Once the transports completed unloading, the naval force withdrew over the course of 9 August; "Australia" reached Nouméa on 13 August. The ships of Task Force 44 were replenished at Nouméa, then sailed to rejoin the three carrier groups on 19 August, in response to intelligence that a large Japanese fleet was sailing to the Solomon Islands. After arrival on 21 August, Crutchley and "Australia" were placed in command of the carriers' combined surface defence group, including several cruisers and the battleship . Air attacks between the Allied and Japanese forces occurred during 24–25 August; the Japanese fleet was driven off without "Australia" or the other warships having to engage directly. On 31 August, Task Force 44 was detached from the carrier groups and sailed for Brisbane, arriving on 3 September. Four days later, "Australia" sailed with the task force for Milne Bay, where Allied ships and shore positions had been attacked several times by Japanese warships. Task Force 44 did not make contact with any enemy vessels. After this, the ships were assigned to patrol the Coral Sea.