A new chapter in Australian polar exploration began this week as Aurora Expeditions' latest vessel, the Douglas Mawson, made its first official call to Hobart.
A Deliberate Tribute to Tasmania's Polar Legacy
The ship arrived at the Port of Hobart on Monday, 3 December 2025, following the initial leg of its shakedown cruise from Sydney. After crossing the Bass Strait, the vessel is now poised to commence its inaugural circumnavigation of Tasmania, marking the start of its 2025-26 Antarctic season.
Aurora Expeditions CEO, Michael Heath, emphasised that the choice of Hobart as the first port of call was deeply symbolic. "Bringing the Douglas Mawson to Hobart first was a deliberate and meaningful choice," Mr Heath stated. "Tasmania has been at the heart of Australia’s Antarctic story for generations. This moment celebrates that legacy while ushering in an exciting new chapter for our company and for Australian polar exploration."
A formal welcome ceremony was held at the port to mark the significant occasion.
Boosting Luxury Expedition Tourism
Tasmania's Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, highlighted the state's growing appeal for the luxury expedition cruise market. The arrival of such a significant new vessel underscores Hobart's strategic role as a gateway to East Antarctica.
Honouring the Explorer's Legacy
The ship is named in honour of the renowned Australian explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson. His legacy is actively preserved in Hobart by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation, which maintains the original expedition huts at Cape Denison in East Antarctica. These huts were established during the historic Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911–14.
For those in Hobart, the foundation operates a Replica Museum on the city's waterfront, allowing the public to connect with this pivotal part of exploration history. The arrival of the ship named for Mawson creates a tangible link between Hobart's rich past and the future of Antarctic discovery.
With its arrival formalised, the Douglas Mawson now sets sail to begin its season of adventure, carrying forward a proud tradition from its Tasmanian home port.
