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Sunday's emotional victory tied him with Novak Djokovic and Australian Roy Emerson with the most Australian titles.

While his long-time rivals Nadal, Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray have injury concerns heading into the new season, not only did Federer blaze on into the final but he finished stronger than Cilic, who is seven years younger.

Federer was the oldest man at 36 to reach the Australian Open final since Australians Ken Rosewall (37) and Mal Anderson (36) played in the 1972 decider.

He explained the circumstances that allowed him to play on.

"I think by not overplaying, not playing every tournament possible," he said.

"I enjoy practice. Not minding the travel. Having a great team around me, they make it possible," he said.

"In the end it's about seeing that my parents are incredibly proud and happy that I'm still doing it. That makes me happy and play better."

Federer is the father of two sets of twins with wife Mirka, a former professional player he met at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Despite Sunday's triumph, Federer will remain world No 2 behind Nadal while Cilic has climbed from sixth to a career-high No 3.

Cilic overcame Federer on the way to winning the 2014 US Open final, but that remains his only win in 10 encounters.

Agence France-presse