Tasmanian waters are key to understanding and exploring Antarctica and the Antarctic Ocean.

Hobart if often the departure part for explorers and scientists making their way South, either to map the continent, as in the early twentieth century or, more recently, to carry out scientific investigation of Antarctica’s landscape, water, and wildlife to gain a deeper understanding of the global climate, conservation needs, and marine ecosystems.

The voyage to Antarctica is a difficult one, and often ended in tragedy in the past.

More recently, technological advancements and cutting-edge icebreakers like the Aurora Australis and the RSV Nuyina, both of which dock in Hobart, have dramatically increased comfort, safety and research capability for Antarctic expeditioners.

Discover these stories, and the changes in Antarctic voyages over the last hundred years, at the Maritime Museum Tasmania.