Russia is entitled to send warships to international waters near Australia, foreign minister Julie Bishop says.
Russia has dispatched four naval ships ahead of President Vladimir Putin's arrival to the G20 summit.
Ms Bishop says this is entirely consistent with international law.
"It's not unexpected," Ms Bishop told reporters in Sydney.
"Russia is entitled ... to traverse international waters, so we have been aware of it for some time. We've been tracking it."
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When asked whether the expedition was a show of force, the foreign minister said Russia was simply doing what countries with big navies do.
"Russia is a significant country with a significant navy," she said.
News of the arrival of the fleet comes after a highly anticipated exchange between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Russian President Vladimir Putin at this week's APEC summit in Beijing ahead of the G20.
The move has more to do with the G20 meeting in Brisbane than with any comments made by Mr Abbott, defence expert say.
