Prime Minister John Key may make a fast visit to Australia within a fortnight for early talks with new Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

By the time Tony Abbott arrived to lodge his vote at Sydney's Freshwater Surf Lifesaving Club yesterday morning - minus his infamous red budgie-smugglers - the die was cast.

When Australia changes horses, New Zealand needs to take stock. What do Tony Abbott and his likely ministers know of this country?

It's a cliche that behind every successful man stands a woman, and Australia's new First Lady, Kiwi-born Margie Abbott, is having none of it.

The Prime Minister went into this campaign believing he could win. After seizing back the leadership against the odds, he thought he could defy those odds once again and crush Tony Abbott. Tonight's election will show what the Australian people make of it all.

Former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating called Australia's senators "unrepresentative swill".

The northwestern Sydney seat of Bennelong holds a unique place in Australian political folklore.

By the close of polls tonight Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is almost certain to become the next Prime Minister of Australia, with probably at least two terms ahead of him.

An Australian Government led by Liberal Tony Abbott will not shake New Zealand's world, although some shock waves will cross the Tasman.

Kevin Rudd's dream is about to be shattered.

Hayden Donnell recaps some of the most bizarre, embarrassing and moving moments of a short but memorable Australian election campaign.

A NZ woman who complained to Kevin Rudd about the rights of Kiwis across the Tasman has featured in a campaign pamphlet saying she'll vote for him.

A slender lifeline has been handed to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as voters prepare to go to the polls tomorrow to decide who will lead Australia for the next three years.