Exercise Kakadu 2026 Fleet Review

Sydney Harbour will transform into a spectacular stage to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the foundation of Australia’s Navy with an International Fleet Review. This milestone event will bring together around 30 ships from 20 nations.

Date: Saturday 21st March 2026
Location: Between Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head, Port Jackson

The Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026 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 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.

Regulated Area Restrictions

6am Saturday 21st March until 1pm Sunday 22nd March 2026 –

• • Exclusion zone active
  • No stopping/drifting or anchoring –on identified parade route detailed in map
  • 250 metre minimal distance from any naval vessel

6am -8pm 21st March –

• • 6 knots maximum speed & no wash restrictions – Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head.

Recommended on-water vantage points

• Athol Bay
• Taylors Bay
• Rose Bay
• Hermit Bay

Event exclusion zone map

Click to expand the map

Safety Reminder

Stay clear of shipping channels, there will be ships navigating in the shipping channels prior to and after the Exclusion Zone. Always keep a lookout for big ships, keeping in mind they may not be able to see smaller boats, have slow stopping times and their wash may affect the stability and steering of small vessels

Respect Exclusion Zones: Follow all signage and directions from Maritime authorities.

Keep safe, stay right in narrow channels and bends

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au (The Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026)