Arrived Sydney 1972 as a permanent resident but visa expired in mid eighties....best option to come back? I have father, brother and sister in Australia and wish to return as my mother and all other family members have passed in the U K....I am currently in Sydney on tourist visa....cheers

You could try to get an RRV to start with, how long have you been away? You do have good ties with family, but I would advise getting help with the application from an agent. Some one on the forums managed to get one after decades away and they applied whilst in Australia. Worth a try as inexpensive compared to other visas, which you may not be eligible for anyway.
More info like your age, skills etc might help suggest other options.

Thanks rammygirl
I have returned several times over the years on a tourist visa .....last time 2010...a RRV seems the best option....I will apply online

I would think you are not eligible as you haven't held a resident visa in nearly 40 years.

Given your age (estimating as 50+ given date you first held visa) you wouldn't be eligible for a former resident visa either.

May be worth chatting with a good agent.