The city will become a fortress during the Games with RAAF fighter jets on standby to remove any threat from the air and thousands of troops, police and security personnel protecting Games venues and key infrastructure on the ground.
Details of the massive air, land and water security measures are expected to be announced in coming weeks, along with plans to make the Yarra the centre of Games celebrations.
The Sunday Herald Sun has learned that no-fly zones will be introduced above Games venues and wider bans, covering greater Melbourne, will apply during the opening and closing ceremonies and the marathon.RAAF jets will be on standby at Point Cook, ready to confront any planes that ignore warnings to turn away from exclusion zones.
Commercial planes and aircraft covering the Games will be exempt.
A navy warship is expected to be anchored in Port Phillip Bay. Smaller police and navy boats will enforce a ban on private vessels using sections of the Yarra.
Victoria Police Commander Brendan Bannan said police, volunteers, contract security and defence force personnel would work together to ensure a safe Games.
He said a command centre would be set up at Melbourne Girls Grammar School.
"People will see more police and airport-type security screening at venues," he said.
"Police will be highly visible wearing fluorescent vests."
The security blanket enveloping the Games includes 13,000 police officers, 5000 private security guards and 1200 army troops, including counter-terrorism soldiers and bomb search and disposal experts.
An army force of 2500 will be on standby to swing into action in the event of a terrorist threat.
A river procession of barges and floating sculptures is believed be a component of the opening ceremony.
