
The intent in the coming years is to establish a rotational presence of up to a 2,500 person Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The U.S. Marines will exercise and train on a rotational basis with the Australian Defence Force in the Northern Territory.
The leaders also agreed to closer cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force that will result in increased rotations of U.S. aircraft through northern Australia. This will enhance bilateral collaboration and offer greater opportunities for combined training and exercises. Select equipment and supplies in support of these initiatives will be prepositioned in these locations to facilitate exercises and training.
6.18pm
And some nice words for the PM,"my friend Julia".
"I see the qualities[in her] that we Americans like most in Australians.[She is] down to earth,easy to talk to and someone who says it like it is,straight up. And that is why we have achieved so much to date."
6.16pm
President Obama says he has"have never forgotten the warmth and kindness that the Australian people have provided me when I was six and eight and I can see that the Australian people have lost none of that warmth."
6.13pm
The PM confirms that we are getting some US troops rotating through the NT. Initially a company sized deployment of marines of about 250 people,increasing to about 2500 a few years later.
6.10pm
Let's try that video again.... See the top of the screen.
6pm
A spot of rubber necking,perhaps? ACT Police tweeted that there has been an accident outside Parliament House.
Two vehicle collision Adelaide Ave and Capital Hill,Emergency Services attending. Avoid the area.
Not that anyone going that way should be expecting free flowing traffic at the moment...
5.58pm
On a side note,apologies for the lack of hoped for video. Alas,it failed us today,but we're better armed for next time.
5.55pm
With thanks to the Prime Minister's Office for supplying this image (and the ABC'sLatika Burke for distributing it),we can now see what took so long for the President to write in the guest book.
To the people of Australia,with whom we have stood together for a century of progress and sacrifice. On this 60th anniversary of our alliance we resolve that our bonds will never be broken and our friendship will last for all time.
Via
5.40pm
We mentioned earlier that there was a lot of excitement from the kids gathered at Parliament House,and then a lot more handshaking. Well,that wasn't all that was going on.
One lucky girl offered a particularly warm welcome,wrapping up the President in a big hug. Chelsea Gallagher from Dungong Primary School now has a story to tell for the rest of her life.
She later described it as"just an amazing feeling".
AAP reports Obama displayed plenty of his trademark charm on entering Parliament House. As he walked through the door with the PM at his side he spotted the kids and exclaimed:"Whoa! Hello everyone!"He mingled with the excited children for a few minutes,telling them:"Fantastic. Well,wonderful to meet you guys. Thank you so much."
5.34pm
If you were wondering what that book signing was all about,the following is just in from Judith Ireland,who is roaming the corridors of Parliament House following the president (in a journalistic way,not in a stalker way).
Just when you thought you couldn't get enough of visitors'book signing,there are two more to go tonight.
Upon his arrival at Parliament House this afternoon,Mr Obama signed the Prime Minister's book.
Before dinner he will also sign visitors'books for Speaker of the House of Representatives Harry Jenkins and President of the Senate John Hogg.
According to the Usher of the Black Rod Brien Hallett,the Senate book is signed by people who come to see the President of the Senate. This includes the Governor-General when he or she opens parliament,parliamentary delegations and foreign diplomats.
Usually the book lives in Senate President John Hogg's suite. But it can travel for extra special occasions,such as these.
For people used to writing long and ebullient messages in visitors'books at hotels and friends houses,the parliamentary version is a bit more sedate.
According to Mr Hallett,a calligrapher is likely to have prewritten a description of the event,leaving space for Mr Obama to simply leave his autograph.
Serjeant-at-arms Robyn McClelland said that Harry Jenkins has two visitors'books,one for ambassadors and the like and another for state visits. A calligrapher also does the leg work beforehand and each visitor gets a single page to work with.
Contrary to rumours that Edmund Barton's quill would be brought out of retirement for the occasion,there is no special pen for either of the books.
5.25pm
Just going back to that quick wardrobe change. Here's the GG at the airport.
And in this screen grab from Channel 10,here she is at Parliament House,an hour later.
5.10pm
Next up will be the official press conference. It's scheduled for about 6pm - although the PM has a tendency to keep journalists waiting these days,so it will be interesting to see when it does begin.
These joint press conferences are usually pretty structured events. There are a couple of questions from media from each country,and often the US media tends to focus on domestic issues while the Australian media will no doubt use the opportunity to quiz Obama. But the PM will no doubt get a chance to have a few words in,too.
4.58pm
While the President is inside,his car is waiting for him outside.
Just a reminder about the Beast. The $300,000 five-tonne Cadillac DeVille is bullet-proof,bomb-proof and even capable of withstanding chemical weapon attacks.
With all that armour - 125mm of it,in fact - it needs a bit of grunt,although its 6.6-litre V8 diesel engine uses 29.4 litres per 100km. Not the best fuel economy.
4.54pm
And here's another YouTube video of the motorcade,thanks to
4.50pm
The President has signed the official guest book in the Marble Hall at Parliament House,and he is now off for talks with Prime Minister Gillard.
