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103 Australians stranded in New Caledonia following deadly riots are back home, arriving on a French-facilitated plane in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
That means 187 have now returned, after 84 Australians and 24 other nationals were repatriated on Tuesday.
The earlier flights, organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), prioritised the elderly, pregnant and most vulnerable.
These returning Australians said they were well looked after by hotel staff and French authorities after missing out on the DFAT flights.
"We couldn't fit on them, so they took the vulnerable and people who needed to get out, so then the French said that they would take us out. And we were on a very stylish military plane, it was great."
"It was a little bit tedious, there was a lot of back and forth information. We weren't really sure exactly what was happening or when, but we got there in the end. We just wanted to get here as safely and as soon as possible."
In a statement on X, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia was ready to undertake further flights pending French approval, encouraging Australians in New Caledonia to register with DFAT.
But DFAT's response to the crisis has been the subject of continued criticism, with around 100 Australians still trying to leave the territory.
Those away from Noumea, the capital and epicentre of riots, have cited a lack of communication with the department and the French government, who have reportedly prioritised evacuations from Noumea.
In an interview with SBS News, Senator Wong said her department had been working hard to evacuate all those who wanted to leave.
"Obviously, we've been working, engaging both on the grounds with officials in New Caledonia, but also with officials in Paris. And you would anticipate where Australians are in a position like this, the government at an official level continues, always will press for Australians to be safe and secure."
As Australians sought to leave the Pacific Island, French President Emmanuel Macron landed for a day of talks to try and regain control.
Six people have been killed, hundreds arrested, and a trail of looted shops and torched cars left behind in riots triggered by a contested electoral reform.
More than a thousand French police reinforcements are still trying to stem further unrest.
Mr Macron told reporters his top priority was a "return to peace".
"My intention and that of my ministers and the government here is to be close to the population for a return to peace, calm and security as soon as possible. That's the priority of all priorities. I thank the High Commissioner and the security forces, the delegates. A return to calm and security, means also a return of normal services, supplies, food. Because I know that many people suffer today from a great crisis, both in terms of their health and also in terms of finding food."
The French president said he would appoint a team of senior officials who will stay on the island as long as needed to help achieve peace.
Protesters hope Mr Macron will shelve an electoral reform to allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections.
Members of the Indigenous Kanak community, who make up 40 per cent of the island's population 270,000 people, fear the law - passed but not yet ratified in mainland France - will dilute the their vote share.
But aides insisted he had no pro-conceived plan.
Mr Macron said he we would meet with local leaders and representatives and make some announcements on the island's future later on Thursday.
"We will obviously look into matters such as economic recovery, support and rapid response. And also the most delicate political matters, in order to discuss about the future of New Caledonia."
France annexed New Caledonia in 1853, and gave the colony the status of overseas territory in 1946.
Electoral rolls were frozen in 1998 ending a decade of violence and establishing a pathway to gradual autonomy, which critics say has now been jeopardised.
Some pro-independence activists have criticised Mr Macron's visit, with one taking to X to say "here comes the fireman after he set the fire".
But Andre Quaeze, a reporter with the local indigenous radio, told SBS News many New Caledonians remained hopeful.
"Of course it is too late, but now, what we are living now here in Noumea, it is a very good sign. For us, it is good to come to discuss, and I think not only for us here in Noumea - everybody wants this meeting."
