7.02pm: One final wave and the most powerful man in the world is off, on his way to Bali for the East Asia Summit.



Photo: AP 6.54pm: And it looks like it's all over. He's back in the car on his way to the airport. Air Force One is due to fly out of Darwin at 7.30pm.

6.47pm: Mr Obama looks very hot - he's wiping his brow. It's only 27°C in Darwin right now - he's lucky he didn't come in February.

6.42pm: He wraps up his speech with more praise for the troops.

‘‘Thank you for representing the very best of our two countries,'' he says. ''God bless America, God bless Australia and God bless the great alliance between our two peoples.'' Oration over, Mr Obama's now down among the crowd, shaking hands. Camera phones are a-flashing.



Photo: Glenn Campbell From Twitter: The whole scene looks ''a bit American'', Jessica Rudd says. ''Not being critical, just observing.''

The scenes are somewhat reminiscent of the 2008 US Presidential election campaign: a huge room filled with thousands of people all trying to shake the hand of one man.

6.34pm: ''I was just presented with the most unique gift I've ever received as President. Crocodile insurance. My wife, Michelle, will be relieved.'' For those who haven't heard the story yet, the NT’s chief minister, Paul Henderson, is promising to pay the Obama family $50,000 if Barack is killed in a crocodile attack while he’s visiting. Twitter's having fun with this: ''Crocodiles demand insurance from CIA sharpshooters protecting Pres Obama in Darwin. Fair's fair'', writes David B Johnston.

6.32pm: He ticking off a bunch of Aussie-isms again: True blue. Aussie Aussie Aussie. Diggers. Do we get a strewth?





Photo: AFP He pays tribute to Australian Diggers killed in Afghanistan, some of whose families are present. ‘‘No words are sufficient for the depth of your sacrifice,'' he says. 6.29pm: Mr Obama: ''I’m not going to give a big speech, it’s a little hot, I already gave a big speech, I'm going to spend some time shaking hands.'' That last point got a huge (and dare we say, female-voiced) cheer from the back of the hanger. ''I don't think I'll be able to reach all the way back there,'' he says.

6.23pm: Julia Gillard takes to the podium. There is no better place to meet ''real Aussies'' than the Northern Territory, she says. I suppose those Canberrans are just all fake Australians, eh, Prime Minister?





Photo: Getty Images 6.22pm: Enter the Party President! Mr Obama has his jacket off, tie off, sleeves rolled up, smile 8000 watts.



Photo: AP 6.17pm: While the waiting crowd taps their feet to the band, let's have a look at some of President Obama’s favourite tunes, according to the UK Telegraph: 1. Ready or Not, Fugees

2. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye

3. I'm On Fire, Bruce Springsteen

4. Gimme Shelter, Rolling Stones

5. Sinnerman, Nina Simone



6.16pm: It looks like a fun crowd in this hanger. The military band is playing Gimme Some Lovin'. Kim Beazley is trying not to dance. 6.13pm: As he stopped to lay a wreath at the USS Peary memorial, Mr Obama greeted a few survivors of Japan's bombing of Darwin during WWII. There were a few tears.



Photo: Reuters 6.01pm: Wonder if Jessica's wondering what Damien Leith's doing right now.

6pm: Jessica Mauboy is now entertaining the troops as they wait patiently for the President to arrive. As you will recall, she lost the 2006 Australian Idol title to Damien Leith. Pretty sure this will bump that from the top of her resume.



5.57pm: Here's the first shot of Mr Obama in Darwin. He's on the tarmac meeting Aboriginal leader William Risk.



Photo: Reuters 5.51pm: We notice Barack Obama’s Twitter account (@BarackObama) has only tweeted once about Australia since he’s been here. Maybe he’s struggling to get mobile service.

It's not even a very good tweet. No hashtags. No mentions. No Twitpic.

5.47pm: Mr Obama has made a stop on the way to the RAAF Base to visit a memorial for the USS Peary, which was sunk in Darwin Harbour on February 19, 1942 during a Japanese air raid.

5.45pm: So how is China's media reacting to Mr Obama's big military announcement? The Sunday Age's national political editor Misha Schubert tweeted a link to this image that one outlet is using to illustrate its coverage: We just hope the Prime Minister remember to brush her teeth this morning. 5.40pm: ABC Darwin reports Mr Obama's motorcade has made its way along a Darwin street, passing cheering Territorians including one woman wearing a foam headdress inspired by the Statue of Liberty. We must have photographic proof of this.



5.29pm: Well that was quick. Mr Obama was barely on the tarmac for a minute before heading off on his way to Darwin's RAAF Base, where thousands of Aussie troops await him. They're being warmed up by NT musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu: 5.19pm: And Air Force One has landed in Darwin. Here he is, skipping down the stairs just like yesterday, greeting Julia Gillard with a kiss and a more restrained handshake with NT's Chief Minister Paul Henderson. 5.10pm: The Northern Territory News is so excited about the President's visit they are offering a free commemorative 'Obama Territory' hat with today's print edition. If you would like your own, they will send you one for $3.20 inclusive of postage.