Afghanistan is expected to be high on the agenda. They are unlikely to need to talk too much about plans for a stronger US military presence in Australia,which is expected to be officially confirmed at some point tonight or tomorrow.
4.45pm
More videos emerging of the arrival. This one is from
4.44pm
And there's Advance Australia Fair. Now he's off inside to sign the visitor's book. Lots of kids inside and they are excited to see the"leader of the free world". And yet more handshakes.
4.42pm
For those interested in seeing what the presidential motorcade looked like. This video was uploaded by
4.40pm
There's another greeting line. This one is quite a bit longer. Speaker Harry Jenkins is at the front this time. We can't help but wonder if he asked for"order". ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher also got a quick handshake from our American visitor.
Then there's another rendition ofStar Spangled Banner. No sign yet of the Australian national anthem.
4.38pm
He probably hasn't heard yet,but it might be a good thing the President is in Canberra. NBC is reporting that someone managed toThankfully the ballistic glass meant it didn't do any damage.
4.35pm
The 21-gun salute is as loud as promised. Obama then climbs on to a podium,before theStar Spangled Banner is played. Naturally,the President has hand on heart. Then he gets to inspect the Federation Guard.
4.32pm
Just in time for the motorcade to arrive at Parliament. When you're President,you also get to drive right up to the front doors of Parliament House. Of course,you also get a ceremonial welcome complete with the military,too.
And the GG has had time to change outfits. She is now in an peach/coral outfit with white dots. When she met the GG at the airport,she was in yellow.
The PM is still in that white jacket she loves so much. Obama hasn't taken the opportunity to change,either.
4.30pm
And thanks to the joys of digital cameras and modern technology,in less time than it takes him to drive from the airport to Parliament House - even with no traffic (for him at least) - here's a photo gallery of the President's arrival.
4.28pm
The GG has arrived at Parliament House for the official welcome at Parliament House and no doubt the PM is not far behind. Seeing as both left after Obama,though,it does make you wonder if he is taking the scenic route to the big house,or if he had to stop to check in at the Hyatt.
While we wait for the next big arrival,have a look through this gallery of some of the preparations for that moment.
4.23pm
Maybe there is an upside to the American National Basketball Association's industrial dispute that is keeping Canberra basketball star Patty Mills out of the world's top league. He is in Australia plying his trade,and has tweeted that he is one of the lucky ones to score an invite to tonight's big dinner.
"Getting suited&booted for dinner at Parliament House. You think Mr. President has his bball shoes? Might bring mine too just in case."
And there's more chance of that one-on-one game than you might think.
Obama is a basketball fan and even has a court at the White House,where he plays regular pick up games. And his Secretary for Education,Arne Duncan,is a former professional player - here in Australia for the now defunct Eastside Spectres of Melbourne.
4.16pm
The pomp and ceremony bit is getting under way. The military band is leading the Federation Guard into the Parliament forecourt and we've already had the warning that the 21-gun salute is going to be loud.
4.10pm
The US Embassy twitter account tweeted that it wasn't just a bunch of suited dignitaries waiting for the President's arrival - this Quarantine dog was also apparently quite excited by all the buzz.
4pm
While the President is off to Parliament,rumour has it he is staying at the Hyatt tonight - the presidential suite,perhaps? - rather than at the US embassy. Chris Knausreports that a spokesman for the hotel says it is scanning guests as they come in today,but was a tad less forthcoming when asked if that was because they had a special American visitor.
3.50pm
First pictures of the landing and greeting are coming through. Just to confirm it was the warm welcome everyone has been talking about.
Gillard and Obama greet. Photo:Reuters
3.25pm
That's it for the welcome. Obama is getting into the beast,his armoured car, before the motorcade gets underway. Canberra drivers should prepare for the odd delay in the next little while.
3.20pm
With a wave,Barack Obama walks out of Air Force One and down the stairs to be greeted by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
Emma Macdonald reports from the airport that it was a particularly warm handshake with the GG.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard gets not one,but two kisses.
Jeffrey Bleich,the US ambassador,just gets a handshake,as does Australian ambassador to the US,Kim Beazley.
There was even the chance for the continuation of a joke from APEC in Hawaii about the effect of the wind on the PM's hair.
Obama is here almost a half hour early,although everything is ready and waiting for the leader of the free world.
3.15pm
Chris Knaus reports that ACT Police are out in force. He says there are officers every 100m along Parkes Way,along with various other roads around town,before the motorcade gets underway shortly.
There is also plenty of security already at Parliament House,as this photo from Emma Macdonald shows.
3.10pm
And US President Barack Obama has arrived in Australia. Air Force One just touched down at Fairbairn.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard,Governor-General Quentin Bryce and US ambassador Jeffrey Bleich are on hand to greet him before he gets into the beast,his armoured car.
Here's a pic from Emma Macdonald,the CT's reporter at the airport.
