Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026 on 21 March
To be held on Saturday 21st March between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and South Head, Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026 will see the largest gathering of international warships on Sydney Harbour for more than a decade.
Up to 30 ships from 20 countries are assembling in an impressive display of international sea power.
The International Fleet Review is one phase of Exercise Kakadu which is a major maritime exercise with numerous countries hosted by the Royal Australian Navy every two 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 at alongside berths or at anchor, one column of ship will sail through the main channel, passing HMAS Leeuwin as they proceed west toward the Harbour Bridge.
Program schedule:
- 6:00am Division 1 Enters Sydney Harbour
- 7:30am Division 2 Enters Sydney Harbour
- 9:00am Division 3 Enters Sydney Harbour
- 10:30am Division 4 Enters Sydney Harbour
- 2:00pm Review of International Naval Fleet Commences
- 2:20pm Division 5 Enters Sydney Harbour
- 2:45pm Combined Navy & RAAF Aerial display
- 3:45pm Ceremonial Gun Salute
- 4 – 6:00pm Public Boating and Commercial Vessel Sailpast
- 6:45pm Historic Flotilla Procession
Plan Ahead
With a 6-knot speed limit from 6am until 8pm, allow extra time to travel between Sydney Harbour Bridge and South head on Saturday 21st March.
Exclusion zones will be active, between 6am 21st March until 12pm 22nd March, marked by yellow buoys and official patrol vessels.
A no stopping, drifting and anchoring applies between Garden Island and Point Piper and along the viewing route
At all times, vessels must remain 250 metres a naval vessel.
Refer to the event exclusion zone map below for regulated areas and vantage points.
Recommended on-water vantage points
- Athol Bay
- Taylors Bay
- Rose Bay
- Hermit Bay