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The family of Sydney shark attack victim Simon Nellist has remembered the 35-year-old as a "wonderful human being" and a "cherished son".

Releasing a statement following Mr Nellist's death, the family said he will be "terribly missed", according to the BBC.

"Simon was a gentle, kind and wonderful human being. He was a cherished fiancée, son, brother, uncle and friend," the statement said.

READ MORE: 'Nicest human': Diving instructor killed in shark attack remembered

"Simon was funny, compassionate and always had time for people. He had a rare gift of instantly being able to connect with others, gaining their trust and respect."

The family said Mr Nellist "had a great passion for nature and the sea, as well as being a very talented photographer."

They added that they were "very proud of him" and would "miss him terribly".

READ MORE: 'The wait is over': PM welcomes international tourists as borders reopen

Mr Nellist was swimming at Little Bay in the city's east on Wednesday afternoon when he was attacked by the shark, confirmed to be a great white by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

Human remains were found on Wednesday about 4.30pm and witnesses were left reeling after the confronting incident.

Mr Nellist's family are based in the UK and he leaves behind a partner in Sydney.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared that the "wait is over" ahead of tomorrow's reopening of Australia's international borders.

Speaking at Melbourne Airport this morning, Mr Morrison defended the country's tight border restrictions over the past two years and said that because Australians "have done the hard yards" the country can now reopen to much needed tourism.

"We are very excited that from tomorrow international flights for visitors are able to return again," Mr Morrison said.

READ MORE: Multimillion-dollar travel pitch to the world as Australia opens border

"They can come and we start building once again our very important tourism economy right across the country, from our biggest cities, where I am today, to our far north, Queensland, regional locations and all around the country.

"You've done the work, you've pushed through. You've persevered, and now we can start going forward together."

Tourists will once again be welcomed into the country tomorrow after two years of being shut out, with the initial 50 flights expected to touch down on Australian soil within the first 24 hours.

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More than half of the 50 will land into Sydney's international airport, coming from countries like Singapore, Japan and the US.

With the influx of tourists, warnings have also been issued for a spike in influenza cases.

Authorities have reminded residents to make an appointment for the flu shot when it becomes available next month.

Travellers from all over the globe will now be eligible to visit Australia, however they must be double vaccinated before they fly.

"This is the exciting announcement the aviation sector has been waiting for," Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive James Goodwin said earlier this month.

"International travel is only at 15 per cent of pre-COVID levels so this is a positive step to help the recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors."

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Mr Goodwin noted domestic routes would also get a vital boost from the return of international travellers.

"International tourists don't just visit one Australian city," he said.

"They fly from state to state to see all of what our nation has to offer so it is vital all domestic borders reopen and stay open."

Both New South Wales and Victoria have recorded a drop in positive COVID-19 cases, reporting 5,582 and 4,867 new infections respectively.

In the past 24 hours NSW also recorded 21 additional deaths as a result of the virus and just under 1300 people were admitted to hospital.

In Victoria nine people lost their lives while positive with COVID-19 and 358 people were admitted to hospital.

READ MORE: International tourists to be welcomed across the country once again

https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1495160792416727041https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1495156211984965633

Between the two states more than 15,000 known tests were carried out.

NSW currently boasts a three vaccine dose rate of residents aged over 16 of 50.8 per cent while Victoria boasts a rate of residents aged over 18 with three doses of 55 per cent.

Australia's international borders are set to reopen to fully-vaccinated tourists from tomorrow, when 50 overseas flights are due to land.

An earlier version of this story carried an incorrect number of cases for NSW, which has been since updated by NSW Health.