Mawson’s Huts Foundation
Antarctica Cruises From Australia
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Travel to Antarctica, advice and how to do it.
Australia and New Zealand both have acted as lesser-known cruise gateways to visit the incredible sights of East Antarctica. Here you will board your vessel and travel directly to one of the earth’s most remote and incredible locations. Cruises typically depart from either Hobart in Australia or Invercargill in New Zealand and focus on either the Commonwealth Bay area or the Ross Sea. These are some of the most remote regions of the earth and only a few hundred people are able to visit each year. Wildlife is abundant and it is in this region that the relics of the ‘heroic period’ of Antarctic exploration can be seen and experienced.
However, a lot of Australians prefer to fly to South America and board a cruise there. Those cruises are generally shorter in time and more affordable. Anther advantage is that you can explore Patagonia before or after the cruise, which is an incredible Experience.
A Typical Day In Antarctica
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3-4
Day 5-8
Day 9-10
Day 11
Day 1
DAY 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). It has a dramatic setting, surrounded by mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, making it a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic adventure.
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office.
Day 2
DAY 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.
This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.
Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica – the White Continent.
Day 3-4
DAY 3-4: Drake Passage
As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake.
As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic – from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.
We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe even breaching whales.
Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.
Day 5-8
DAY 5 -8: South Shetlands and Antarctica
For the next four days we explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries.
Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!
As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym plus yoga sessions.
Day 9-10
DAY 9: Drake Passage
We hope to make one final excursion or shore landing today before we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences.
By the evening we hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful nights sleep on board.
Day 11
DAY 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park.
Please Note: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions. Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.
Can I Travel With You?
A common question we receive regularly here at the foundation is “Can we travel to Antarctica with you”? The Mawson’s Huts Foundation is not a tourist organisation per se but does involve itself in tourism a little! which we will elaborate on in this article.
The Mawson’s Huts Foundation is dedicated to conservation of the historic huts in Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica. The huts are a legacy left by Sir Douglas Mawson on his famous 1911-1914 expedition. For more details on the expedition please check here.
Mawson was ahead of his time, in many ways an early conservationist and his expedition that departed Australia for Antarctica was very much scientific in nature. At our museum in Hobart, Australia you can see firsthand how Mawson and his men lived in a small hut at the very edge of the world in pursuit of their endeavours.
Like Mawson, our expeditions are taking specialised people to the site. We take Heritage Carpenters for essential maintenance work, Archaeologists, Conservators, a Journalist, a Chef and Historians… oh and a Doctor! If you do have any of these skills, we would love to hear from you, and perhaps you could be joining us on an expedition in the future. Sizes of our teams do vary between 4 and 12 people, depending on the scope of work required, we do medical and character testing and enjoy getting dedicated people with multiple skills onboard.
Free 30min Consultation
Talk to an Antarctica Expert
If you are an average Joe, and would like to experience Antarctica firsthand, we have a range of sponsors who can certainly help you travel to the white continent. Whether you would like to travel to Antarctica from Australia, from New Zealand or from South America, we have a range of options, so just drop us an email at info@mawsons-huts.org.au and we can put you in touch with some true experts. A trip to the Antarctic is life changing and something you will remember forever.
If Antarctica is a bit too far away, every two years we hold the Australian Antarctic Festival in Hobart. This festival gives a fascinating insight into all aspects of the Antarctic, both historical and modern day, and displays equipment, science, and a matter of all things in an interactive and fun way. For more details on travelling to Hobart for the festival and the festival program please click here.
Our foundation is a not-for-profit charity and staffed mainly by volunteers. Thank you for your support, and please feel free to spread the word about our work. Or you can follow up on the below channels.
To travel to Antarctica please contact us and we can help!
