The Australian Antarctic Festival 2026 Program

Kick off the festival with an evening of storytelling, trivia and discovery

Mawson After Dark brings together Antarctic enthusiasts, history lovers, festival guests and the curious for a relaxed and entertaining evening inspired by the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Test your knowledge through Antarctic-themed trivia, uncover fascinating stories from Douglas Mawson’s expeditions, and celebrate the people, places and adventures that have shaped Australia’s enduring connection to the south.

To mark the occasion, Hadley’s Orient Hotel will unveil the official Australian Antarctic Festival Cocktail, crafted exclusively for the Festival. Inspired by Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, the signature cocktail offers visitors a unique taste of Tasmania’s Antarctic gateway city and will be available throughout the Festival period.

Whether you’re attending the Festival for the first time or returning for another year, Mawson After Dark is the perfect way to kick off the celebrations with trivia, storytelling, friendly competition and great company.

LIMITED TICKETS – bookings essential. All ticket proceeds go to the Mawsons Huts Foundation.

Frank Hurley and a Century of Antarctic Photography

Photography has played a vital role in revealing Antarctica to the world. This exhibition showcases historic photographs of Douglas Mawson’s British and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition by renowned polar photographer Frank Hurley, alongside cameras recently donated by the Australian Antarctic Division. Together, they tell the story of documenting life and work in the world’s most remote continent.

FEATURED PHOTO CREDIT: Photo by Frank Hurley. Circa 1930. Members of the British, Australian, and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE) resting on Proclamation Island.

Islands to Ice: The Great Southern Ocean and Antarctica

The journey to Antarctica begins here. Voyage south across wild oceans, venture through windswept island worlds and dive into stories behind the icy expanse of the great southern wilderness in a reimagined ’Islands to Ice exhibition.

Islands to Ice brings the astonishing wonders of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic region to the shores of Tasmania. From the animals that inhabit these special environments to the hidden stories of the people who work and play on the frozen continent, explore this unique and captivating world right here in Hobart.

Exhibition Highlights:

• Nine-metre sperm whale skull on display for the first time.
• Interactive elements including refashioned ‘Ice Map’.
• Sky Country Theatre: An immersive audio-visual experience for contemporary Pakana story telling around ancient skyscapes and Sky Country stories.
• Objects, specimens and research exploring the science, history and future of the icy continent.

Located on Level 2 in the Argyle Galleries.

FEATURE IMAGE CREDIT: ©Benjamin Wallis (King penguin); ©Russell Hopcroft (Cranchid squid larva and Krill – Euphausia superba)

Walk in the Footsteps of Mawson’s Antarctic Pioneers

Step inside the remarkable replica of Douglas Mawson’s original expedition huts and journey back to the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration.

Built to faithfully recreate the huts that still stand at Cape Denison in East Antarctica, this immersive experience transports visitors to one of the most remote, coldest and windiest places on Earth. It was here that the men of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911–1914) lived, worked and carried out groundbreaking scientific research that helped shape our understanding of Antarctica and the world around us.

Explore the living quarters, scientific equipment and personal stories of the expeditioners who endured blizzards, isolation and unimaginable hardship in the pursuit of discovery. Through authentic artefacts, engaging interpretation and atmospheric surroundings, experience what life was really like at the edge of the unknown.

Between Sea and Ice: Southern Ocean Watercolours

Along the verandah walls of the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum, visitors are invited to journey through the Southern Ocean via a series of specially commissioned watercolours by Tasmanian artist David Hopkins.

Created for the Australian Antarctic Festival, the exhibition traces the enduring connection between Tasmania, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Together, these works tell a story of exploration, connection, resilience, and wonder at the gateway to the Deep South.

75 Years of Australian Glaciology

This inaugural event will reunite generations of expeditioners and scientists to celebrate, share stories and history, and discuss all things ice and snow.

Livestream details will be available soon.

