A fleet entry into Sydney Harbour is a ceremonial movement where naval ships — often from Australia’s Royal Australian Navy (RAN) alongside international navies — sail into the harbour’s entrance (usually past Sydney Heads) in a formal formation. It’s part of the broader fleet review tradition: a naval custom dating back to the 19th century in which a senior officer or dignitary (on a flagship) “reviews” the assembled vessels, traditionally as a mark of respect, celebration or commemoration.
🛳 2026 International / Kakadu Fleet Review – Sydney Harbour
On Saturday 21 March 2026, as part of Exercise Kakadu and the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th anniversary celebrations, Sydney Harbour will host a major International Fleet Review with a ceremonial fleet entry.
Highlights include:
Ceremonial Entry of Ships: From about 6 am to midday, up to 30 warships from around 20 nations will enter and assemble in Sydney Harbour in formation — a spectacular maritime sight.
Route: Ships sail in through Sydney Heads, proceed along the main navigable channel and take up positions at anchor or alongside berths between Bradley’s Head and South Head (Port Jackson).
Fleet Review Ceremony: In the afternoon, a nominated reviewing ship (often carrying a senior naval official or special guest) moves past the assembled vessels for the formal review.
Salutes & Displays: Ceremonial gun salutes, aerial flypasts and other public-facing celebrations are scheduled around the review.
Public Viewing: Spectators can watch from vantage points around the harbour foreshore or join commercial cruises that offer views of the fleet entry and review.
🛥️ Public Spectator Experience
You don’t need to be part of the navy to enjoy it — the event is free for spectators on land and the harbour is open for public boats (respecting safety zones). There are also official cruises and hospitality experiences from Sydney wharves giving excellent waterfront and on-water perspectives of the fleet.
📌 Historical Context
Fleet entries and reviews are not new to Sydney — the first Royal Australian Navy fleet entered the harbour on 4 October 1913, an event celebrated on major anniversaries like 2013 and now again in 2026 with international participation.
