In late 2011, the Chief of Navy (CN) - Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN extended an invitation to over 50 nations to send a warship and/or tall ship to participate in an International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held in Sydney from 3 - 11 October 2013. The Review is being held to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet into Sydney. On 4 October 1913 the flagship, HMAS Australia, led the new Australian Fleet Unit comprising HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra into Sydney Harbour for the first time to be greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshore. This was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key indicator of Australia's progress towards national maturity.
The IFR is a high profile international event and Navy's signature commemorative event for 2013. Planned in partnership with the NSW State Government and the City of Sydney, it is anticipated that approximately 40 visiting warships and 12 tall ships will participate in this historic event. The RAN Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Congress and Exposition are also scheduled to take place at Darling Harbour from 7 October 2013 to coincide with the IFR.
The current plan will see RAN and visiting warships rendezvousing in Jervis Bay, NSW by 2 October 2013 to conduct final preparations and briefings. The formal aspects of the IFR will commence with all tall ships entering Sydney Harbour on Thursday 3 October 2013 and all warships entering on Friday 4 October 2013 - exactly 100 years after the first RAN Fleet entry.
- Date: 3 October 2013 to 11 October 2013
- Time: Refer to the Schedule of Events below
- Where: Various locations around Sydney, NSW
- Cost: Free
Schedule of Events
Note: The following program is subject to change.
3 October 2013
- Warships depart for passage to Sydney.
- Tall ships entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) "Team Navy ASRL Flotilla". Location: Sydney Harbour.
4 October 2013
- Fleet entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Australian Surf Rowers League luncheon. Location: Sydney Opera House.
5 October 2013
- Dress ship. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
- Ceremonial Fleet Review. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Formation flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Military demonstrations.
- Pyrotechnics and Lightshow. Location: Sydney Harbour.
6 October 2013
- Ships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.
- Interfaith Religious Service. Location: St Mary's Cathedral.
7 October 2013
- Opening of Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific Maritime Trade Show (Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition). Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
- Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
- Combined Navies Band concert (to be confirmed).
- Ships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.
8 October 2013
- Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
- Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
- Memorial Service. Location: Cenotaph, Martin Place.
9 October 2013
- Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
- Combined Navies Parade. Location: George Street - The Rocks to Town Hall.
- Food Festival/BBQ for parade participants. Location: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
- Sea Power Conference 2013. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
- Twilight sailing with RAN Sailing Association. Location: Sydney Harbour.
- Closing of Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
10 October 2013
- Tall ships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.
11 October 2013
- Warships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.
Need affordable and comfortable accommodation close the fleet locations in Sydney?
Metro Hotels offer comfortable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city that will keep you close these venues and major public transport hubs. So whether you're coming from interstate to Sydney or coming from overseas, we've got you covered!
Each hotel or serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Many of the fleet locations can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, medical centres and public toilets all within walking distance.
Want discounts on your stay at Metro Hotels around Sydney? Here are some specials:
Start Of Financial Year Special @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Start of Financial Year Special for $220.00* per night (minimum 3 night stay) including:
Winter Sydney Great Saver @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central
Metro Hotel is offering this Winter Sydney - Great Saver package for $129.00 per room per night including:
Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package @ Metro on Pitt
Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package including:
Park and Stay Special at Aspire Hotel Sydney @ Aspire Hotel
Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering this Park and Stay Special:
Metro Hotels offer comfortable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city that will keep you close these venues and major public transport hubs. So whether you're coming from interstate to Sydney or coming from overseas, we've got you covered!
- Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close walk to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
- Metro Hotel Sydney Central (close walk or bus/taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
- Metro Hotel on Pitt (close train/bus or taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
- Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (close train/bus or taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
Each hotel or serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Many of the fleet locations can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, medical centres and public toilets all within walking distance.
Want discounts on your stay at Metro Hotels around Sydney? Here are some specials:
Start Of Financial Year Special @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Start of Financial Year Special for $220.00* per night (minimum 3 night stay) including:
- Guaranteed free upgrade to Executive
- 3 Night Minimum stay is required
- Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/314
Winter Sydney Great Saver @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central
Metro Hotel is offering this Winter Sydney - Great Saver package for $129.00 per room per night including:
- Free wireless internet
- Free Breakfast for 2 adult
- Free bottle of wine on arrival
- Free late check out by 12 noon (Subject to availability).
- Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/307
Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package @ Metro on Pitt
Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package including:
- One Nights Accommodation
- Hot Buffet Breakfast for two
- Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/217
Park and Stay Special at Aspire Hotel Sydney @ Aspire Hotel
Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering this Park and Stay Special:
- Book for 3 nights accommodation at Aspire Hotel Sydney and get free parking
- Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/106