4.55pm: It's always nice for busy parents to take some gifts home for the kids when they go away on a work trip. And the Australian Government has kindly done Mr Obama's shopping for him. As a gift for his daughters, Malia and Sasha, he received: Two pairs of Ugg boots;

A DVD of Red Dog;

A soft toy kangaroo and koala; and

Two packets of Tim Tams (not just one, presumably so they didn’t resort to fighting over who got to eat the 11th biscuit). And for himself, Mr Obama got: A fawn-coloured Akubra Cattleman hat;

A framed photograph of the 1941 signing of the ANZUS treaty; and

Three books written by Miles Franklin winners.

Nothing for the missus? We couldn’t have stumped up for a tube of lanolin hand cream for Michelle? 4.46pm: We're back on deck and it's about 20 minutes until Air Force One lands in Darwin. It's a good day for Darwinites (Darwinians?) - not only is it their first visit by a sitting US President, but they've got free parking, according to ABC Radio on Twitter: 1.30pm: Mr Obama may have left the building, but the impact of the security clampdown remains. Fairfax Immigration Correspondent Kirsty Needham reports that politicians and Parliament House staff are faced with food rationing. The popular Aussie's cafe was prevented from receiving fresh food deliveries this morning, including fresh bread, and now lunchtime is a meagre affair with no steak sandwiches on offer, and even the meatball pasta selling out. Brown rice salad anyone?

1pm: So Mr Obama and Ms Gillard are off to Darwin, where the great presidential roadshow continues this afternoon. Join us again at 3.30pm AEDT as we cover the events from Darwin live. Here's a recap of how events have panned out today: Barack Obama started out day two of his first Australian visit with a trip to the Australian War Memorial , where he paid tribute to our Diggers.

, where he paid tribute to our Diggers. He then headed to Parliament House, where he received a warm welcome ahead of his address to the nation.

ahead of his address to the nation. Mr Obama's address focused chiefly on the United States's increased focus on Asia, and the implications this would have on its relationship with China.

focused chiefly on the United States's increased focus on Asia, and the implications this would have on its relationship with China. He also emphasised how the rise of China presented an opportunity for Americans , rather than a threat.

, rather than a threat. But early analysis of the speech shows one theme is clear: his speech was a message to China heralding a new Asian order with a more engaged US as a major element.

with a more engaged US as a major element. Mr Obama then paid a visit to a Canberra high school before jetting off to Darwin, where he will visit Australian troops before departing. 12.55pm: Age National Affairs Correspondent Tony Wright writes that, having wowed staff and their families with a walk-by at the US embassy, and then dedicating a tree in the grounds, President Obama shrugged off his jacket and slid into his special Cadillac, The Beast, and headed for the airport where Air Force One awaits to fly him to Darwin. 12.45pm: Herald Political Editor Peter Hartcher writes that Barack Obama has enlisted all Australian on the side of the free.

Barack Obama has explicitly declared a long march against China's authoritarianism. And he signed Australia up for the campaign. In a tough speech to a joint sitting of both houses of the Australian parliament, the US President squarely confronted China's oppression of its people's political rights. Celebrating the historic triumph of victory, Obama said that other forms of government had been tried and all had failed because "they ignore the ultimate source of power and legitimacy – the will of the people". 12.35pm: Our live video stream has just broadcast a great image of Air Force One and the Prime Minister's demure jet sitting side-by-side awaiting take-off to Darwin. I know they say size isn't everything but you can't help thinking the PM's ride looks a little, shall we say, wee?

Maybe with all the exposure Air Force One has got this week she can press for an upgraded ride. Meanwhile, the reaction to Mr Obama's speech continues. The New York Times is also focusing on the China implications, with a headline that reads: U.S.Expands Military Ties to Australia, Irritating China. 12.24pm: While Mr Obama cosies up with the students at Campbell High, it appears the ACT Government has closed a hill overlooking the school while authorities scour the area for unexploded ordinance - that's right, military ammunition that has been fired but failed to explode. So forget al-Qaeda or any other random loonies targeting the President, it appears he has more to fear from our own ADF. A government spokesman has said the timing of the closure was "purely coincidental".

12.11pm: Herald Chief Political Correspondent Phillip Coorey has distilled Mr Obama's speech into this message: Barack Obama, has taken aim at China over everything from human rights to regional security in a provocative speech to the Australian Parliament. Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament this morning, Mr Obama said as the tide of war was receding in the Middle-East and Afghanistan, America was "looking ahead to the future we must build". "Let there be no doubt, in the Asia–Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in," he said. In comments this morning, Mr Obama said it was in the interest of both Australia and the US to witness the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China.

