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Tractor traversing across the ice in Antarctica

Antarctic Tasmania

What we do

Antarctic Tasmania collaborates and identifies opportunities to promote Tasmania as a global centre of cold-climate scientific and technical excellence, and to ensure that infrastructure within Tasmania supports Antarctic research.

We provide a point of contact, advice and assistance for international Antarctic Programs who operate from or visit Tasmania, under the Antarctic Treaty System.

At Antarctic Tasmania, we:

  • promote Tasmania as an international centre of Antarctic excellence
  • work with Tasmanian businesses and organisations to help them take advantage of Antarctic opportunities
  • connect people and organisations and support collaboration and innovation
  • support international Antarctic programs visiting Tasmania
  • facilitate international engagement.

Antarctic Tasmania works closely with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), which has responsibility for Australia's National Antarctic Program. The AAD is part of the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Tasmania's connection to Antarctica dates back to as early as 1831 (read more on the History page). Today, Tasmania is a centre of Antarctic science, education, technology, logistics, operations, policy and governance, and a gateway to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Tasmania has built a wide range of Antarctic capabilities and Hobart is one of only five recognised gateways to Antarctica. It is a major Antarctic science, technology and research centre , with one of the highest concentrations of cold-climate researchers and technicians in the world. Hobart is home of Australia's Antarctic program, is a centre of Antarctic policy and governance , and provides port and airport access to Antarctica. Tasmanian businesses also supply innovation, goods and services to national Antarctic Programs worldwide.

Fast facts

  • Hobart is closer to Antarctica (2610 km) than it is to Townsville (2625 km) or Perth (3021 km).
  • Antarctica (including ice shelves) is nearly twice the size of Australia.