Australia Marks 100 Years Since the Navy Entered Sydney Harbour
Thousands of people lined the shores of Sydney Harbour to watch a fireworks spectacular on Saturday night marking 100 years since the Royal Australian Navy fleet first entered the harbour.
More than 20 warships from 17 different nations arrived this week for the International Fleet Review in celebration of Australia’s Navy.
The enormous fireworks display kicked off at 7:40pm (AEST) and lasted 30 minutes.
Fireworks were launched from city rooftops, the Harbour Bridge and the decks of warships, along with light projections, narration and music.
The Sydney Opera House came alive with Navy imagery and history projected onto its sails, along with the message: “We salute you”.
Sailors watched on from the decks of warships as fireworks exploded and lit up the harbour.
In 1913 seven warships, which formed the beginnings of Australia’s Royal Navy, emerged from behind Bradleys Head and entered the harbour.
One hundred years later, contemporary Australian and International warships did the same.
Earlier on Saturday Prince Harry joined Governor-General Quinten Bryce in officially reviewing the warships from aboard the HMAS Leeuwin on the harbour.
They were welcomed by a 100-gun salute as crowds of people packed onto the foreshore looked on.
The Prince then met members of the public who had gathered at The Rocks, before heading to Kirribilli House where he was greeted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and members of his family.
On Sunday morning an invite only memorial service will be held for HMAS Sydney I at Bradleys Head.
The public will get a chance to explore warships from 1pm at Fleet Base East, Garden Island and Barangaroo, while tall ships will be open to visitors at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Tags: Royal Australian Navy