Wuhan evacuees leave Darwin health centre

More than 250 Australians evacuated from the virus-stricken Chinese city of Wuhan were finally heading back to their own homes on Sunday, after spending a fortnight in quarantine at Howard Springs near Darwin.

A fleet of buses took the evacuees from Howard Springs to Darwin airport.

Brian Leng and Zilong Long, both from Melbourne, were among the 266 people travelling home.

Long put a brave face on his two weeks in quarantine, saying there was a cinema and a swimming pool to enjoy.

It was like a small vacation, he said.

Abigail Trewin of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) thanked everyone working at the quarantine facility.

"It's been a journey that we've all taken together and we're just so pleased that everyone is well and happy and able to return to their home states,'' she said.

164 Australians evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise liner remain in quarantine in Darwin.

Seven Australians from the cruise ship have tested positive for the virus.