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An unforgettable journey to South Georgia and Antarctica via Elephant Island, retracing some of the highlights from Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17) which became one of history's greatest survival stories. This journey will raise funds for the Mawson's Huts Foundation to help conserve the historic huts at Cape Denison, which the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, led by Douglas Mawson, used as its main base for two years.
Our Special Guests on the voyage:
Andrew Denton
An Australian television producer, comedian, Gold Logie-nominated television presenter and former radio host. Andrew is a self professed Antarctica Enthusiast and has been to Antarctica himself no less than 4 times, including South Georgia. This journey will be made that much livelier with his occasional lectures and a trivia evening held in true ‘Denton’ fashion.
Wendy Sharpe
Wendy Sharpe is one of Australia's most awarded artists, including winning the Sulman prize , The Portia Geach Memorial prize (twice), The Archibald Prize, and numerous other awards , scholarships and over seas residencies. Wendy exhibits regularly through out Australia. In 2012 she was commissioned by the Mawson’s Hut foundation to go to Antarctica on the Mawson centenary voyage . The work produced on the 6 week voyage was exhibited , at the National Maritime museum, to raise money for the huts . She is looking forward to seeing more of Antarctica!
Bernard Ollis
Bernard Ollis is one of Australia’s leading artists. A finalist and winner of many prestigious awards and prizes, he has held over 50 solo Exhibitions of his paintings worldwide. He was the Director of the National Art School Sydney for over 10 years.
Wendy and Bernard will be painting and drawing on the ship . This will form part of an exhibition about this expedition they will have together back in Australia.
Andrew Jackson
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Andrew Jackson has spent over 30 years immersed in Antarctic affairs. For three decades he worked with the Australian Antarctic Program, based in Hobart, and travelled to Antarctica as an expedition manager or to the other six continents for Antarctic Treaty meetings.Andrew has been to Antarctica 17 times. He has visited all of Australia’s Antarctic stations as well as the sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island and Australia’s remote and seldom- visited Heard Island. He has also visited several foreign Antarctic stations, undertaken official inspections under the Antarctic Treaty system, and lectured to guests on tourist over-flights.
Andrew will be offering his personal insights to guests on board the cruise.
The Mawson’s 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 organised 10 major expeditions to the historic site; it’s Australia’s gift to Antarctic Heritage.
Day 1: Embarkation Day After a free morning preparing for the voyage ahead, you will embark on the Sea Adventurer. As we set off from the port of Ushuaia, there will be time to settle into your cabin and get to know the ship, Expedition Team and of course your fellow shipmates.
Day 2 and 3: At Sea As we make our way to South Georgia, the Expedition Team will conduct a number of fun and educational lectures about the history and wildlife of Antarctica. At this time you will also experience your first true taste of Antarctica as we reach the Antarctic Convergence. This is where the cold Antarctic waters combine with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans providing the perfect conditions for an abundance of marine life, which attracts the whales and other species to this part of the world.
Day 4, 5, 6, 7: South Georgia Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia is home to an exceptional variety of wildlife and each step will open your eyes to a new wildlife wonder. Once ruled by sealers and whalers, South Georgia is now home to thriving populations of seals, whales and penguins, all of which we will be looking out for. You will also have the opportunity to visit the grave of legendary explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Based in Grytviken, the settlement is also home to an old whaling station, museum, church and scientific research station.
Day 8 and 9: At Sea Say farewell to the king penguins and elephant seals as we set off for the Antarctic Peninsula. While at sea, in between presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, you can spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar or scanning the ocean for whales. If conditions allow, we may also attempt a landing on the famous Elephant Island.
Day 10, 11, 12, 13: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula There are few places on earth as awe inspiring as Antarctica. The few who come here are usually shocked by the complete silence, which is only interrupted by a calving glacier or a penguin waddling by. Trekking up a glacier, visiting research stations or cruising amongst massive glaciers on a Zodiac will become daily activities. Before long you will be able to easily identify the difference between a Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seal, which are all found in this part of Antarctica. Curious whales, such as Minke, are also often attracted to Zodiacs, giving you the chance to get close to these majestic animals. Every day will be full of surprises as Antarctica’s untamed and unscripted nature puts on its best show.
Day 14 and 15: Crossing the Drake Passage As the ship turns northward towards home, we will cross the Drake Passage, considered to be the unofficial rite of passage of any Antarctic adventurer. As the voyage draws to an end, enjoy the company of your fellow travellers whilst reminiscing with the Expedition Team.
Day 16: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina After a final breakfast together, you will bid farewell to your shipmates and Expedition team but keep forever the experience you shared together.