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From rock-bottom to elated, the once $42 billion tourism industry is back at the starting line and eager to welcome back international visitors.
Those crossing the Tasman can start arriving from the 13 April while other visa waiver countries including the US and UK, can touch down from the 2 May.
The industry has been decimated with thousands of jobs lost when the borders slammed shut.
With only weeks to wait before Australian bags hit the airport carousels, businesses say it's the best news they've had in years.
Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.