The Royal Australian Navy’s guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart has docked in Hobart ahead of a Freedom of Entry march today.
The namesake vessel will spend three days in the city as the ship’s officers and sailors parade through the city before a ceremony is held on Parliament Lawns later this morning.
The City of Hobart is hosting the event, which is a time-honoured tradition dating back to medieval times, celebrating the prestigious granting of Freedom of Entry to the Australian Navy vessel.
City of Hobart CEO Michael Stretton said the event promises to be a spectacle of high significance.
“The Freedom of Entry march is a cherished tradition that highlights the strong bond between the City of Hobart and the Australian Navy,” he said.
“It is an honour to host this ceremony, showcasing our city’s rich maritime heritage.”
Approximately 150-200 sailors in full dress uniform will participate in the march along the Hobart waterfront to Parliament Lawns, accompanied by a marching band.
The event will start at 11am near Macquarie Wharf 2 and make its way along the foreshore to Parliament Lawns between 11:15am and 11:30am.