But he took aim at Beijing's poor record on human rights, free trade, intellectual property theft, its refusal to fully float its currency and the lack of freedoms granted to the Chinese people. 11.56am: Barack Obama has arrived at Campbell High School in Canberra, where AAP reports he was greeted by screaming hoards of students. He was reportedly invited by the school's journalism teacher. The first rule of US politics - charm the reporters and charm them young. Meanwhile, in cyberspace, Wombat jokes and quips are gaining currency on Twitter after the Channel Seven captions translated Mr Obama's use of the word "combat" to "wombat". They include: "I look forward to seeing the Afghan adventures of the 1st Royal Combat Wombat Regiment."

"Hand to hand wombat. A common tactic."

"Always choose wombat over combat!"

"New Aust military tank - the wombat"

"Ken Henry get out of the caption room!"

"I quite like the idea of having wombat troops though I think drop bears & hoop snakes would be better on the frontline."

"will we now see lobbying to get our wombat troops out of Afghanistan?" 11.38am: Herald National Affairs Correspondent Lenore Taylor says Mr Obama's speech has delivered a blunt message to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region: "We're back."

The US is refocused on this region. For Americans, his message is that this China-dominated region of economic growth can be a vehicle for America's economic recovery, rather than a threat to it. "I have made a deliberate and strategic decision, as a Pacific nation the United States will play a larger and stronger role in shaping this region," he said. The White House had billed it as the "anchor speech" for the President's trip, and as Australian MPs and Senators sat jammed together in one chamber in respectful, if slightly squashed, silence Obama nailed down his two key points. 11.31am: Early reaction to Mr Obama's speech on Twitter is pretty positive:

"Obama is at his best when he speaks about abstract ideals like rights. Nearly reached the soaring heights on one of his better speeches." - @ConnellyAL

"Another Ch 7 closed-caption Obama classic: he says 'combat', the caption says 'wombat'." - @Colvinius

"It was a good speech, but not quite the seminal, Cairo-esque number they promised #aubama" - @Mrgareth 11.29am: And Obama has left the building. A final few waves and then he's whisked off again to The Beast, where he will be ferried to a Canberra school for a visit with a few more of Wyatt Roy's contemporaries. 11.21am: Wyatt Roy gets a handshake, but decides against hugging Mr Obama like the other schoolchildren did yesterday.

And we get a third ovation as Mr Obama ventures into our very own Green Zone within the House of Representatives. Bob Brown manages to compose himself, and even goes the elbow-grasp while sporting a beaming smile. 11.14am: The encore ovation lasts just 20 seconds. Now Mr Obama is being mobbed by the front bench, all of whom are keen to have a quick handshake. A few choice words to Kevin Rudd. There's no microphones to pick up their conversation, but we can guess how it would go: Rudd: "Watch out for that redhead, Mr President."

Obama: "Hey, weren't you the Prime Minister once?"

Rudd: "Yeah, I don't like to talk about it..."

He also spends a long time sweet talking Tanya Plibersek. Smooth Mr Obama, very smooth. 11.10am: "God bless Australia, God bless America and God bless the friendship between our two peoples". What a nice way to finish. And the stopwatch begins on the standing ovation. George Bush snr got five minutes. How will Obama go? Boo, Harry Jenkins cuts off the ovation at barely 45 seconds. Maybe we'll get an encore...? 11.05am: Onto climate change, and Mr Obama pledges that Australia and the US are working together to make investments in clear energy.

And of course he is cheerleading the cause of democracy, saying all other systems have failed. "Yes, democracy can be messy and rough. I understand you mix it up quite well during Question Time." Not bad, but it's no Winston Churchill: "It has been said that democracy is the worst for of government, except all the others that have been tried." Still, this is Obama at his most inspirational best. There's no doubting the man can talk the talk. Many in the US would argue its walking the walk where things get a little bumpy.

11am: How has the US announcement of an Asian commitment gone down with the most populous South-East Asian country, Indonesia? The country has expressed concerns that the increased US military presence in northern Australia could provoke a ''vicious circle of tension and mistrust'' in the region. Read Fairfax Correspondent Tom Allard's report. 10.56am: As he mentioned yesterday: "Our enduring interest in the region demands our enduring presence in the region. We are here to stay." Mr Obama promises to bring the Australian and American militaries closer together, as evidenced by the plan to base troops in Darwin. Onto the baddies. He resolves to act firmly against any nuclear non-proliferation activities against North Korea and sets his sights on piracy around Indonesia. He also plans to be the first US President to attend the next East Asia Summit.

Meanwhile he says the US will continue to build a peaceful and cooperative relationship with China. Good luck with that! 10.52am: "The US has been and always will be a Pacific nation." The focus couldn't be more clear, and Mr Obama cites his own childhood experiences as an example of his country's links to the region. "Here we see the future as the world's fastest growing region." Asia is key to Mr Obama's highest priority - "creating jobs and opportunities for the American people." Mr Obama pledges that the US will play an increasing role in the region. He is emphasising the need for peace and mutually beneficial trade. "I know some have questioned America's commitment to upholding these principals." Mr Obama indicates that he will wind down defence spending as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end. Because of this, engagement in Asia will be a "top priority".

