The futuristic jetboat was escorted into the harbour by two Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol vessels, 'Encounter' and 'Lewis Dunn', as hundreds of curious local residents and holidaymakers watched on.

Earthrace, built in New Zealand and on sale to anyone with $1.5 million to spare, last year set a new world record for a powerboat circumnavigating the globe.

It completed the journey in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes - smashing the old record by more than two weeks. It did so using 100 per cent renewable biodiesel fuel, leaving a net zero carbon footprint in the process.

Earthrace is currently on a tour of the east coast of Australia before retuning home to New Zealand.

Crew members are using the tour to show people through the boat and to promote environmental sustainability.

They also have plenty of interesting stories to tell about their travels - including being shot at by Columbian pirates and detained by armed guards in Guatemala.

The 24-metre tri-hull Earthrace is capable of speeds of up to 40 knots and can submarine up to seven metres underwater as she powers across the ocean.

At six knots she has a range of 13,000 nautical miles (24,000 kilometres) on one tank of biodiesel and at 25 knots she has a range of about 2000 nautical miles (3700 kilometres).

Hundreds of people took the opportunity to inspect the vessel on Wednesday and Thursday with many people waiting for lengthy periods in the sweltering heat for a glimpse inside.

Earthrace departed for Batemans Bay on Friday morning.