POLAR TRAVEL TRIBE

ANTARCTICA · Historic East Antarctic expedition

East Antarctica: In Mawson's Footsteps

Cross the Southern Ocean and follow the icebound East Antarctic coast towards the legacy of Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition, with an attempt to approach Cape Denison when wind and sea ice permit.

About 24 days5 main regionsAustral summer · exact departures vary by season

TRIP OVERVIEW

Journey Overview

Cross the Southern Ocean and follow the icebound East Antarctic coast towards the legacy of Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition, with an attempt to approach Cape Denison when wind and sea ice permit.

This is a reference structure for an approximately 24-day expedition, not a fixed departure or guaranteed landing list. Cape Denison is particularly exposed to wind, sea ice, permits and safety constraints; the captain and expedition leader make all final decisions.

Duration
About 24 days
Departure
Hobart
Arrival
Hobart

Journey Highlights

01

Mawson's historic legacy

A defining experience along this expedition route.

02

Macquarie Island wildlife

A defining experience along this expedition route.

03

East Antarctic ice edge

A defining experience along this expedition route.

04

Zodiac exploration and expert lectures

A defining experience along this expedition route.

Route Map

Hobart → Macquarie Island → East Antarctic Coast → Cape Denison → Hobart

ANTARCTICASouthern Ocean / ice edge11. Hobart22. Macquarie Island33. East Antarctic Coast44. Cape Denison55. Hobart
Geographic route overview; the exact track varies with weather, sea ice and expedition decisions.

DAY BY DAY

Reference Itinerary

Days 1–2

Embark in Hobart

Meet the expedition team in Tasmania, complete safety briefings and sail down the Derwent River into the Southern Ocean.

Hobart harbour and the Derwent River in Tasmania
Days 3–5

Southern Ocean and Macquarie Island

Watch for albatrosses and petrels at sea. Subject to permission and conditions, explore Macquarie Island wildlife and its Australian Subantarctic setting.

Royal and king penguins on a Macquarie Island beach
Days 6–10

Cross the Antarctic Circle

Continue south into pack ice for whales, seals and seabirds. East Antarctica’s sea-ice belt, icebergs and open leads are visually distinct from the enclosed bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, and the bridge adjusts the track to current ice information.

Sea ice and icebergs off the East Antarctic coast
Days 11–17

Commonwealth Bay and Cape Denison attempt

Explore Commonwealth Bay when conditions allow and attempt a Zodiac approach towards Mawson's Huts at Cape Denison. Katabatic winds can change the plan quickly.

Mawson's historic hut area at Cape Denison
Days 18–24

Return along the ice edge

Sail north with further wildlife watches, photography sessions and science lectures before returning to Hobart.

Albatross flying over the Southern Ocean

PLAN WITH CLARITY

Before You Travel

Expedition conditions

This is a reference structure for an approximately 24-day expedition, not a fixed departure or guaranteed landing list. Cape Denison is particularly exposed to wind, sea ice, permits and safety constraints; the captain and expedition leader make all final decisions.

PLAN THIS JOURNEY

Plan this expedition with a polar specialist

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