Julia Gillard is nodding in furious agreement. 10.49am: Mr Obama has promised to honour the three Diggers who were killed most recently in Afghanistan - Corporal Ashley Burt, 22, Captain Bryce Duffy, 26, and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, 27, who were killed in a parade ground shooting. He confirms the new Australia troop commitment represents a major shift in the focus of the US towards the Asian sphere. As US forces pull out of Afghanistan and Iraq, more attention will be paid to the region, which he says will have a big impact on his country's future. 10.45am: Mr Obama begins by thanking both his gracious hosts and the traditional owners. See, your mother was right - good manners get you everywhere in this world. But he disappoints by saying he won't offer a repeat attempt at the 'Strine. Boo!

At least he manages to pronounce the word "Aussies" correctly. It's OZZIES people - with a Z - not OSSSSSIES. See, it's not that hard. 10.40am: Mr Abbott can't resist the opportunity for a couple of political pot shots. Given his Dr No reputation of late, maybe he should just look Mr Obama square in the eye and say "No, we can't". He signs off on an ominous note: "No leader on earth has heavier responsibilities. May god bless you." 10.35am: "Mr President, we welcome you as an ally, a partner and a friend." With those words Ms Gillard signs off and Tony Abbott steps up to the plate. He kicks off by quoting General Motors and Alexis De Tocqueville. Random.

10.30am: Julia Gillard welcomes Mr Obama and invokes his famous "Yes, we can" catchphrase. The president has ditched the red tie for the blue tie today, so it's clearly down to business after yesterday's flitting about hugging schoolkids and having dinner. 10.28am: Mr Obama enters, and the first hand he shakes is - Greens MP Adam Bandt! Wow, that's playing with fire. Wonder if Bandt will secure his preselection again after that? Bob Brown smiles, but looks decidedly uneasy. Oh, if we could read his thoughts. ("Left shoe or right shoe...") 10.25am: House of Representatives Speaker Harry Jenkins has entered, accompanied by his bodyguard, who is wielding the ceremonial big mace in case Bob Brown thinks of getting out of line. 10.23am: I wonder if Mr Obama will slip in any more 'Strine when he addresses Parliament today? Words like "chin-wag", "spot-on", "crackerjack" and "in top nick" were flowing thick and fast at last night's state dinner. In case you missed it, here's a flashback courtesy of London's Daily Telegraph.

10.13am: Parliament House is packed to the rafters - a veritable sea of suits - ahead of Mr Obama's address. Live footage shows lots of politicians nervously shuffling from foot to foot. Hard to know if these nerves are caused by the imminent arrival of the President or unease over the conduct of the Greens. Will Bob Brown heckle or throw a shoe? Who can tell... 9.54am: BREAKING NEWS - Federal politicians are scrambling to get to Parliament House in time for Mr Obama's historic address, with the fleet of Commonwealth cars failing to pick them up, reports Immigration Correspondent Kirsty Needham. Michael Danby, the member for Melbourne Ports, rushed through bushland outside Parliament in a T-shirt and joggers at 9.30am with staff, complaining that a Comcar booked for 8.30 had simply failed to show.

The transport office was unable to tell Mr Danby's staff where the car was, or when it would be there. Mr Danby blamed the casualisation of the workforce of drivers - who now simply don't recognise a politician when they see him in the streets. David Bradbury, the member for Lindsay in NSW, also had difficulty finding a car. The closure of roads around Canberra and the blanket of security in place for the Obama is being blamed for the transport chaos. Meanwhile, the gleaming black Obama convoy rolled effortlessly towards Parliament. 9.40am: It was a sombre moment, says Tony Wright, when Mr Obama, with Ms Gillard and Ms Bryce, walked slowly along the wall inscribed with the names of 102,000 Australians who have died in the service of Australia.

9.30am: Mr Obama paid homage to Australia’s war dead when he arrived at the memorial, reports Dylan Welch. Greeted by Governor-General Quentin Bryce, PM Julia Gillard, War Memorial board chairman and ex-defence chief Peter Cosgrove and Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowden, he took part in a minute's silence in the Hall of Memory. Mr Obama then inspected the walls of remembrance outside and signed the visitor's book. "We will always remember sacrifices made on behalf of our freedom," he wrote. 9.22am: Tony Wright reports: The Last Post played by a bugler on a parapet above the pool of reflection echoes through war memorial as Obama lays a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier. 9.15am: Julia Gillard gets a kiss on only one cheek as Mr Obama arrives at the war memorial, reports The Age’s National Affairs Editor Tony Wright. "Yesterday it was both cheeks. Security is so tight Obama's Cadillac arrives and draws up within a big white marquee so no one from the public could catch a glimpse, even with binoculars.’’

