He once used to climb trees in the green fields of Centennial Park.
On Sunday, he came complete with an entourage, security team and a press pack in tow.
What a difference a few decades makes for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The local member for Wentworth spent the morning on home turf, announcing the park was to be placed on a shortlist to be considered for the National Heritage List.
"I've spent much of my life at different times here, as a little boy and a dad and indeed a granddad," he told reporters standing alongside Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
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"I know every nook and cranny of this park."
He was delighted to see others about the same age he was when he used to explore the area.
"I've been running round this park since I was as little as you," he told a group of girls, revealing his one-year-old granddaughter was coming to Australia later on Sunday.
"So we'll bring her here too."
A group of roller skaters caught his eye as they waved at him enthusiastically.
"How fast do you go on those," Mr Turnbull inquired.
Years ago cycling through the park he was overtaken by a speedy skater and he hasn't forgotten it.
But when it came for him to answer questions, Mr Turnbull was asked about a different type of Greens - why his party will urge its voters to put the Greens after Labor in all lower house seats.
"This is a call that I have made in the national interest," he said.
"It hasn't surprised anybody."
Later in the day he visited the Townsville memorial to commemorate 20 years since two Black Hawk helicopters collided during a terrorism exercise, killing 18.
There with wife Lucy and local member for Herbert Ewen Jones he laid a wreath, citing the RSL motto - the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
"That vigilance comes with a cost. Those young men paid that price and we honour them," he said.