FEATURE PHOTO CREDITS:
© Damien Beloin/Australian Antarctic Division.
The Million Year Ice Core (MYIC) traverse team on their 1168 km journey from Dome C North to Casey research station, with 186 metres of ice cores. The freshly drilled cores contain a record of the past 13,000 years of Earth’s climate history. Travelling at a top speed of just 13 km/hr, the convoy of six tractors and two snow groomers takes up to 18 days to reach Casey and is led by a 10-person team of expeditioners, 2026.

© Joel Pedro/Australian Antarctic Division.
Pulling an inner barrel full of ice core out of the drill and onto the rolling bench for transfer to the core processing line. The Australian Antarctic Program’s Million Year Ice Core project aims to collect a continuous record of 1-2 million years of Earth’s climate history by drilling for ice up to 3 km deep at Dome C North, December 2025.

© Jo Chandler/Australian Antarctic Division.
Australian Antarctic Division ice core chemist Mark Curran catalogues ice cores for beryllium-7 measurements at Law Dome, 2008

© Joel Pedro/Australian Antarctic Division.
Australian ice core drilling camp at Law Dome after a week-long blizzard, December 2008.

© Australian Antarctic Division.
Expeditioner stacking ice cores in racking in pit, 1972.

Storytelling at the Huts

Step inside the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum after hours for a guided storytelling experience exploring the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911–1914), daily life in Antarctica and the human stories of survival and discovery. The experience includes a curated whiskey tasting supplied by Lark Distillery, accompanied by a shared locally sourced charcuterie board.

The event is intentionally small-scale, with a maximum of 12 guests per session, to maintain an intimate and immersive environment.

BOOKING DETAILS COMING SOON

Dispatches from the Far South

Island of Ideas: Public Talk Series (UTAS)

Speaker: Dr Edward Doddridge.
ARC DECRA in Physical Oceanography, Australian Antarctic Program Partnership
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania.

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean lie at the heart of our global climate system. This icy region connects the atmosphere and the ocean abyss. The Antarctic Ice Sheet stores records of our past and how it responds to the present will shape our future.

The Far South is changing rapidly. We have already seen warming oceans and vast decreases in sea ice coverage. The future state of our climate depends on what happens next.

This year’s Philip Law Lecture will be delivered by Dr Edward Doddridge, a prize-winning jam maker and Physical Oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in Tasmania.

Edward uses supercomputers, mathematical theory, and observations to explore the ocean and sea ice around Antarctica. He studied Maths and Physics as an undergraduate at the University of Tasmania and obtained his doctorate from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He subsequently worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before returning to Tasmania.

FEATURED IMAGES & CREDITS: Dr Edward Doddridge; Emperor Penguin jumping! © Christopher.Michel, Flikr.

Protecting Antarctic Heritage for Future Generations

Bringing together heritage management professionals from the Australian Antarctic Division, the Mawson’s Huts Foundation, the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust and the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust, the Antarctic Heritage & Conservation Summit explores the challenges and opportunities of preserving Antarctica’s historic places for future generations.

Through a series of presentations, representatives will examine current conservation projects, emerging research, international collaboration and the management of some of the world’s most remote and fragile heritage sites across Antarctica and the subantarctic region.

From the iconic huts of the Heroic Age to the ongoing stewardship of polar heritage in a changing environment, the summit provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from those working to protect Antarctica’s cultural legacy.

Whether you are a heritage professional, Antarctic enthusiast, researcher, student or simply curious about the frozen continent, this is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the conservation challenges and successes shaping the future of Antarctic heritage.

A must-attend event for anyone passionate about cultural heritage, conservation and polar history.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Three Women, One Extraordinary Antarctic Journey

In one of the harshest places on Earth, three women from different generations chase a hidden and ephemeral world beneath the Antarctic sea ice. Dr Natalie Robinson leads an expedition to McMurdo Sound, joined by PhD student and microbiologist Jacqui Stuart on her first trip south. Mentoring them from afar is veteran sea ice physicist Professor Pat Langhorne.