9.10: The Beast and a posse of big, black autos roll up the War Memorial, only about 20 minutes late. I mean, really. The world doesn’t revolve around you, Barack. Oh, wait . . . Maybe he went jogging around Lake Burley Griffin this morning, fangin’ Julia Gillard’s gift iPod of the Best Aussie Pub Rock Anthems EVER!!! and just lost track of time. Repeat plays of Midnight Oil’s US Forces will do that. Good morning to you, Minister Garrett. 9.07: Beyonce, Jay Z, Kamahl. Yep, Mr Obama's accustomed to the world's best entertainers performing just for him. So, what do we offer him in Australia? A meeting with Kamahl. Who's not even singing. But the silky crooner's very excited, hoping he'll have the chance to get the chance to tell The Prez he "leaves me spellbound - spellbound and tearbound." Seriously. Read it here 8.57am: Plan for The Prez today is: wreath-laying at War Memorial, an address to Parliament, a school visit and an event at the US embassy this morning, then a flight to Darwin for military events and to meet local leaders. 8.43am: Meanwhile, in news from the US, police have arrested 21-year old man suspected of shooting at the White House last week, after federal agents found two bullets that had hit the mansion, including one that struck a window. Read more here 8.30am: But what about the official reception last night, I think I hear you demand. What did they eat? What did they drink? Just how loudly did Bob Katter sing Star Spangled Banner? Glad you asked. Read Katharine Murphy's account of the evening here

8.15am: National security correspondent Dylan Welch has been on the case at the War Memorial since 7am, two hours before Mr Obama arrives. He was pleased to see a few people out walking their dogs: bomb-detection dogs, as it turned out. He's tweeted: "birds are singing, flags are fluttering, and a US gov sharp shooter is checking out vantage points." Nice. 8am: Aaaaaand we're back. After an overnight break in our rolling coverage - POTUS interruptus? - day two of Mr Obama's Australian visit has dawned dull but a little more presidential in Canberra. Perhaps that's just a lingering whiff of The Beast's exhaust fumes. 6.55pm: That's the end of our live coverage of Mr Obama's Australian visit for tonight. Join us again tomorrow morning for live updates as he continues his first Australian tour, including an address to Parliament House at 10.15am AEDT. Here's a wrap of events today:

Barack Obama's aircraft - Air Force One - touched down at Canberra's RAAF Fairbairn air base 15 minutes ahead of schedule at 3.10pm today.

at Canberra's RAAF Fairbairn air base 15 minutes ahead of schedule at 3.10pm today. He was greeted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce, along with other dignitaries before being whisked away in his bomb-proof limousine known as The Beast .

. He was then officially welcomed by a 21-gun salute at Parliament House, where he was greeted by schoolchildren and signed the visitors book .

and signed the . The President and Prime Minister had a private meeting before fronting the press for their only joint Australian media conference .

before fronting the press for their only joint Australian . Questions naturally dominated the rise of China and India, and the announcement that the US will now station 200-250 marines in the Northern Territory in an increased involvement in the Asian region.

The President and Prime Minister then departed ahead of an official state dinner at Parliament House tonight.

On the lighter side of events, we were intrigued by the GG's impromptu costume change, and the fact that the poor old first bloke, Tim Mathieson, was forced to walk home to The Lodge such was the security crackdown at Parliament House. 6.44pm: And that's it. A handful of questions and the two world leaders exit stage right, indulging in another little cuddle on the way out. They now head off to get ready for the official parliamentary dinner, which is being hosted by Ms Gillard. 6.32pm: The next question is about the rise of India and Australia's decision to sell uranium to the region's second big superpower. Mr Obama doesn't cast judgement on the decision, saying "Julia doesn't need my advice on that one". He is also asked about climate change and Australia's recent move to pass a carbon tax. He calls this a "bold strategy". In the US they have moved towards a "cap and trade" system instead. He makes the point that we all have a responsibility to reduce carbon emissions.

6.30pm: Responding to a question from the US media, Mr Obama justifies that he is in Asia, rather than back home focusing on the domestic economy, because of the clear interest the US has in the region, which he says is of huge strategic importance. 6.21pm: As expected the first question asked by the Australian media is about China. Mr Obama says the troop commitment fulfils the wishes of many of America's partners in the region. He says it also allows the US to respond to a range of "challenges" in the region, military and humanitarian. He also says the US "welcomes a rising and peaceful China". He heralds their economic transformation as remarkable. But he also reminds the Chinese that with their rise comes increasing responsibilities. He also reminds them of the need to play "by the rules". 6.15pm: Mr Obama has just begun speaking. Do my ears fail me or did he just refer to our PM as "Julie"? He has thanked Australia for its commitment in Afghanistan and is now talking about the increased American troop commitment for Darwin. Between 200-250 marines will be on rotation in the Northern Territory from mid-2012.

