Mawson Station Australian Polar Base

Mawson sits on Mac. Robertson Land, wedged between the ice sheet and the Southern Ocean on the East Antarctic coast. It’s the oldest continuously occupied station south of the Antarctic Circle on Earth — that alone earns it a place in any serious polar database. Year-round crew of roughly 15–20 in winter, expanding significantly through summer. The station supports atmospheric, geophysical, and glaciological science. Logistically it’s a coordinated AAD resupply point, serviced by the RSV Nuyina icebreaker out of Hobart. The surrounding Framnes Mountains and glacier fields are as raw as it gets.

No independent access — all arrivals are through Australian Antarctic Division authorization. Icebreaker schedules are set well in advance and slots are extremely limited to essential personnel and approved researchers. Plan your coordination through Hobart months ahead of any intended visit.

Oldest occupied station below the Antarctic Circle.