A new polar passenger ship is now sailing around Tasmania as it traces the ‘wake’ of Sir Douglas Mawson’s 1911 expedition to Antarctica.
The inaugural voyage of Aurora Expeditions’ new cruise ship, the 104-metre long Douglas Mawson, will see it visit Antarctica as it launches a new polar cruise season for the state.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett claims the voyage will show Tasmania’s growing appeal as a destination for luxury expedition cruises.
“Hobart is a recognised gateway to the Antarctic,” she says.
“Small expedition cruises to Antarctica present an opportunity for Tasmania, putting us on the radar of travellers from around the globe who are interested in these world-class offerings.
“Cruises are an important part of the tourism industry and experience shows us a ship call to a Tasmanian port is often a catalyst for many travellers to book another visit to our state,” the minister says.
POLAR BUSINESS
She also says Antarctic expeditioners have spent 16,000 nights in Tasmania and injected $6.56 million into the local 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.”
The Douglas Mawson features cutting-edge sustainable technology to minimise its environmental impact, including filtration systems that capture up to 99% of microfibres before they enter the ocean.
Tasports CEO Anthony Donald said the maiden voyage will reinforce Hobart’s position as an international gateway to Antarctica.
“Cruise expeditions like the Douglas Mawson put Hobart and Tasmania on the international map and position our state as a must-see tourism destination,” Donald says.
“Importantly, the cruise industry supports local business and local jobs, generating about $149 million in economic benefit and supporting 453 jobs in the last financial year.”
The Douglas Mawson can carry a maximum of 130 passengers for polar expeditions and up to 154 for small ship cruises. It has 86 cabins, eight decks and can travel at 10-12 knots (18.5-22 km/h). It also has a lecture theatre, library, observation lounge, restaurants, shops and gym.
The ship departed Hobart today (December 2) and its inaugural voyage around the island state will be led by environmental scientist Tim Jarvis before it heads south to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
For more about the Douglas Mawson and its packages, visit www.aurora-expeditions.com/ship/douglas-mawson
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