6.09pm: Julia Gillard and Barack Obama have now begun their joint press conference. Ms Gillard's voice sounds unusually shaky. 6.07pm: have confirmation Tim Mathieson did have to walk home to The Lodge after all the fanfare of Mr Obama's greeting at Parliament house. 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." 5.58pm: So what did Mr Obama write in the visitor's book? Now we know:

For those who find it difficult deciphering the presidential handwriting, the message reads: 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. Barack Obama Isn't that nice! 5.45pm: It seems no one is immune from the President's security crackdown, not even the first bloke, according to ABC political reporter Latika Bourke

5.31pm: The first pictures from inside the Prime Minister's office offer an interesting insight into the stage show that is an international meeting of leaders. Sky News footage shows the two leaders shaking hands and smiling for the cameras, before taking their seats in armchairs that appear to have name tags stuck to them. You can imagine the months of meetings that would have been held to nut out who was to sit on the left and who on the right. 5.23pm: It's nice to see that even in the middle of the world's biggest security operation there is still room for a bit of spontaneous affection. AAP reports Mr Obama displayed plenty of his trademark charm on entering Parliament House. As he walked through the door with Ms Gillard 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."

5.06pm: What would Mr Obama and Ms Gillard be chatting about behind closed doors? Top of the list on this trip would be the relationship with China, which is increasingly seeing Australia torn between its traditional ally and the country on which much of its economic future depends. Earlier this week, Herald Political Editor Peter Hartcher argued there was no reason for Australia to get even closer to Uncle Sam. Barack Obama's visit to Australia carries an invitation. It's an invitation to take America's side in its rivalry with China. In one vital way, Australia has already chosen. Julia Gillard has intensified the strategic and military alliance with the US emphatically, and more deeply than the Australian public has yet grasped.

In another way, Australia is only partially and gingerly taking America's side. The US President comes to Australia fresh from his latest argument with the Chinese over trade and currency. His visit to Canberra will carry an implicit invitation, and perhaps even an explicit one in closed-door talks, to take America's side more fully here, too. It's an invitation Australia should politely, but firmly, refuse. 4.49pm: You couldn't wipe the smile off Ms Gillard's face with an industrial-strength scrubbing brush. She must be thinking "poll boost, poll boost, poll boost..." The two leaders give one more wave to the crowd before disappearing into the Prime Minister's private chamber for a cup of tea and a biscuit. They will have an official bilateral meeting before returning to face the cameras in an hour or so for a joint media conference, which will be the main opportunity for the press to question Mr Obama during his visit. 4.41pm: The Spangly anthem gets a second round before a stirring rendition of Advance Australia Fair rings out across the forecourt.

Now Mr Obama moves inside to greet the schoolchildren, who AAP reports are from Dungog Public in NSW and Darley Primary in Bacchus Marsh, in Victoria. Wyatt Roy doesn't get a look in though - maybe they pushed him out of the way. No gloves when the President shakes hands, unlike the Queen. He must have a more robust constitution - or an aide on hand with liberal lashings of antibacterial wash. Mr Obama also met the Speaker of the House, Harry Jenkins, the President of the Senate, John Hogg, the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, and Defence Force Chief General David Hurley among others. He then signed the visitor's book left-handed. Interesting fact - the president is reportedly ambidextrous. 4.30pm: Cannons ring out for a 21-gun salute as Barack Obama arrives at the great verandah at Parliament House. Julia Gillard has kept the same outfit. Maybe the GG is angling for a kiss of her own?

Mr Obama stands resolute with hand on heart as the Star Spangled Banner rings out from the military band. 4.25pm: First costume change of the day. Quentin Bryce sported a bright yellow outfit at the airport, but is now decked out in bright orange with white polka dots for the official welcome. That puts here on a par with Dolly Parton during last night's concert for costume changes. It is the same jacket outfit she wore for the Queen and Prince Philip during their recent tour. But she has mixed it up with a different skirt, just to keep things fresh. Was it planned or did she spill some coffee on the way back from the airport? Let the theories begin...

4.08pm: Good thing Mr Obama isn't home at the moment. NBC News reports a bullet was fired at the White House last week, striking one of the building's bullet-proof windows. Another round was also fired, but missed the building. Back in Australia, Jacqueline Maley reports there is much shoving and jostling among the crowd gathered at the mural hall in Parliament House, where Mr Obama will sign the visitor's book. Australia's youngest MP Wyatt Roy is in the crowd, waiting for a glimpse of the President. So are many schoolchildren. It's easy to get them confused. The schoolchildren are sitting cross-legged on the floor of the marble hall, near the entrance. As far as we are aware, Wyatt Roy is standing. 3.58pm: Glenda Kwek reports that if residents of other states are jealous that Mr Obama is not swinging their way, at least they can be grateful they won’t have to experience the traffic gridlock that comes with his visit.

