Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp charms Australian fans

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp has returned to Australia where he has been embroiled in a controversy over his illegally imported pet dogs Pistol and Boo.

On Wednesday he met more than 1000 fans on Queensland's Gold Coast where his latest movie the Pirates of the Caribbean 5 is being filmed.

He was dressed as his character Jack Sparrow and posed for many selfies as he met fans.

Depp's Australian visit has been marked by several odd incidents, from breaking his wrist in a go-kart accident and being threatened with a jail term for smuggling his two small terriers into Australia against quarantine laws.

But Wednesday's charm offensive won him much affection among fans.

His dogs have returned to the United States.