By ANNA USHER

The lower north shore is set for a rare military spectacle on Sydney Harbour.

On Saturday, 30 warships from 19 countries will gather for the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review – the largest international naval assembly in Sydney in over a decade.

Locals in Mosman, Cremorne, Neutral Bay and Kirribilli get a rare chance to witness a scene usually saved for history books or national events.

From dawn to dusk, the harbour will become a floating display of sea power, featuring ceremonial ship movements, an aerial show, a gun salute and a flotilla procession.

For families – especially those with children fascinated by planes and boats – it promises an unforgettable experience.

Even better, some of the best vantage points are right here on our doorstep.

Bradleys Head, Middle Head, Georges Head Lookout, Cremorne Reserve and Kurraba Reserve are all expected to offer prime views, placing the lower north shore in the perfect position to enjoy the show.

The fleet review forms part of a broader program marking 125 years since the founding of the Royal Australian Navy.

It is one phase of Exercise Kakadu, a major maritime exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy every two years that brings together partner nations for a large-scale demonstration of cooperation, capability, and naval tradition.

At the centre of Saturday’s event will be HMAS Leeuwin, carrying the reviewing officer as it proceeds past the assembled fleet to receive ceremonial salutes.

Most ships will anchor around the harbour, with one column moving through the main channel toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge – promising a striking sight against the city’s skyline.

But the action extends beyond the water.

A combined Navy and Royal Australian Air Force aerial display will roar overhead between 2.45pm and 3.15pm, followed by a ceremonial gun salute at 3.45pm.

The program opens with ship arrivals from 6am to midday, followed by the Fleet Review from 2pm to 4pm.

At 4pm, a public boating and commercial vessel sail past will take place. The day concludes with a historical flotilla procession at 6.45pm.

Locals on the water should take note of exclusion zones on March 21 and 22, and check NSW Maritime and Transport for NSW updates before travelling.

For land-based viewers: pack hats, charge your phones and arrive early.

To plan your journey to the Fleet Review, visit NSW Transport for the most up to date information on transport throughout the day.

Boat owners can obtain more information on waterway restrictions, HERE.