East Antarctica

Beyond the polar circle to the most remote & grandiose part of Antarctica

Information about East Antarctica

Retrace the historic voyage of Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) and experience the grandeur of remote East Antarctica. East Antarctica, located below New Zealand and Australia, stands in stark contrast to the more frequently visited Antarctic Peninsula beyond Ushuaia. The remoteness of East Antarctica is profound, as it lies much further from civilization than the relatively accessible Drake Passage.

Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, skirting majestic ice cliffs and marveling at beautifully sculpted icebergs. In this isolated region, the wildlife sightings are unparalleled. Keep watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey, and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Continue towards Commonwealth Bay and the fabled Cape Denison. Conditions permitting, make landfall to explore what remains of Mawson’s main base, and find yourself transported back to the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. This base, a relic of early 20th-century endeavors, offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by the pioneering explorers.

Then onwards to Dunedin, with a pause to enjoy the ruggedly beautiful New Zealand subantarctic islands, where nesting royal albatross, the endemic yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), and lush megaherb meadows await. This segment of the journey contrasts sharply with the icy expanses of East Antarctica, showcasing the biodiversity and natural splendor of the subantarctic region.

While the Antarctic Peninsula is renowned for its striking landscapes and relative accessibility, East Antarctica captivates with its extreme remoteness and raw, untouched beauty. This land, steeped in history and scientific significance, offers an unparalleled adventure for those willing to journey to one of the most remote corners of the Earth.