Michelle Obama to Visit Sydney in 2026
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, is making her first visit to Australia in May 2026 as part of a speaking tour organized by the corporate speaking firm Growth Faculty. The tour will include events in Sydney at the ICC Theatre (formerly known as the TikTok Entertainment Centre) and at Melbourne's Convention and Exhibition Centre.
During her visit, Obama will share insights from her life as a wife, mother, First Lady, and best-selling author, providing an intimate glimpse into her personal and professional journey. The announcement has generated significant excitement, as many Australians are eager to hear her reflections on her time in the White House and beyond.
One key question still lingering is who will take on the role of interviewer during these events. A number of high-profile media personalities are expected to be vying for the opportunity to host the conversation. Among the likely candidates are ABC favourites such as Leigh Sales, Annabel Crabb, Sarah Ferguson, and Julia Baird.
The former First Lady's visit comes at a time when interest in US politics is at an all-time high in Australia. Former president Barack Obama's visit in 2023 and other political figures like Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton have all made waves in the country in recent years. Michelle Obama's presence promises to continue this trend, further elevating the political and cultural exchange between the two nations.
While Obama has repeatedly stated that she has no interest in running for president, her speaking engagements remain incredibly lucrative. In fact, she reportedly took home $750,000 for a one-hour speech in Germany two years ago. Though no details have been confirmed about her speaking fee for the Australian events, it is expected to be substantial.
In the midst of political speculation and the growing demand for influential speakers, Michelle Obama’s visit to Australia is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of 2026.