Abbott delighted at Greste's release

Tony Abbott says he is delighted and the nation is relieved that Australian journalist Peter Greste has finally been released from an Egyptian prison.

The Al Jazeera reporter is on his way back to Australia after 400 days behind bars.

Mr Abbott spoke of his "personal delight and our nation's relief" at the development during a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday.

He thanked the Egyptian president for his role in Greste's release and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop for her advocacy.

"I want to say to Peter's family: you never gave up hope and your strength is an inspiration to all of us," he said.