Historic Fleet Review Confirmed For Tuesday 22 October

The Australian Government has confirmed that the historic review of the Royal Australian Navy fleet on Sydney Harbour by King Charles & Queen Camilla will be held at 4:50pm on Tuesday the 22nd of October.

Their Majesties will leave from Man O’ War Steps on board the Admiral Hudson to review 5 ships of the Royal Australian Navy fleet, a significantly slimmed down fleet review. These ships, anchored in Sydney Harbour, are:

• HMAS Arunta
• HMAS Gascoyne
• HMAS Hobart
• HMAS Warramunga
• HMAS Yarra

HMAS stands for His Majesty’s Australian Ship.

Their Majesties will be accompanied by the Australian Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston & the Chief of The Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.

As expected there will be no major pyrotechnic display, which is usually traditional for these events, particularly since the mid-1980’s. A 21-gun salute has not been confirmed yet.

A flypast by Australian Defence Aircraft has been announced to occur during the Monarchical Fleet Review. The fleet review will likely run less than half an hour. Vantage points for the Monarchical Fleet Review are:

• Sydney Opera House
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Their Majesties will also conduct a meet & greet at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, most likely the southern one, at 4:20pm. While gifts are not encouraged, in line with the Buckingham Palace gift policy, non-commercial gifts and flowers may be facilitated for offering to Their Majesties, though they may be subject to a security screening. Their Majesties will be accompanied by the New South Wales (NSW) Premier, Chris Minns & his wife,

There will be road closures in place, particularly from 3:50pm, so check Live Traffic NSW & NSW Police Force websites.

Gates to the Sydney Opera House will open from 3pm & portable toilets will be available. There will be a designated accessible viewing area reserved for people with a disability and/or accessibility needs. To register your interest, e-mail accessibility@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au as there are limited spots!

Vantage points for this historic fleet review will quickly go from around 3pm on the day with large crowds expected due to the edition’s historical significance. You may be subjected to a security screening at the event (definitely at the Sydney Opera House) & large bags, banners or umbrellas are not allowed at the event. If rain is forecast, please wear a raincoat or poncho.

Due to the road closures & extremely limited parking, it is recommended to travel to the Monarchical Fleet Review by public transport. You should plan ahead & leave the car at home, if possible.

The fleet review is still the only public event during Their Majesties’ visit in Sydney.

Non-public events include a community barbeque which has been today announced to be hosted by the NSW Premier in Parramatta with support from the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. Invited guests from Western Sydney have been announced today to include community leaders and organisations, volunteers & individuals who have excelled in their field.

It was also announced today that the King will, at some point in Sydney, meet the current Australians Of The Year, Professors Georgina Long AO & Richard Scolyer AO, to hear about their world-leading cancer research and treatment. Simultaneous to this, Queen Camilla will also visit a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop & meet students and other attendees of the workshop series. The Queen will also meet esteemed authors at the workshop.

AO (Officer of the Order of Australia)

I invite everyone to head to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 October to attend this special event.

I look forward to hosting Their Majesties at the Western Sydney community barbeque to showcase this state’s rich culinary & cultural diversity, where they will also meet with a range of community organisations & outstanding Australians.

It is wonderful His Majesty is taking the time to meet with current Australians of the Year (also NSW Australians of the Year 2024), Professor Georgina Long AO & Professor Richard Scolyer AO.

Chris Minns, NSW Premier

What Is A ‘Fleet Review’?

A fleet review is essentially an inspection of a navy. The reviewer will be stationed on a ‘flagship’ – the main vessel used to review the fleet. For this fleet review, it will be the Admiral Hudson. Being the flagship does not indicate that it is the most important ship in the Royal Australian Navy fleet. The flagship will travel around Sydney Harbour to inspect the 5 anchored Royal Australian Navy vessels & for their sailors to salute and cheer the Monarch and Queen consort. The journey this fleet review will take will begin at Man O’ Steps & will likely be limited to a journey around Farm Cove. Its ultimate destination is unknown.