Mawson’s Polar History
Understand the achievements and hardship of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition in the landscape where its members lived and worked.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEEAST ANTARCTICA HISTORY EXPEDITION
In the Footsteps of Mawson
Follow the history of Douglas Mawson and the Australasian Antarctic Expedition into remote East Antarctica, where historic huts, immense ice, powerful winds and rarely visited coastlines define the journey.
About 24 days Typical durationDecember–February Travel seasonHobart to Dunedin Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- About 24 days
- Season
- December–February
- Voyage style
- Long-range expedition voyage
This long-range voyage explores the windswept coast associated with Douglas Mawson and the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, combining polar history with the immense scale of East Antarctic ice.
Commonwealth Bay is one of the windiest coastal regions on Earth, so any approach to Cape Denison, historic huts or nearby shores depends entirely on wind, sea ice, swell, permits and conservation requirements.
Why This Route
Commonwealth Bay
Seek a safe weather window towards Cape Denison and the exceptionally exposed coast beside the continental ice sheet.
East Antarctic Ice
Travel among tabular icebergs, broad sea ice and remote shores visited by very few expedition travellers.
Macquarie Island Wildlife
When permission and weather allow, observe penguins, elephant seals and seabirds on a remarkable sub-Antarctic island.
Route Map
Hobart → Macquarie Island → Commonwealth Bay → Cape Denison → East Antarctic coast → Dunedin
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Days 1–2
Embark in Hobart
Complete embarkation, safety and biosecurity procedures in Hobart before sailing down the Derwent River. The expedition team introduces Douglas Mawson, East Antarctic weather, protected historic sites and the flexible nature of the weeks ahead.
Days 3–6
Southern Ocean and Macquarie Island
Cross the Southern Ocean while watching for albatrosses, petrels and whales. If landing permission and conditions align, explore Macquarie Island for king, royal and rockhopper penguins, elephant seals and its important role in early Antarctic communications.
Days 7–11
Towards East Antarctica
Cross the Antarctic Convergence as temperatures fall and the first great icebergs appear. Lectures cover the Aurora, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, geology and polar photography while the captain follows the safest route through changing weather and sea ice.
Days 12–18
Commonwealth Bay and Mawson’s Coast
Use the best available window to explore Commonwealth Bay, Cape Denison or other reachable sections of the East Antarctic coast. Historic-site access is never guaranteed and every landing follows wind, ice, shoreline safety, permits and strict conservation rules.
Days 19–21
East Antarctic Ice Exploration
Continue along remote icebound shores, using suitable conditions for Zodiac cruising, wildlife watching or alternative landings. Tabular icebergs, ice-shelf margins and possible Adélie penguins, seals and Antarctic seabirds create a powerful expedition setting.
Days 22–24
Return to New Zealand
Sail north towards Dunedin with expedition recaps, photography sessions and continued seabird watching from the outer decks. Arrival remains subject to ocean conditions, so onward travel should retain a comfortable time buffer.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Aurora ExpeditionsGreg Mortimer
Modern X-BOW expedition ship
Ask about this ship →
Aurora ExpeditionsSylvia Earle
Modern small expedition ship
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Hobart
- Arrival
- Dunedin
Who This Journey Suits
- Polar-history enthusiasts
- Travellers comfortable with a long and highly flexible voyage
What You May See
- Adélie and possible emperor penguins
- Seals
- Albatrosses and petrels
- Commonwealth Bay
- Cape Denison
- East Antarctic sea ice
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Moderate; remote landings can involve uneven snow, rocks and frequent Zodiac transfers.
- Long Southern Ocean crossings and katabatic winds can create significant motion and major itinerary changes.
Before You Book
- Cape Denison and historic huts cannot be guaranteed
- Keep flexible onward travel arrangements
- Choose a cabin suitable for many sea days
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to follow Mawson into East Antarctica?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.