Follow in the footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson on an extraordinary journey that retraces the legendary Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) to East Antarctica.
This once-in-a-lifetime voyage invites you to cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise through vast fields of pack ice, where towering ice cliffs and intricately sculpted icebergs paint a surreal and unforgettable landscape.
As you sail deeper into this remote polar frontier, keep your eyes on the horizon for extraordinary wildlife encounters. Watch emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising gracefully along the ice edge, while orcas patrol nearby waters and elegant snow petrels glide through the crisp Antarctic air. Each day brings new sights and a deeper connection to the raw, untouched beauty of the White Continent.
Journey onward toward the historic Commonwealth Bay and the windswept Cape Denison—home to the remnants of Mawson’s main base. If conditions allow, you’ll land and explore this evocative site, immersing yourself in the spirit of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Walking among the preserved structures and learning about the harsh realities Mawson and his team endured offers a profound sense of perspective and respect.
Your adventure doesn’t end there. Sail northward to Dunedin, New Zealand, with a memorable stop at the enchanting subantarctic islands. These rarely visited wildlife havens are teeming with natural wonders—from nesting royal albatross and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho) to sweeping meadows filled with unique megaherbs that thrive in the island’s cool, moist climate.
This expedition is more than a journey; it’s a step back in time and a chance to witness some of the most remote and biologically rich regions on Earth—brought to you by North South Voyages.
Unsure if this Mawson’s Antarctica itinerary is right for you? Review our Antarctica destination overview for full details on seasonality, routes, ship selection, pricing, expedition inclusions and how North South Voyages can help make your Antarctica dream become reality.