Battling brutal weather and isolation, the team discovers extraordinary tiny creatures within the delicate structures of the ice. Weaving personal stories with groundbreaking science, this is an intimate and deeply human portrait of life set against the immense scale of Antarctica, told with grit, wit, and surprising warmth.

Join us for this inspiring and visually stunning film exploring exploration, mentorship, scientific discovery and the wonders of the frozen south.

Witness the Beauty and Fragility of the Frozen South

Experience a powerful collection of black and white Antarctic photographs by acclaimed Australian photographer David Neilson. Drawn from six journeys to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic, the exhibition captures the continent’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and fragile beauty through a unique artistic lens.

Through striking imagery and personal experience, Neilson explores the impacts of a changing climate on the frozen south, inviting visitors to reflect on what may be lost if current trends continue.

A thought-provoking exhibition that combines art, storytelling and environmental awareness from one of the world’s last great wildernesses.

FEATURED PHOTO CREDIT: © David Neilson. Detail of ‘Emperor penguins and chick’.

Exploring Antarctica Through Young Eyes

Discover this special international exhibition, where students from the Antarctic gateway cities have created postcards featuring drawings and stories about life in their communities, offering a unique glimpse into the cultures, landscapes and experiences of those who live on the doorstep of the frozen continent.

Explore the display and see how young people around the world are connected through Antarctica. You can even create your own postcard to keep or add to the display!

Your Gateway to Antarctic Discovery

Step into the world of Antarctica at the Antarctic Expo, the festival’s central hub of discovery and exploration. Meet scientists, researchers, government agencies, tourism operators, educators and conservation organisations, and learn about the many ways people live, work and study in the far south.

With interactive displays, hands-on activities and fascinating exhibits, the Expo offers something for all ages.

Exhibitors and activity details coming soon.

Journey Through the Antarctic Gateway Cities

Grab your Antarctic Passport and explore the festival precinct to collect stamps from all five international Antarctic gateway cities. Along the way, discover how these cities support Antarctic science, conservation and exploration.
Can you collect them all?

Passport collection locations and participation details coming soon.

A Celebration of Creativity and Community

Waddle up to view colonies of colourful penguins created by schools across Tasmania, the mainland and beyond. Each uniquely decorated penguin tells a story, showcasing creativity, conservation and connections to Antarctica.

Visitors can also join the fun by painting their own wooden penguin to take home as a special festival keepsake.

A delightful experience for all ages, the Penguin Rookeries celebrate community spirit and our shared love of the frozen south.

Insights from the Frontiers of Antarctic Research

Hear from leading researchers and subject matter experts as they share the latest discoveries, insights and stories from the deep south.

Covering a diverse range of Antarctic topics, these engaging presentations offer a unique opportunity to learn from those working at the forefront of science, conservation, exploration and policy.

Whether you’re a lifelong polar enthusiast or simply curious about Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, there’s something for everyone.

Speakers and presentation topics to be announced soon.

The Australian Antarctic Festival is proud to offer this opportunity for people to learn much more about Hobart’s significant role in current national and international polar research, as well as its many historical associations with the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean.

Antarctic Historian and Guide, John Williamson, will lead groups on an educative, informative, and enlightening walk around the Hobart waterfront, tracing the 19th century sealing and whaling industries, early voyages of exploration to the south – including those by Sir Douglas Mawson – scientific expeditions, and places of contemporary Antarctic tourism and education. The walk, taking a little over one hour at a relaxed pace, will begin at the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum and conclude in St David’s Park.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Create Your Own Southern Ocean Masterpiece

Unwind with an afternoon of creativity, conversation and Antarctic inspiration at Frida’s Paint & Sip. Guided by an experienced artist, you’ll create your own unique Southern Ocean-inspired artwork while enjoying a relaxed and social atmosphere.

No experience is necessary. All materials are provided, and you’ll take home your completed masterpiece at the end of the session.

