The Australian Olympic team has arrived home after recording its most successful Games to date.

Athletes, coaches and staff touched down at Sydney Airport about 6:50am on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the athletes’ families are at the airport to greet the triumphant Australian team.

Gold medallists onboard the flight included the Fox sisters Jess and Noémie, who won gold in canoe slalom, swimmers Kaylee McKeown and Cameron McEvoy and Matt Wearn, who won back-to-back gold in the sailing.

Swimmer Emma McKeon, boxer Harry Garside and discus thrower and bronze medallist Matthew Denny were also among the athletes who arrived home.

Some of the Western Australia-based Olympians arrived in Perth on Tuesday night, including gold and bronze medallists, Nina Kennedy and Charlie Senior.

The athletes were met by family, friends and WA Premier Roger Cook.

Kennedy said she began to realise what she had achieved by winning gold in the women’s pole vault when she was awarded her medal.

“When I got to go back to the track, [stood] on the dais, sing the national anthem and really just get to hold the thing … it sunk in then,” she said.

Boxer Senior, who claimed bronze in the men’s featherweight division, said he was glad to be back in Australia.

“Coming home is the best feeling out of it all,” he said.

“Walking away from Paris with a bronze medal, it’s a big achievement for myself, it’s a big achievement for Australian boxing so that’s an unbelievable feeling.”

‘This is a special team’

The Australian contingent secured 18 gold medals in Paris — a record won by the country at an Olympic Games.

It beats the previous record of 17 gold medals set at the 2020 Games in Tokyo and 2004 Games in Athens.

Australian competitors secured also 16 silver medals and 14 bronze in Paris, finishing in fourth spot on the medal tally.

Australia’s total medal tally of 48 almost overtook the record tally set at the Athens Games, which was 50.

In departing the French capital, Australia’s chef de mission Anna Meares praised the team for their record-breaking efforts.

“This is a special team,” she said.

“We all know it’s hard to be selected on the Australian team, let alone win a medal or become an Olympic champion. It takes dedication to excellence over years, not just here in Paris.

“So, to the member sports, thank you and to the athletes, we are very proud of you.”

There are public welcome home celebrations scheduled for across the country next month.