Accused wife-killer Chris Dawson released on bail from prison for Christmas

Accused killer Chris Dawson is racing home for Christmas after he was today released on bail.

The 70-year-old gave his older brother a hug, took his sunglasses and jumped into his luxury Porsche Cayenne outside Sydney's Silverwater prison this afternoon.

Peter Dawson told a cameraman to "get a life" before they sped away, headed for Mount Coolah in Queensland.

The younger Dawson was granted bail a week ago but struggled to secure a mortgage over his home which made up half of the $1.5 million security he needed to meet bail. Once that was done, he was missing a document.

His lawyer Greg Walsh however, said he was determined to get him out in time.

"I saw him just the other day and obviously he's anxious to get out," he said.

"But I would say he's stoic and looking forward to being reunited with his family over Christmas."

Early this afternoon the court signed off on the paperwork and guards at Silverwater were told to let him go.

He has spent almost three weeks in custody since his extradition from Queensland to be charged with the murder of his former wife Lynette Dawson.

The mother of two disappeared from their Bayview home in 1982 and her body has never been found.

Dawson has suggested she could still be alive but the Crown has alleged he murdered her 37 years ago.

As part of his bail conditions Dawson will also have to report to police daily.

The case returns to court next year.

The case has become known around the world after being featured on The Australian newspaper's investigative podcast, The Teacher's Pet.