President Barack Obama arrives in Brisbane ahead of G20

President Barack Obama has arrived in Australia for the G20 leaders' summit, waving as he touched down in Brisbane.

The presidential plane, Air Force One, touched down at Amberley RAAF base southwest of Brisbane shortly before 7am (AEDT) today.

Mr Obama was officially greeted by Governor General Peter Cosgrove, Attorney-General George Brandis and Queensland Premier Campbell Newman.

After a short conversation, Mr Obama boarded the presidential helicopter, Marine One.

He has since landed in Bowen Hills. It was quite a spectacle for Queenslanders who gathered outside to watch the chopper over their homes.

Mr Obama will has joined a motorcade into the city after Marine One landed next to the Brisbane golf course.

He has just an hour of respite before visiting Queensland Parliament House for the Leader's Retreat.

Later, the US leader is scheduled to take time out from the global forum to deliver an invitation-only speech at the University of Queensland.

The G20 summit is the biggest gathering of world leaders on Australian soil.

The leaders of Italy, France, New Zealand, Myanmar, Singapore and Senegal are also due to arrive for the leaders' summit which begins on today.