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 20 countries assembling in a display of international sea power.

The International 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.

Program schedule