It is a rare visit for HMAS Melbourne and its crew to Newcastle but the scenery is a welcome sight for Maitland-born Commander Allison Norris.

"It is a unique opportunity to bring a warship back to Newcastle," the former All Saints College student said.

Commander Norris is one of three female commanding officers in the Royal Australian Navy and one of only two in charge of a sea-faring vessel.

Commander Norris guided the Adelaide-class frigate into dock at Throsby Wharf yesterday afternoon and is keen to reconnect with family and friends in the valley once official duties are done.

Commander Norris is nearing the end of her 18-month posting and will soon hand control of the vessel to another commander.

"I will be sad to hand over control in couple of weeks time," she said.

In her time at the helm, Commander Norris has steered her ship and crew through training exercises in South-East Asia, missile training in Hawaii, maintenance and testing as well as lending a hand in tsunami-ravaged Samoa.

The vessel and its crew have been involved in the RAAF East Coast Air Defence Exercise, which hit full swing early this week, and took the opportunity to come ashore for the weekend.

Hunter residents will have a chance to experience life aboard the long-range escort vessel tomorrow with the gang plank lowered to visitors between 1pm and 4pm at Throsby Wharf.