The navy's newest ship has made for an unusual sight after dropping  anchor for the first time in south coast waters over the weekend.

The 7,000 tonne Ocean Shield was on her maiden voyage from Western Australia to Fleet Base East in Sydney.

Not your average gunmetal grey naval ship, the Ocean Shield is bright orange and white, and was anchored on Saturday off the Little Blow Hole at Kiama.

After weighing anchor late Saturday the ship headed for Sydney arriving yesterday morning at about 10.

The ship is unusual in that it's helicopter landing pad is at the bow, up very high, just ahead of the bridge.

It is planned the use the ship for amphibious tasks and for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, especially around Asia and the Pacific.