The sailors and marines were due to spend a weekend at rest and recreation in Sydney before heading for their home port of San Diego, California, on Tuesday, a US consulate official said.

The fleet, made up of the helicopter carrier USS Bonhomme Richard and the USS Boxer, USS Pearl Harbour, USS Dubuque and USS Cleveland, was surrounded by Australian security boats but met no protests.

The ships and troops were part of the US-led invasion force that toppled the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Australia contributed a small force of some 2,000 troops and three ships to the war.

The US spokesman said the port visit was the fleet's first major stop since the war.

"It will provide them with the opportunity to learn about Australia and experience the hospitality of their hosts," he said.

WAR.WIRE