The ACT traffic police tweets: "Please be patient and follow any direction from ACT Policing as Presidential motorcade travels through Canberra today and tomorrow #aubama" 3.54pm: If you were in any doubt that something was going down in Canberra today, this photo from smh.com.au reader Bill Quinn of media camped out on the lawn of Parliament House puts it to rest. As he says: Obamarama - the circus is in town. 3.47pm: As we await Mr Obama's arrival at Parliament House, let's take a trip back in time with this photogallery of previous presidential visits. Australia's ambassador to the US, Kim Beazley, tells the Associated Press Mr Obama’s visit is "enormously important".

"It's an area where the United States has got considerable freedom of action, considerable interests, growing interests. And Australia is well-located strategically." AP points out this is the first time a sitting US president has visited Darwin. US and Australian troops were killed in a Japanese attack on Darwin during WWII, and Mr Obama will visit a memorial to them when he is there tomorrow. 3.44pm: The only protesters holding a demonstration to coincide with Mr Obama's visit - the pro-cannabis camp all the way from Nimbin - definitely get points for their slogans. Along with the giant joint balloon they have erected, AAP is reporting some of their slogans include: "Legalise? Yes we cannabis!" 3.36pm: Twitterers have already had their say on The Beast:

"Those doors on the Beast are thicker than my bedroom walls! #aubama" - Patrick25



"After that beast, the PM's car looks like something bought from a second hand car yard. #AUBama" - mattcappa But the final word again goes to Fairfax National Security Correspondent Dylan Welch: At least it didn't get stuck this time.

3.25pm: And the Beast leaves Fairbairn with Mr Obama snug inside. It apparently has a codename of "stagecoach", according to Sky News. Rumour has been circulating that he will be whisked away to the Hyatt Hotel tonight, where he will be spending the night in the presidential suite. For once, that title isn't an understatement. Julia Gillard has just left in her Holden Caprice. I'd be tempted to say she looks a little jealous, but she could be just as well thinking "Glad I don't have to travel in a souped-up tank". Before he can get comfortable in his suite, Mr Obama has business to attend to. He is due at a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House forecourt and will officially sign the Prime Minister's visitor's book ("Glad to be hear, love Barry").

He will then have an official chat with Ms Gillard before a joint media conference scheduled for betweek 5.30pm and 6pm. 3.21pm: And the man himself emerges: Our two first ladies - Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Julia Gillard are among the first to greet him. A stern handshake for the GG, but Ms Gillard gets a smooch and a hug. Jealous?

3.10pm: The eagle has landed: Not a bad approach from Obama's personal pilot. Clean landing, small puff of smoke from the wheels. I'd rate it a 4/5. 3.07pm: Sky News footage shows Air Force One is now making its final approach to RAAF Fairbairn airfield. 3.05pm: Our readers report the dull rumbling of fighter jets can easily be heard in Canberra now, with Air Force One just 20 minutes away. But even more exciting than that, Jacqueline Maley reports Kamahl has been spotted in the building. Apparently he is performing at the official dinner for Obama tonight...

3.02pm: Glenda Kwek reports the staff at the US embassy in Canberra have busy preparing for their chief's visit - and using all the Obama hashtags to make sure their tweets get seen. Back in the US, the White House is talking up Mr Obama goals for his Australia trip: "strengthening our relationships and promoting security in the Pacific". "On Wednesday, the President will meet with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and the two will hold a joint press conference. Later that day, President Obama will be hosted at a dinner at the Australian Parliament House. On Thursday, the President will give an address to the Australian Parliament, meet with parliamentary leaders, tour a primary school with Prime Minister Gillard, and visit a military base in Darwin -- where he'll speak to a combined audience of U.S. marines and Australian troops." 2.55pm: The White House has finally confirmed to the US media contingent the exclusive story broken by Herald Political Editor Peter Hartcher that Mr Obama will announce an increased US presence in Australia during his jaunt down under.

And the reaction in the US? "Well, early congratulations to the luckiest bunch of Marines on the planet," tweets conflict expert Christopher Albon as the clock ticks towards midnight in the US capital. 2.44pm: There's a fair bit of time difference between the US and Australia, as Jake Tapper, ABC News' Senior White House Correspondent, points out on his arrival in Canberra. "G'day from Australia. We're 16 hours ahead of the East Coast of the US. Having seen the future, I recommend you all stay in bed," he quips on Twitter. 2.21pm: A piercing insight into the complexities of Australian/American diplomacy from the New York Post: It's a lot to ask of President Obama, but he may eat "paste'' to please an ally. He arrives tomorrow in Australia, the home of kangaroos, dingos - and Vegemite. Aussies were crushed last March by his description of their favorite spread as "horrible" and "a quasivegetable by-product paste." But he's getting a second chance. He'll be presented with a jar of the stuff while Down Under. 2.17pm: Jacqueline Maley reports that, sadly, the President's visit to Australia doesn't seem as big a deal to the Americans as it is to us. A scan of the New York Times, LA Times and the Chicago Tribune websites shows no sign of reports on Obama's movements down under.

