Prison escapee John Killick enjoys first night of freedom

Infamous escapee John Killick plans on rebuilding his life in his home state of NSW after his release from a Queensland jail.

The notorious prisoner escaped from Sydney's Silverwater prison in 1999 with the help of his girlfriend, who hijacked a helicopter at gunpoint and flew it into the prison's exercise yard.

He has finally been set free after serving the remainder of his parole in a Queensland correctional facility for an armed robbery committed 30 years ago.

He had previously spent 15 years behind bars in NSW for a string of offences including the jail break.

Upon his release on Thursday, Killick, now aged in his 70s, told media gathered outside the prison that he was keen to restart his life in NSW, where he will have to wear an electronic monitor.

"I've made my mistakes and you can't take them back. I really believe I've paid for what I've done," he said.

He will attempt to challenge having to wear a monitor.

"We're going to go to court and fight that," he said.

"I'm restricted. I can't drink. I can't gamble. I can't go to licensed clubs.

"It doesn't give you much chance to go anywhere and make friends."