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.

Interesting facts about East Antarctica

Pictures of East Antarctica

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Our highlights in East Antarctica

Highlights in East Antarctica

Mawson’s Huts and Cape Denison

Cape Denison is at the eastern edge of the Australian Antarctic Territory at the head of Commonwealth Bay. The peninsula is mostly free of ice and made up of a series of rocky valleys and ridges.

The importance of the Cape to Antarctic human history lies in the collection of buildings known as Mawson’s Huts. These were built and lived-in during an Australian Antarctic Expedition that ran from 1911 to 1914, led by the explorer and geologist Sir Douglas Mawson.

The huts that now bear his name are very rare, being only one of six sites that still remain from the so-called “heroic era” of Antarctic exploration. There are several buildings that were constructed to house scientific instruments, including taking magnetic readings and astronomical observations. There was also a radio hut - the first time radio transmission was used in the Antarctic.

The main hut at Cape Denison has undergone some preservation work but snowfall can still often get inside. Because of the delicate nature of the hut, only 4 people at any time are allowed inside. There you can find an amazing time capsule from the early 20th century, including the cast-iron stove, bottles, jars, cans, and other everyday items. Some of the storage shelves have the names of the men who placed their belongings there written on them with the date - still legible after 120 years.

Apart from Mawson’s Huts, Cape Denison is a popular spot for breeding wildlife. Weddell seals can often be seen with pups during the breeding season, and there are also bird colonies including skuas, petrels, and penguins.