Oprah goes wild as the chatshow carnival finally kicks off

The billionaire queen of chat, who will film two episodes of her famous show in Sydney next week, flew into Cairns airport via private jet yesterday, where she cleared Customs before heading to Hamilton Island.

Wearing a white shirt, black trousers and an Akubra hat, Winfrey was quickly whisked away in two black vans with dark tinted windows to the walled enclave of Qualia.

She travelled with a small entourage including her best friend, Gayle King.

Known for her enthusiasm and indefatigability, Winfrey was not about to succumb to jet lag on arrival. She changed into a yellow kaftan shirt and headed straight out to explore the island via golf buggy.

She met a koala at a wildlife park and reportedly told journalists that although Australia was a long way, it was ''so worth the trip'' and she wanted to move here.

Full details of Winfrey's itinerary are a closely guarded secret, with her production company, Harpo, refusing to share much information about her movements.

All those involved in the filming of the show have been asked to sign confidentiality agreements.

It is believed she will be in Melbourne on Friday and arrive in Sydney on Saturday. According to some reports, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, will meet Winfrey at a government function in Melbourne, but it seems Ms Gillard is also sworn to secrecy. Her office will neither confirm nor deny reports she is set to appear on the Oprah show.

Film equipment arrived at Hamilton Island several days ago in preparation for Winfrey's visit and speculation was rife she would film a segment at Whitehaven Beach, a six-kilometre stretch along Whitsunday Island. The island is accessible by boat and the beach is widely considered to be one of the most pristine in the world, famed for its white sand.