Local residents and visitors have flocked to vantage points at Hyams Beach, Iluka and Greenpatch to witness the impressive build up of military hardware.

Ships started arriving on Sunday, but on Wednesday morning Jervis Bay was at its glorious best, with the ships dropping anchor between HMAS Creswell and Bowen Island.

The ships are in Australia for the International Fleet Review, with the main event taking place in Sydney Harbour on Saturday.

They dropped into Jervis Bay to prepare for the big event, just as Australia’s first RAN fleet did 100 years ago before the seven RAN ships steamed into Sydney Harbour.

GALLERY: Photos from day one

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