The New York Times is running a story about how Obama may have trouble mobilising college students to campaign for him the way they did in the 2008 Presidential elections. 2.14pm: Fox News chief White House correspondent Ed Henry was quite taken by the greeting from Australian customs, some of whom had posted an Obama bobble-head toy on the desk to mark the occasion, as can be seen by this photo he posted on Twitter: At least they weren't on strike today. 2.11pm: It doesn't matter that we taxpayers finance the building, when Obama's in town, no one's welcome at Parliament House.

2.07pm: Seems there's no room for the homeless when Obama's in town. AAP reports that all homeless people have been evicted from the top end city's central area ahead of the President's visit tomorrow. 1.58pm: Jacqueline Maley reports that just as Parliament House has been spruced for the presidential visit, so our parliamentarians have been told to keep on their best behaviour. Liberal senator Scott Ryan told Fairfax Radio that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Harry Jenkins, sent out a special message to our often-errant pollies warning them against mucking up. Senator Ryan laid the blame at the feet of Greens Senator Bob Brown, who heckled then-President George W Bush when he addressed parliament in 2003. "I hope the Greens don't embarrass the country this time," he told Fairfax Radio.

The Senators will pile into the House of Reps for the address tomorrow, at 10.15am. It's always funny to see the MPs shuffle over and share their leather couches with their colleagues from the upper house. Hopefully someone really sadistic will do the seating plan, and put Senator Bill Herffernan next to the Labor left backbenchers, or maybe Bob Brown on Nationals leader Warren Truss's knee, that sort of thing... 1.56pm: A fair question from our National Security Correspondent Dylan Welch: 1.47pm: 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 Chuck Todd on Twitter.

1.40pm: When it comes to travelling in style, no one can top the US President. Thanks to the Canberra Times, here's a glimpse of the operation that is due to fly into Canberra in about an hour and a half: If you're really keen, you can even take a tour of the world's most famous aircraft. Here's one that Fox News did during the Bush administration.

Julia Gillard's transport, in comparison, seems a little, shall we say, pedestrian. 1.29pm: Parliament House is a-tingle with anticipation as the touch-down of US President Barack Obama draws tantalisingly near. He is scheduled to "de-plane" - or "wheels down" if you are a West Wing fan - at 3.25pm AEDT at the military Canberra airport. Jacqueline Maley reports that in the forecourt, which has been festooned with decorative flower pots, United States flags have been hoisted alongside the Australian ones. Here, at 4.30pm, Obama will receive his official ceremonial welcome, presided over by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce. It will no doubt include a traditional Aboriginal welcome to country.

Previous Presidential visits, from LBJ in 1966 to George W Bush in 2003, have featured robust anti-war protests. Dubya was even heckled by a senator (Bob Brown) as he gave his parliamentary address. But this time it seems the best the nation can do in terms of protest is an enormous plastic blow-up mock marijuana joint, which is sitting on Federation Mall, as part of an apparent protest about drug laws. The protesters' area, which a cordoned-off grassy strip just in front of the media area, with its TV trucks and satellite dishes, is being peacefully guarded by a few cops, but one imagines the visible security presence will increase very soon, and very dramatically. 1pm: Welcome to our live coverage of Barack Obama's first visit to Australia. With the world's most powerful man due to jet in at 3.25pm AEDT, the streets of the nation's capital are swarming with men in black suits and sunglasses talking into their wrists as the security crackdown that follows the US president everywhere makes its home in Canberra.

Herald Canberra political correspondent Jacqueline Maley has been thrown into the Obama deep end this week, and has already noted in this morning's Under the Flag column the distinct change that has descended on the notoriously rambunctious press gallery in the past few days. "Black Hawk helicopters whomp overhead. The doughnut-per-capita ratio has spiked. And baristas everywhere are dusting off their drip coffee pots. The Americans are coming. To the city they call Can-bear-ah." As Maley notes, the red carpet has been rolled out for the White House press gallery, an army of US journalists who have been flown on their own taxpayer-funded chartered aircraft from Washington to cover the president's every move. It's amazing the difference a voluntary voting system has on the government's willingness to schmooze the press. Most of the difference in treatment seems to be centred around coffee. While US-style drip-feed coffee and endless doughnuts are being supplied for the American contingent, the resident press gallery has been thunderstruck by today's decision to shut down the Parliament House coffee cart. Herald Chief Political Correspondent Phillip Coorey sums up the outrage:

Such serious issues need the eye of a serious reporter. In the absence so far of any assassination attempts, Fairfax National Security Correspondent Dylan Welch was quickly on the case. Loading The official word being given by the Department of Parliamentary Services, which runs the house on the hill, is that all non-essential staff are being cleared out of Parliament House for the next two days. The coffee cart staffers are included on this list, presumably to ensure no-one slips Barack an explosive espresso. So the thirsty journos will have to go without caffeine until Friday.

Come deadline-time the Parliament House authorities may have a different kind of security incident on their hands.