TasPorts welcomes Douglas Mawson on historic maiden voyage to Hobart

TasPorts welcomes Aurora Expeditions' state-of-the-art cruise ship, the Douglas Mawson, as it makes its maiden voyage into the Port of Hobart today.

The arrival of the vessel coincides with the 66th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty on 1 December 1959, which reserved the continent as a place of peaceful collaboration and scientific research.

Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, the vessel will retrace parts of Mawson's 1911 expedition to Antarctica as it embarks on its inaugural 2025-26 Antarctic season.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the Antarctic Treaty and voyages like the Douglas Mawson’s reinforced the Port of Hobart's role as an international gateway to Antarctica, supporting research, logistics and tourism.

"Unique cruise expeditions like the one the Douglas Mawson is about to undertake continue to put Hobart and Tasmania on the international cruise circuit, and position our state as a must-see tourism destination.

"Importantly, the cruise industry supports local business and local jobs, generating approximately $149 million in economic benefit and supporting 453 jobs in the last financial year."

Departing Hobart on 2 December, the ship will make its inaugural voyage around Tasmania led by environmental scientist and adventurer Tim Jarvis AM, before heading south to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Jane Howlett said the maiden voyage demonstrates Tasmania’s strength and growing appeal as a destination for luxury expedition cruising.

“Antarctic expeditioners stay approximately 16,000 nights in Tasmania and account for $6.56 million in expenditure into our economy. 

“With expedition cruising offering more ways for people to experience the Antarctica region, we expect to see these flow-on effects for Tasmania grow,” Minister Howlett said. 

The Douglas Mawson cruise ship is equipped with cutting-edge sustainable technology to minimise environmental impact, including filtration systems that capture up to 99% of microfibres preventing them from entering the ocean.

Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark, said Aurora Expeditions attracts travellers to the state who are aligned to what Tasmania has to offer. 

“Tasmania offers bespoke experiences, quality food and produce, unique natural landscapes and a chance to get off the beaten path; making us a key destination for small-ship, luxury expedition cruise lines.”