Kalynda Davis, who was held in China on suspicion of smuggling a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, has returned home to Sydney's western suburbs more than a month after she was detained.
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Ms Davis' parents said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that they were happy to have her home.
"We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations. Her return home today is a clear statement of her innocence," the statement said.
Larry and Jenny Davis, of Glenmore Park, engaged solicitors in Sydney and China to facilitate the release of their daughter.
It is understood that Ms Davis was carrying only hand-luggage, a fact that was key to her defence.
It's believed Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop gave her support to consular officials in China who negotiated with authorities for Ms Davis' release.
Ms Davis was reported missing to Australian police by her family on November 5 but surfaced in custody in China days later with a 25-year-old Richmond man, Peter Gardiner.
She reportedly met Mr Gardiner weeks earlier on the dating app Tinder. The pair were stopped from leaving Guangzhou and initially accused of having as much as 75 kilograms of the drug "ice" on them.
Ms Davis was facing the possibility of death by firing squad if convicted of drug smuggling.
After weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the 22-year-old made a surprise return home on Tuesday.
Friends said they always knew she was innocent and couldn't wait to give her a big hug now that she was home.
"So many emotions all at once," posted Louise Richardson on Facebook.
"Over the moon happy for Kalynda, her family and friends that she's finally back on Australian soil! Can't wait to eventually see her and give her a great big fat hug!"
A fellow student from Penrith Anglican School, Sam Cuff, posted online: "So happy you're home kalynda can't wait to give you a big hug."
Mr and Mrs Davis thanked the Chinese authorities for their "professional and honourable investigation" into the incident.
Ms Davis is a talented basketball player. Her father is an ANZ banker and former police officer.
Seven News reports that Mr Gardiner is still being held in China, but lawyers are "trying everything" to secure his release.
Ms Davis' parents said they would continue to pray for him and his family.
Consular staff and the family of the young woman closed ranks last week in the hope of minimising publicity on the case.