Artwork design to be revealed soon.

Celebrating Antarctic heritage.

As part of the Australian Antarctic Festival 2026, join the Mawson’s Huts Foundation for an unforgettable after-dark celebration of Antarctic heritage.

Begin the evening with an exclusive champagne reception and private viewing of the Hadley’s Art Prize before enjoying a three-course dinner with drinks and a keynote presentation by acclaimed broadcaster and Antarctic advocate Andrew Denton.

Connect with fellow Antarctic supporters, researchers, and explorers while helping preserve Mawson’s historic huts through live and silent auctions, a lucky door prize, and exclusive experiences, including the chance to bid on a voyage to Antarctica with Terra Nova Expeditions.

Every ticket purchased and every auction bid directly support the Mawson’s Huts Foundation efforts.

Dress code: Smart casual evening wear  |  Dietary Requirements must be provided before 18 August 2026.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Andrew Denton

Andrew Denton is an award-winning writer, performer and producer. His TV programs include The Money or the Gun, Enough Rope, Election Chaser, CNNNN, Hungry Beast, and The Gruen Transfer. The Andrew Denton Breakfast Show on radio Triple M was a ratings winner between 1997–2001, and included the legendary Musical Challenge. He also pioneered documentaries on difficult subjects done in a different way, including The Year of the Patronising Bastard, about disability, and Angels & Demons, about mental illness.

A passionate advocate for Antarctica, Andrew has travelled to the continent multiple times and has visited the historic huts at Cape Denison, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the extraordinary achievements and hardships of Sir Douglas Mawson and the Australasian Antarctic Expedition. He has also supported the work of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation and the preservation of this unique Antarctic heritage.

Meet Sled Dogs, Explore Antarctica and Enjoy a Day of Family Fun

Come down to the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum lawns on Sunday for a fun Antarctic-themed family day.

Enjoy a range of activities and experiences throughout the day, including:

• Meet working sled dogs and chat with the team from Sled Dog Adventures Tasmania about the history of sled dogs in Antarctica.
• Antarctic stories, science, and exploration – brought to life for families with sessions run by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation Mobile Antarctic Classroom
• Hands-on activities with the Antarctic Youth Coalition
• Wool spinning demonstrations by Marion Wheatland from Spinning Pets Yarn using husky wool
• Face painting, crafts, penguin painting and more.

Workshops, talks, activities and Antarctic gateway city experiences.

Visit Antarctica Youth Connections in the Waterside Pavilion for a fun, hands-on Antarctic experience led by the Antarctic Youth Coalition (AYC) Hobart.

Create Antarctic penguin paper models, learn Antarctic words in Spanish, hear stories from Antarctica’s gateway cities, and meet young people passionate about the future of the frozen continent. Join a live online session with Punta Arenas, Chile, explore connections with Christchurch, New Zealand, and discover how gateway cities support Antarctic research and exploration.

Drop in throughout the day for workshops, talks, activities, and conversations with the AYC Hobart team.

Workshop schedule coming soon.

Presentations

Islands to Ice | Level 2 in the Argyle Galleries

Join us as a panel of experts present talks on the Antarctic continent from its history and inhabitants to science, research and travel.
TMAG Patron advice: Intimate venue. Limited general seating only

FURTHER DETAILS COMING SOON

One of Australia’s Greatest Untold Expeditions

Deep in the wild Southern Ocean, halfway between Australia and South Africa, rises Big Ben – the towering, glacier-clad volcano of Heard Island, one of Australia’s most remote territories.

The Great White Whale tells the extraordinary story of the first attempts to climb this formidable peak during the 1960s. Battling some of the roughest seas on Earth, extreme weather and seemingly impossible odds, a small team of Australians returned time and again in pursuit of a dream, joined by legendary explorer Bill Tilman on their final attempt.

Featuring remarkable archival footage, firsthand accounts, and a stirring musical score, this award-winning documentary brings to life one of Australia’s most daring and little-known adventures.