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TA S M A N I A
GAT E WAY T O A N TA R C T I C A
-42° 53’ 12.52620’’
147° 20’ 17.10960’’
TASMANIA
GAT E WAY T O A N TA R C T I C A
Hobart provides natural access to the Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island and the vast east
Antarctic region. It is the logical resupply point for east Antarctic stations and bases.
The city’s deep-water port is located 1,390 nautical miles (2,575 kilometres) from the Antarctic mainland
and 1,852 nautical miles (3,429 kilometres) from Casey Station, Australia’s principle east Antarctic base.
TA S M A N I A
GAT E WAY T O A N TA R C T I C A
CONTENTS
Hobart: Capital of Antarctic capability................................................................................ 2
Hobart: Gateway to Antarctica........................................................................................................... 4
Tasmanian Polar Network.................................................................................................................... 8
Hobart: World-class Research Hub......................................................................................10
Australian Antarctic Division..............................................................................................................12
CSIRO – Division of Marine and Atmospheric Research............................................................14
Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre.......................................16
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.....................................................................................18
Integrated Marine Observing System.............................................................................................20
Australian Bureau of Meteorology................................................................................................... 22
Australian Maritime College.............................................................................................................. 24
International Antarctic Institute......................................................................................................26
Hobart’s International Secretariats................................................................................... 28
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources..........................29
Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels..................................................30
International Conferences and Meetings........................................................................... 32
Tasmanian Convention Bureau........................................................................................................ 33
Hobart: An Antarctic City...................................................................................................... 34
The State of Tasmania.........................................................................................................................36
Culturally Antarctic............................................................................................................... 38
Islands to Ice at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.........................................................39
Sub-Antarctic Plant House at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.........................................40
Polar Pathways – Historical Walking and Driving Tour...............................................................40
Australian Antarctic Expedition Centenary Celebrations.......................................................40
HOBART
TA SMANIA: GATEWAY TO ANTARCTICA
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HOBART
C A P I TA L O F A N TA RC T I C C A PA B I L I T Y
Hobart, the closest port to east Antarctica, has attracted
a unique cluster of internationally recognised Antarctic
and Southern Ocean research institutions.
Hobart: Capital of Antarctic capability
Hobart, host city of the 35th Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meeting in 2012, has a unique range
of capabilities to offer those involved in the Antarctic
and sub-Antarctic sectors. Hobart is not only the hub
of Australia’s Antarctic program, but a world centre
for many activities involving Antarctica and the
Southern Ocean.
Within its regional population of just over 245,000,
Hobart has a well-developed and wide-ranging
Antarctic culture, yet its own climate is temperate
maritime – and comfortable. Its setting between
the Derwent Estuary and looming Mount Wellington
is simply majestic. For organisations like the
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine
Living Resources, Hobart is the location of choice for
permanent headquarters and annual meetings.
Tasmania – Australia’s state of islands – has been
a logical staging post for Antarctic voyagers since
the early 1800s. Since 2007 regular summer flights
have linked Hobart airport with an ice runway at
Casey Station in east Antarctica. Hobart, the closest
port to east Antarctica, has attracted a unique
cluster of internationally recognised Antarctic and
Southern Ocean research institutions. It is also home
to a variety of national and international Antarctic
organisations. This critical mass has prompted
the establishment of many Antarctic-related
businesses with wide-ranging service, material
and support capabilities.
Many national and private Antarctic and Southern
Ocean operators return to Hobart every season,
reflecting the city’s capabilities and cost-effectiveness,
as well as its convenient location for anybody with
business in east Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands
or the Southern Ocean.
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HOBART
GAT E WAY T O A N TA R C T I C A
A number of Southern Hemisphere ports claim to be
the ‘gateway to Antarctica’, but only Hobart, Tasmania,
can offer a combination of:
• the amenities of a modern and attractive
capital city with excellent sea and air transport
infrastructure
• world-class expertise in Antarctic, sub-Antarctic
and marine research, logistics, support services
and education
• ready access to specialist Antarctic expertise
through Hobart’s unique government-business
alliance – the Tasmanian Polar Network.
Hobart provides natural access to the Southern
Ocean, sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island and the vast
east Antarctic region. It is the logical resupply point
for east Antarctic stations and bases.
The city’s deep-water port is located 1,390 nautical
miles (2,575 kilometres) from the Antarctic mainland
and 1,852 nautical miles (3,429 kilometres) from
Casey Station, Australia’s principle east Antarctic base.
A regular Antarctic air service operates during the
summer season between Hobart International Airport
and Casey Station.
Tasmania is linked to the rest of Australia by regular
and efficient air services and fast ship services to
Melbourne. It has a reliable state-wide road system
for freight.
Shipp ing
Hobart is a logical port-of-call for ships accessing the
Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean waters.
