International Fleet Review at Dawn

A Photo Essay

Early on Friday morning, 5.30am actually, we bundled the sleepy-eyed children into their dressing gowns and ugg boots and set off for Dobroyd Head. Why this insanity? The International Fleet Review is taking place in Sydney this weekend. Navy ships from all over the world are coming into our beautiful Harbour. The first 3 boats entered at 6am. There were more entering at 8am and 10am, but we wanted to be there early, see the dawn and have Dad with us before work. 

Boys love boats! Especially big navy boats. It was worth braving the cold and the dawn. We saw ships from China, Malaysia and Singapore enter through The Heads into Sydney Harbour. Spectacular.

Then on Sunday afternoon we headed out to Garden Island to board some of the International Navy Vessels that have come into Sydney Harbour for the Fleet Review. The weather was a sweltering 31 degrees (Celsius) and it was HOT! Once again we had tired kids, but they really managed so well in the heat and the crowds.

There were hundreds, if not thousands, of people on the wharf to board the ships, but in true navy form, everything was under control and well organized. We did have to queue to board the ships and with tired kids we only managed 2 ships - the Japanese and Thai. But it was still worth the whopping $3 entry fee!.

There were boats from New Zealand, Australia (HMAS Darwin and HMAS Sydney), India, Japan and Thailand. The highlights for the boys - rocket launchers, 79mm gun barrels, and getting taken through a "secret" hatch because Noah was overheating on deck. The highlights for Kyah - her first taste of banana and being allowed to drink water from the boys water bottle (you don't take much away from such an event at only 6 months of age).

It was a lot of fun being part of this International Fleet Review. Boys love boats. Esepcially gigantic navy boats. Boys love helicopters and fighter planes. The Harbour was a-buzz with helicopters and fighter jets. Boys love buses and trains. We got to ride on 2 buses and saw lots of trains. Boys love going over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and seeing the Opera House. We went over the bridge twice and saw the Opera House. It was all win-win. We even saw giant snails!

What have you braved the cold and the early morning dawn for? Did you see any of the ships entering Sydney Harbour this morning?

What have you braved crowds and sweltering heat for? Did you make it on board any of the Navy ships in town this weekend?