The only event of its kind in Australia, the Australian Antarctic Festival celebrates the role of Hobart as one of the world’s pre-eminent gateways to the Antarctic and acknowledges the contribution made by the Antarctic community to both the economy and the social fabric of Tasmania.
Functioning as Australia’s Antarctic port, Hobart is ideally situated to host this biennial festival as it involves the local Antarctic community of scientists, technicians, tradespeople, government agencies and commercial suppliers demonstrating what they do on the frozen continent.
Visit Hobart and learn what Australians do in the highest, driest, windiest and coldest place on earth.
20 TO 23 August 2026
Stay tuned to explore our four-day program of exhibitions, tours, displays, a gala dinner and lectures – almost all free to the public.
Explore our four-day program offerings including exhibitions, tours, tastings, storytelling, displays, a gala dinner and lectures, with many events completely free to the public.
The Mawson’s Huts Foundation Gala Dinner
HADLEY’S ORIENT HOTEL
22 August 2026
- TIME 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
An unforgettable evening celebrating Antarctic heritage. Enjoy a champagne reception, private viewing of the Hadley’s Art Prize, three-course dinner, drinks, and a keynote presentation by Andrew Denton.
Support the preservation of Mawson’s historic huts through auctions, prizes, and exclusive Antarctic experiences, including a voyage with Terra Nova Expeditions.
No Events
10% Off at Hadley’s Orient Hotel
Stay in 4.5 star Victorian-era accommodation nestled in the heart of Hobart. Hadley’s has welcomed explorers for 190 years, with visitors including Sir Douglas Mawson (1911) and Captain Roald Amundsen (1912).
Receive a 10% discount on accommodation between 18 and 27 August 2026 with the promotional code AAF26.
10% Off at The Old Woolstore
Experience modern, self-contained apartment living in the centre of Hobart.
Receive a 10% discount on accommodation between 18 and 27 August 2026 with the promotional code AAF26.
Discount rates at Citadines Elizabeth Street Pier Hobart
Steps from anywhere. Views of everything. Enjoy modern studios and spacious guestrooms, all with balconies overlooking harbour views.
Under “Please Select a code”, choose “Corporate” and enter the code P5MAW023 to view the Festival rate.
The Tasman. A Luxury Collection Hotel
Explore the beautifully uncharted in Hobart.
In a showcase of understated elegance by design, The Tasman Hotel is an architectural symphony; an overture of 1840s Georgian heritage, building to 1940s Art Deco and a 2020s modern extension finale on Hobart’s waterfront.
The Australian Glaciology Community Reunion
20 August 2026
LIVE STREAM
This inaugural event will reunite generations of expeditioners and scientists to celebrate, share stories and history, and discuss all things ice and snow.
A live stream of speakers from the reunion will be broadcast across festival sites on Thursday 20 August 2026.
Stay tuned for more details.
Sponsorship Opportunities now open!
Be part of an expanding festival reach in 2026.
Significantly, in 2026, Sponsorship involvement provides a Local, National and Global Reach.
Volunteer opportunities now open!
Submit your expression of interest to participate as a Volunteer in the festival
As a volunteer you will help celebrate the significant relationship between the Hobart Gateway City and Antarctica.
New Festival Director appointed
Learn more about our new Festival Director Monique Gaskin
Appointed in December 2025, Monique brings over 20 years’ experience in delivering large-scale festivals, events and cultural programs.
The City of Hobart: Australia’s Antarctic Port
A thriving centre for science, logistics, shipping and crew transport servicing the Southern Ocean, Sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica itself.
The Festival is a time to celebrate the work of the Antarctic community and the huge contribution it makes to the social fabric and working economy of Tasmania.
Mobile Antarctic Classroom Tour
06 – 16 August 2024
Touring Tasmania ahead of the Festival
Fostering an interest and understanding in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science. Join us at one of the locations below to experience the fun of a snow tent and learn about: Australia’s Antarctic history; plate tectonics; magnetism; climate; Antarctic animals; and more.
Antarctic Expo Gateway
24 – 25 August 2024
PRINCES WHARF NO. 1 FORECOURT
Join us at the Antarctic Expo Gateway, where the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and CSIRO will present interactive displays and exhibits. Chat with Antarctic Experts, immerse yourself in a cinema experience, step aboard a research vessel, and more!
Antarctic Expo
24 – 25 August 2024
PRINCES WHARF NO. 1
Let your imagination run riot as you stroll among equipment used in the harsh Antarctic environment. Bring the family to enjoy the interactive and engagement activities of these organisations.
Through Our Eyes: A Woman’s Place is in Antarctica
22 – 25 August 2024
BOND STORE, TMAG
An imaginative multi-media installation focused on women and their personal and professional relationship with Antarctica in a way that simply says, ‘A Woman’s Place is in Antarctica’.
Mawson’s Huts Foundation Gala Dinner
23 August 2024 | 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Hobart Function and Conference Centre
Prepare to be enchanted by the allure of the Antarctic at the Mawson’s Huts Foundation Gala Dinner. Join us for a three-course sit-down dinner and open bar, live and silent auctions, and special musical guest and keynote speaker Alice Giles.
Penguin Rookeries
22 – 25 August 2024
Explore thousands of Adélie penguin cut-outs hand-painted by school children from all over Australia and overseas, including the gateway cities of Antarctica.
Journey to Antarctica
24 – 25 August 2024
Waterside Pavilion and Concourse
An immersive exploration into the frozen wonders of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic through the lens of renowned photographer Frank Hurley. Outside, join the Mobile Antarctic Classroom for interactive demonstrations that bring the science of Antarctica to life.
TAP INTO THE OFF SEASON WITH OUR APP
WITH HUNDREDS OF OFFERS AND EVENTS, MAYBE PACE YOURSELF.
There’s nothing quite like winter down here. Because when the temperature drops, the real Tasmania comes out to play. And with the Discover Tasmania app, you won’t miss a moment. Think of it as your personal tour guide for the ultimate Off Season adventure.
Phillip Law Lecture
22 August 2024
Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre
Of Close and Immediate Concern: Australia and the Antarctic Treaty System. Explores Australia’s engagement within the Antarctic Treaty System during a new period of geopolitical tension and heightened national interests.
Mawson’s Family Day
22 – 25 August 2024
MAWSON PLACE
A free event, join us for a fun day of activities at Mawson Place, and the lawns outside the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum.
The Great White Whale
25 August 2024
STATE CINEMA
The Tasmanian premiere of this multi-international-award-winning documentary feature. Beautifully shot original footage, a brilliant music score, quirky humour and the utter boldness of the quest, adds spice to one of the least known epic tales of our times.
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Become involved and support our work
Help conserve Australia’s rich Antarctic heritage.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit charity seeking funds to promote and encourage public interest in the nation’s Antarctic history, including the conservation of Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison, East Antarctica.
The Mawson’s Huts Foundation is a registered Deductible Gift Recipient with all monetary donations tax deductible.
