On 25 July 1913, HMAS Australia and HMAS Sydney set sail from England and the Royal Australian Navy entered the Sydney Harbour for the first time on 4 October 1913. Since then, fleet reviews take place for a number of reasons such as to demonstrate the strength of the Navy's fleet to potential enemies and to mark the coronation and significant jubilees of the reigning monarch. This year, more than 50 warships and tall ships from 20 countries came together to the mark the centenary. (Source: http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/)
The 2013 International Fleet Review coincided with the Labour Day long weekend and was filled with festivities, with Navy air displays, naval band performances, a special appearance by Prince Harry, vessels open days and fireworks and light shows. Newscasters were at loss of adjectives and the word "spectacular" came up in every other sentence. (Even the crowd pining and screaming for Harry was called "spectacular". @@. Sigh.) Tickets to the warships and tall ships open days were sold out. The air displays and fireworks were definitely highlights for me.
 |
| Of tall ship, warships, cruise ships and a Hornet |
 |
| This tall ship has many followers, kayakers included |
 |
| Look, who's here? |
 |
| My bumble bees |
The poor birds must be bewildered why their space in the sky has been invaded by so many noisy bodies.
 |
| Can you tell the bird from the plane? |
More than 1 million staked out at various vantage points around the Sydney Harbour to view a 30-minute fireworks and pyrotechnics extravaganza, where fireworks and lights were launched from warships in the harbour for the first time.
Video: Fireworks and light show finale
