Members of the public will have the opportunity to tour a Royal Australian Navy warship while raising money for charity this month.

The announcement was made onboard HMAS Canberra at Garden Island, Sydney on 11 April as 'mega-charity' NSW Kids in Need launched their annual 'open house' fundraiser.

Commanding Officer Canberra Captain Ashley Papp said the 27,000-tonne amphibious assault ship and his crew were “incredibly proud” to be part of the launch.

“Please buy your tickets, give generously and come down to have a look at one of our great ships,” Captain Papp said.

NSW Kids in Need raises money for six children’s charities each year by running the World’s Largest Open House.

The day-long event gives members of the public access to areas usually off limits to them - for a small donation.

This has been a regular fixture for Navy, with HMA Ships Toowoomba and Canberra open to the public in previous years.

A warship at Garden Island will be open to ticket holders between 10am and 2pm on Sunday, 30 April.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the ship and Navy personnel will be available to answer questions about the capability and their roles on board.

Other locations open that day will include the Sydney City Fire Station and the Mounted Police Station in Redfern.

Channel 7 News presenter Mark Ferguson is an ambassador for NSW Kids in Need.

He said at the launch that Canberra was one of the must see attractions at last year’s Open House.

“It was wonderful to be down here last year for the open day. We did a cross to Sunrise early in the morning. I watched many families come onboard and the looks on their faces as they approached this mighty vessel I will never forget. Especially the young children: jaws were open and eyes were wide,” Mr Ferguson said.

Tickets are essential to tour all Open House locations. For tickets and for more information on the charity or other Open House locations, visit the NSW Kids in Need website at www.nswkidsinneed.org.au.

NSW Kids in Need supports the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Central Coast Kids in Need, Muscular Dystrophy NSW, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Bear Cottage and Shine for Kids.