Melbourne returned home through Singapore and Darwin, later rescuing personnel from the disabled sailing ship Helen B. Sterling. She alternated between reserve and service as flagship of the Australian Squadron. A 1926 Mediterranean exchange briefly placed her back with an overseas fleet before she resumed flagship duties in Australia. Her final voyage delivered her ship's company to the new HMAS Australia before the cruiser was sold for breaking.
Chapter · 45:20-46:40
Melbourne cycles between reserve and Australian flagship duty
Rescue work, exchange service, and repeated recommissioning trace Melbourne's interwar value to a small fleet.