Stay away: returned Aussies' families told

The friends and families of Australians flying into Sydney International Airport have been warned to stay away and told they won't see their loved ones.

NSW Police said all travellers from Sunday morning will be processed discreetly and then taken to their nominated hotels, where they can contact family.

"There are no areas in the Sydney International Airport in which family and friends will be able to see the returned travellers or make contact with them," a police statement said on Saturday.

"We understand this is unprecedented, but it is a vital step in trying to stop the spread of COVID-19."

From midnight Sunday, all people flying into international airports in Australia will be forced to spend 14 days in quarantine in state-funded hotel rooms.