One hundred years ago, Douglas Mawson began planning a new scientific expedition to the Antarctic coast south of Australia. On 2 December 1911, Mawson’s plans came to fruition and the Australasian Antarctic Expedition left Hobart bound for Macquarie Island and East Antarctica. The 1911–1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition was the first Australian-led Antarctic expedition.
From 2011, Australia celebrates the centenary of this expedition, and 100 years of Australian Antarctic expeditions. The Mawson-led expedition was important for the science conducted, which contributed to the world’s understanding of Antarctica and the global processes of which it is a part. Australia’s Antarctic scientists today continue this important research.
News
Southern Light: Images from Antarctica
This collection of outstanding landscape and wildlife photographs of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic is the result of six journeys made to these southern lands by David Neilson.
Upcoming Events
Hobart's Antarctic Centennial Year
6th May 2011 - 30th Jun 2012
2011–2012 marks the centenary of an important time in Hobart's history. A number of events celebrating the Antarctic centenaries of 1911-1912 will be held.
Film and Sound at the Extremes - Canberra
20th Feb 2012 - 30th Jun 2012
Extreme Film and Sound: Stories from Antarctica is an exhibition highlighting moving image and recorded sound stories from the past 100 years of Australia's Antarctic experience.
Traversing Antarctica: The Australian Experience - Canberra
23rd Mar 2012 - 9th Sep 2012
A national touring exhibition developed by the National Archives of Australia. Traversing Antarctica marks the 100th anniversary of the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, led by Douglas Mawson. The exhibition is a journey of discovery through the stories, science and wonder of Antarctica's past, present and future. The exhibition opens at the National Archives of Australia, on 23 March 2012.
