Sydney Harbour will host one of its largest international naval gatherings in more than a decade, with around 30 warships from nearly 20 nations set to assemble within clear view of Lower North Shore communities, including Mosman, Cremorne and Kirribilli.
A major international fleet review
The event on Saturday, 21 March, forms part of Exercise Kakadu, a multinational maritime exercise led by the Royal Australian Navy, and coincides with commemorations marking 125 years since the service’s establishment.
A central feature of the program is the fleet review, a formal naval tradition in which a reviewing officer inspects assembled vessels. HMAS Leeuwin is expected to carry the reviewing officer as it passes the fleet, with participating ships delivering ceremonial salutes.
Participating vessels have travelled from across the Indo-Pacific, with some arriving in Sydney following joint exercises conducted further north.
While many vessels will remain anchored across Sydney Harbour, one column is expected to move through the main channel toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge, providing a prominent visual along the harbour corridor.
Full-day program on the harbour
Ship arrivals are scheduled to take place from early morning through to midday, building toward the main fleet review in the afternoon.
The program also includes a joint aerial display by the Royal Australian Air Force, followed by a ceremonial gun salute. Later in the day, a public boating sail-past and a historical flotilla procession are expected to conclude the event.
The sequence of activities is designed to combine formal naval ceremony with public-facing displays across both water and air.
Lower North Shore vantage points
Residents along the lower north shore are expected to have some of the best land-based viewing positions.
Locations including Bradleys Head, Georges Head Lookout, Cremorne Reserve and Kurraba Reserve have been identified as key vantage points, with clear sightlines across the harbour.
Authorities anticipate increased foot traffic in these areas as spectators gather throughout the day.
Transport and maritime authorities have advised that planning ahead will be important for those attending.
Waterway restrictions, including exclusion zones around naval vessels, will be in place across parts of Sydney Harbour. Boaters are required to maintain safe distances and follow directions from maritime authorities.
On land, parking is expected to be limited near popular viewing areas. Additional public transport services, including increased bus frequency in suburbs such as Mosman, have been scheduled to assist with crowd movement.
Published 18-March-2026