3pm
That growl you hear overhead is the"sound of freedom"also known as F/A 18 Hornets. They'll be here for the next day until Obama moves on to Darwin - when the jet fighters will go on,too. Joint Task Force commander Rear-Admiral David Johnston told Peter Jean
2.50pm
While there won't be the same interest in what he is wearing compared to our last big visitor (Her Majesty was in a pale green ensemble for those who don't remember),that is not to say people will not be paying attention to Obama's style. CT fashion reporter Claire Low has the low down on his style and finds he is
2.46pm
The wait may be shorter than we thought. Judith Ireland reports the word is"Air Force One running early. Mr President will be in Can between 3 and 3.15pm. Potentially that's a whole 25 mins early"
2.45pm
And talking of video - well,we were about an hour ago. Here are a couple to tide you over before the big arrival. The first one is care of Fairfax and Channel 10 and looks at past presidential visits to Australia.
And here's Fairfax's Tim Lester talking with security correspondent Dylan Welch on President Obama's safety during his Australian visit.
2.30pm
And because any excuse to revisit a David Pope cartoon is a good one. Here's his offering today on the presidential visit.
2.20pm
Talking of Twitter. While we are sure you are already following us Here are a few others to keep an eye on for all things Obama over the next two days.
First up there is the US embassy team at and how could you ignore the man himself Then there is our very own You can even follow her in the box below.
There are also a few hastags developing. The main one seems to be but there is alsoand.
2.15pm
Glenda Kwek reports that in case anyone is worried that Mr Obama might suddenly turn his plane around and head back to the US - he has postponed his trip here twice - they could take some comfort from the news that the US press pack have touched down in Canberra,confirmed by NBC news White House reporter
"Welcome to Wednesday down under. Press charter just landed. We're a few hours ahead of POTUS. 2 days here in Australia."
1.50pm
Just a reminder of the times for today. Air Force One is scheduled to touch down at Fairbairn at 3.25pm. We are getting reports that the crowds are already building up near the airport - it seems people want to ensure a good spot to see the landing.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard,Governor-General Quentin Bryce and others will be there to meet him. Thankfully there's no chance of any curtsy controversies this time...
There is also a press conference this afternoon,about 5.30pm from Parliament House and a special dinner at 7.30pm. Check below for the menu - it sounds like everyone there is going to eat well.
We are going to try to bring you live footage of Obama's arrival at Faibairn (at 3.25pm) and the press conference (at 5.30pm).
And once he gets here,don't forget that we are keen for your Obama photos and videos. Email or
1.30pm
Our friends athave a story about ahead of Obama's visit tomorrow. No suggestions of anything like that happening here.
1.15pm
Because we know you wanted to see it. We've got a photo in of that giant joint we mentioned earlier.
"The Big Joint"as it is officially known has travelled from Nimbin and is the property of the Hemp Party.
It is 100 feet long and is four to five years old.
12.50pm
More photos of the preparations are coming in. This one from Fairfax's Andrew Meares from Parliament House shows one of the many flags going up around town.
12.20pm
A small group of protestors have gathered out the front of Parliament House.
This includes a giant blow-up joint - to try and put the issue of legalised marijuana on the public debate agenda.
Colorado native and Canberra University student Helena Pagano is also setting up camp to send a message to President Obama about protecting North American Wolves.
So far,the number of protestors is far outweighed by the number of TV crews in the area.
12.15pm
Judith Irelandreports that it won't be burgers or burritos but the President is in for a tasty feed tonight at Parliament House.
The menu for the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard includes sheep and fish fancied up,Aussie-style.
This translates to lamb with macadamia and thyme crust;avocado cream,blood orange and a herb salad.
There's also pan-fried Jewfish;seared prawn mousse,kipfler potato and a saffron sauce.
These dishes will be pared with a 2011 Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2011 from the Margaret River. And a 2009 Hollick Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra.
For dessert,Mr Obama can look forward to wattleseed and passionfruit pavlova with fresh raspberries.
11.45am
It looks like Canberrans - or at least the ones sitting at their computers - are getting Obama fever. A Google insights analysis shows a big spike in searches for"Obama"recently (blue line). And when you compare it to"the Queen",the territory's republican leanings are showing through. While there was a jump for the Queen's arrival (red line),it is not nearly as high.
11.40am
While there are no"road closures"because of the Presidential visit,there are a few"restrictions". As seen near the airport a short while ago.
9.30am
He's on his way. It was wheels up for Air Force One earlier this morning,and Obama is on his way to Canberra from Hawaii.
While we are waiting for him to arrive,
9am
There's plenty of coverage in today'sCanberra Times. For a taste,check out the stories below.
Chief Political CorrespondentChris Johnson tells us what to expect from the
He also looks at
Judith Ireland gives us athat goes into preparing for POTUS.
Christopher KnausWhile several will be"restricted"to stop the vast majority of Canberrans from using them,ACT Police say none will be"closed",as such.
Have you seen the President? Send us your Obama photos and videos,and tell us what you saw. Email or