Global media icon Oprah Winfrey has made a highly anticipated return to Australian shores, landing in Sydney this week to kick off a whirlwind visit centred on her upcoming live tour. Touching down on her private jet on Monday, December 2, the talk show legend is diving headfirst into a Sydney experience personally curated by her close friend, Australian star Hugh Jackman.
A Local's Itinerary: Bondi, Pancakes, and the Opera House
Winfrey, whose last visit to Australia was in 2015, is determined to see the harbour city through a local's eyes. Just hours after arriving, she tackled the iconic Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, a top recommendation from Jackman. In an Instagram reel shared on Tuesday, she was seen navigating the picturesque path and its steep stairs, taking in the stunning coastline.
After passing an ocean swimmer, Winfrey humorously declined another of Jackman's suggested activities. "I forgot my bathing cap," she joked. "Don't want to mess up my hair." Following the walk, she headed straight to the famous Bills restaurant in Bondi for another Jackman-endorsed item: their ricotta hotcakes. "I'm just following Hugh's orders," she said, later confirming the pancakes were "worth every step."
Her Sydney immersion continued with a visit to the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. In a reflective moment captured online, Winfrey recalled her last major visit to Australia 15 years ago, when she brought an entire studio audience of 305 people to film a special episode at the landmark. "Such a great, beautiful memory," she said. "And it's so good to be back."
Gearing Up for Intimate Conversations Down Under
The core purpose of Winfrey's trip is the launch of her 'Oprah In Conversation' speaking tour, which begins in Sydney on Wednesday, December 4. The intimate event will be hosted by former Sunrise presenter Melissa Doyle and promises candid discussions on resilience, life lessons, and finding inspiration.
"I can't wait to share stories and reflect on what matters most to all of us, and hopefully inspire you to embrace your own path," Winfrey said in a promotional video. Doyle, who has been preparing with Winfrey via several Zoom meetings, shared her excitement on Sunrise last month. "She's fabulous. She's lovely. She's just what you would expect," Doyle said, noting they had discussed what wisdom Winfrey hopes to share with the Australian audience.
What the Visit Highlights
Winfrey's packed Sydney schedule underscores several key points:
- A Decade Between Visits: Her return marks ten years since her last Australian appearance.
- A-List Local Guidance: Hugh Jackman's personal recommendations shaped her first day's adventures.
- Major Tour Launch: The Sydney event is the start of her conversational tour, focusing on personal empowerment.
By blending a celebrity-friendly local tour with the launch of a major inspirational event, Oprah Winfrey's return has successfully captured the attention of both Australian fans and international observers, reminding everyone of her enduring connection to the country.
