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Peregrine Travel Centre

In the wake of Mawson

In the wake of Mawson

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Description

Join us on this exclusive, 26 day expedition and experience history on this journey of a lifetime retracing the footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson!

A true Australian hero, Douglas Mawson’s initial interest in Antarctica was scientific, whilst others were racing for polar records, Mawson was studying Antarctica and leading the charge on claiming a large chunk of the continent for Australia.  On his quest Mawson along with Xavier Mertz and Belgrave Ninnis set out to explore and study east of the Mawson’s huts. On what began as a journey of discovery and science ended in Mertz and Ninnis perishing and Mawson surviving extreme conditions against all odds, with next to no food or supplies in the bitter cold of Antarctica.

Chimu Adventures in collaboration with Mawson’s Huts Foundation have exclusive access to the only tourist ship departing Hobart, Australia, in the 2017/18 season, that is scheduled to visit the historic Commonwealth Bay, where the Mawson story truly began. This exciting voyage will visit Macquarie Island, Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands, the rugged East Antarctic coast, the impressive Commonwealth Bay and if we are really lucky, Mawson’s Huts,  before making its way back to Bluff, New Zealand.

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Mawson’s Huts Foundation
The Mawsons Huts Foundation was established in 1997 with the support of the Federal Government expressly to conserve Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison. Since then it has funded and organized 10 major expeditions to the historic site: it’s Australia’s gift to Antarctic Heritage.
‘Sir Douglas Mawson is arguably the grandfather of Antarctic science. The Australian Antarctic Expedition 1911 – 1914 is notable for its achievements and sadly its tragedies.’

Travel with us on an extraordinary journey and explore this fascinating part of Antarctica, full of breath-taking nature and exciting history.
Learn more about the Huts through this extraordinary conservation video:

Trip Name
In the wake of Mawson
Days
26
Capacity
54
Overview
The Akademik Shokalskiy II is the sister ship to the Spirit of Enderby. Both ships were built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and have the same specifications and performance. This fully ice strengthened expedition vessel is ideally suited to Antarctic expeditions due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small passenger numbers. Recently refurbished, the ship carries just 48 passengers in twin or triple share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space. On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. Meals are prepared by Australian chefs who provide excellent international cuisine.

The emphasis and focus of every expedition is getting passengers ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. The ship is manned by an extremely experienced Captain and crew, and expeditions are accompanied by a passionate and knowledgeable expedition team.
Highlights

 

Talk to us about joining the only tourist ship departing Australia in the 2017/18 season scheduled to visit Commonwealth Bay!

Explore East Antarctica on this exclusive 26 day expedition cruise from Hobart 14 December 2017.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Hobart

Arrive in Hobart, a city rich in colonial heritage, picturesque waterways, gourmet experiences and natural charms. This evening we will have a private tour and reception at the Mawson’s Huts replica in Hobart. This will prove an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers and some of our expedition team.

DAY 2: Port of Hobart

The expedition team will welcome you on board as you embark the ship. We set sail across Storm Bay and sail past Bruny Island and the
Tasman Peninsula en route to Macquarie Island.

DAY 3-5: At sea

As we make our way through an area known as the roaring ‘40s, we will have a series of video-supported lectures on the biology and history of the Sub Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. Great birding opportunities may include the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Blackbrowed Albatross and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross as well as the opportunity to spot the Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion.

DAY 6-7: Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Ocean and is home to millions of penguins of four different species; King, Rockhopper, Gentoo and the endemic Royal. We plan to spend our time Sandy Bay and Buckles Bay, enjoying a guided tour of the Australian Antarctic Division Base and the opportunity to witness large groups of South Elephant Seals in slumber on the beaches.

DAY 8-10: At sea

Soaring albatross and petrels circle the vessel as we steam ever southward through the Southern Ocean. The captain will manoeuvre the ship between drifting icebergs and in close for your first ice photography while he announces a special celebration when we pass into Antarctica’s realm of 24- hour daylight.

DAY 11-16: Commonwealth Bay and Antarctic coast

Our first landing on the remote East Antarctic coastline will hopefully be at Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay (subject to weather and ice conditions) where you will see Adelie Penguins and experience Mawson’s Huts and its environs. Due to the conservation efforts of The Mawson’s Huts Foundation it is now possible to enter the historical huts and be connected to the men and achievements of the remarkable 1911 – 1914 expedition. We explore the coast and hope to land at an Emperor Penguin colony, as well as see first-hand the majestic glaciers, icebergs and rugged east Antarctica coastline.

DAY 17-20: At sea

When we depart from the spectacular icebound majesty of Antarctica, you will have some quieter time at sea to recover from the extensive daylight hours of the Antarctic. En route to Campbell Island, take part in a series of lectures designed to prepare you for your visit the next day.

DAY 21-22: Campbell Island – Perseverance Harbour

You will have plenty of time to explore
Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost Sub Antarctic territory. We will offer a number of options which will enable you to explore the island.

DAY 23: Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour

We arrive in Carnley Harbour, once the caldera of the Carnley volcano. You will have a number of options including a reasonably difficult scramble to a Shy Albatross.

DAY 24: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island

Our plan is to land at Sandy Bay, one of three breeding areas in the Auckland Islands for the Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion, a rare member of the seal family.

DAY 25: The Snares – North East Island

North East Island is the largest of The Snares and it is claimed that this one island is home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. We will arrive early in the morning and cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the rugged coastline by Zodiac.

DAY 26: Invercargill

Early this morning you will arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast you will bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either a central city point or to the airport.



Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-12-201708-01-2018AUD $ 17,880-

Inclusions

    Inclusions:

    – Pre and Post cruise transfers
    – One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
    – All on-board ship accommodation with meals and all expedition shore excursions.

     

    Exclusions:

    – All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities.

    International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.
    Difficulty Rating:

    2 (light adventure)
    Single Surcharge:

    Available upon request

     

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