2026 marks 125 years since the foundation of Australia’s Navy. Throughout the year a number of activities will take place to mark this historic milestone. 

The Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review will see the largest gathering of international warships on Sydney Harbour for more than a decade with up to 30 ships from 19 countries assembling in a display of international sea power.

The Fleet Review is one phase of Exercise Kakadu – a major maritime exercise with numerous countries hosted by the Royal Australian Navy every 2 years.

A fleet review is a naval tradition where a reviewing officer on board the reviewing ship inspects the massed ships of the navy, typically when the battle fleet was mobilised for war. Since the 19th century, fleet reviews have been held for commemorative events and celebrations, including inviting other national navies to participate by sending vessels.

With the reviewing officer embarked, HMAS Leeuwin will proceed past all ships receiving a ceremonial salute during the route. While the majority of ships will be alongside berths or at anchor, one column of ships will sail through the main channel, passing HMAS Leeuwin as they proceed west toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

There will be waterway restrictions and exclusions zones in place on the harbour from 21 to 22 March 2026. Refer to NSW Maritime for further details.

To plan your journey to the Fleet Review, visit NSW Transport for the most up to date information on transport throughout the day.

Program schedule

Vantage points 

• Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
• Cremorne Reserve
• Georges Head Lookout - Headland Park
• Hermitage Foreshore
• Kurraba Reserve
• Lyne Park
• Middle Head
• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
• Murray Rose Pool and Blackburn Gardens
• Nielson Park (Headland or Beach)
• North Head
• Roberston Park
• Rose Bay Foreshore
• South Head
• Steyne Park
• Strickland Estate
• Sydney Opera House
• Yarranabbe Park.

For information on participating countries ships and each vantage point visit the Fleet Review ships and vantage point page.