Australian journalist Peter Greste (C) receives a kiss from his mother Lois (L) and father Juris upon his return home at Brisbane International Airport, early February 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SYDNEY - Australian journalist Peter Greste arrived home in Brisbane on Thursday morning after spending 400 days in an Egyptian jail.

He was met by cheering family and friends plus a large media contingent, many of them who had worked with Greste in the past.

Greste was suddenly freed from a Cairo jail on Sunday and was swiftly deported, first landing in Cyprus with his brother Mike before preparing to return to his hometown.

The pair cleared customs at 1.20 am (local time) on Thursday and were met by parents Lois and Juris Greste, brother Andrew and their families plus other friends.

"It's awesome to be home, back on Australian soil and I'm a very, very happy man," he said in the arrival lounge.

"I didn't think I'd see this day. I imagined it many, many times - about 400 times in fact.

"This is a moment that I've rehearsed in my mind over the last 400 days and it feels absolutely awesome to be here."