Former US president Barack Obama has met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and taken a sandy stroll after arriving in Australia.

Six years after he ended his presidency, Mr Obama has shown he can still draw a crowd as he toured Sydney hotspots on Monday. 

Mr Obama strolled along Collins Beach in Manly with US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, had lunch at Balmoral and met Mr Albanese in Kirribilli. 

“I had a very positive meeting with [former] president Obama this morning in Sydney, talking about the global economy and what was occurring,” Mr Albanese said.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the supply side constraints when it comes to the pandemic, have meant that there is upward pressure on energy prices. That’s something that we have engaged to deal with.”

Mr Obama will speak in Sydney and Melbourne this week alongside former foreign minister and ANU chancellor Julie Bishop, who will moderate the discussion on leadership and global politics. 

-AAP