A number of Antarctic and Southern Ocean-bound
supply, marine-science and fishing vessels use Hobart
regularly for resupply and passenger transit services.
Nations such as France, Russia, the United States,
Japan and Spain have also used Hobart as an Antarctic
gateway – as have a number of tourist operators and
private adventurers.
Recent visitors includ e:
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• L’Astrolabe – French Antarctic program
• Oceanic Viking – Australian Customs Service
• Aurora Australis – Australian Antarctic program
• Orion – Orion Expedition Cruises
• Vasily Golovnin – Australian Antarctic program
• Kapitan Khlebnikov – Quark Expeditions
• RV Southern Surveyor – CSIR0
• Marina Tsvetayeva – Aurora Expeditions
• US Coast Guard ships
• Akademik Shokalskiy – Heritage Expeditions.
TA SMANIA: GAT E WAY TO A N TA R C T I C A
Hobart provides natural access to the
Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic Macquarie
Island and the vast east Antarctic region.
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PORT OF HOBART
Air link
Hobart is the home port for Australia’s Antarctic
research vessel, Aurora Australis , and for France’s
Antarctic support vessel, l’Astrolabe . Hobart is also
the forward base for the French Antarctic research
effort, Institute Paul Emile Victor (IPEV).
Hobart is the home base for regular summerseason flights to a blue glacial-ice runway at Wilkins
aerodrome near Casey Station. The flight time is
approximately 4.5 hours and provides a time-efficient
option for moving scientists and expeditioners as
well as high-priority cargo each summer season.
The air link also delivers field-support capability,
including rapid access to Australia’s Antarctic
stations in the event of emergencies such as
medical evacuations.
Mariners berthing in Hobart have access to fuelling,
provisioning, stevedoring, quarantine, maintenance,
storage, accommodation and recreational services.
Antarctic shipping operators enjoy a number of
advantages in Hobart:
• 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week port availability
• tugs and pilots available day and night
• second-deepest natural port in the world
• berthing unaffected by tides, currents, depths
or external sea conditions
• full range of specialised Antarctic port services
including:
- provedoring
Warehousing and associated facilities are available
at the Hobart International Airport and there is
the opportunity to further develop aviation-related
facilities to support Antarctic air transport needs.
Long-range fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters operate
in summer between Australia’s Antarctic stations
and field research sites.
For further information visit:
www.hobartairport.com.au
- stevedoring
- cold storage (including a public import-export
and quarantine-accredited cold store)
- quarantine (import and export examinations)
- secure expedition storage facilities
- wharf-side and harbour moorings
• nationally competitive port charges
• fuel bunkerage less than three km from the Port
of Hobart.
For further information visit: www.tasports.com.au
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Hobart is the home base for regular summerseason flights to a blue glacial-ice runway at
Wilkins aerodrome near Casey Station.
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Over 200 years of direct association with
Antarctica has seen the development of a vast
range of cold climate expertise in Tasmania.
TASMANIAN POL AR NET WORK
Over 200 years of direct association with Antarctica
has seen the development of a vast range of cold
climate expertise in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Polar Network (TPN) has more than
60 members drawn from all areas of the Tasmanian
Antarctic community including business, educational
institutions, research bodies and government agencies.
Through its secretariat, Antarctic Tasmania, the
network is a central point of contact for all Antarctic
and Southern Ocean-related business enquiries.
Members have expertise in supplying highquality goods and services to meet the specialist
requirements for any kind of activity in the Antarctic
and Southern Ocean. The range of goods and services
they can provide includes:
• land, air and sea transport
• waste management
• shipping agents, provedoring and port services
• ship repair facilities supported by skilled marine
engineers and trades personnel
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• weather and ice forecasting
• ship communication support
• fuels and gases
• engineers and consultants
• building and supplies
• specialised clothing
• tourism, accommodation and conference facilities
• high-technology communication, printing
and design
• links to Tasmania’s world-class
research institutions.
The network can coordinate everything that a client
may require and provide assistance where and when
it is needed. TPN members have provided support
to many Australian, French, Chinese, Italian, Russian,
American and other Antarctic and Southern
Ocean expeditions.
A full listing of TPN members and their capabilities
is available from its website at: www.tpn.aq
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HOBART
HOBART: WORLD-CL A SS RESEARCH HUB
WORLD-CL ASS RESEARC H HUB
Hobart has a significant research capacity and
expertise in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.
Hobart has a significant research capacity and
expertise in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.
The evolution of this world-class scientific hub began
in 1981 when the Australian Government’s Antarctic
research organisation, the Australian Antarctic Division
(AAD) opened its headquarters in Hobart. The AAD
was shortly followed by the establishment of the
Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation’s
(CSIRO) Marine and Atmospheric Research division.
Decades on these are still substantial research
organisations and are complemented by other
research bodies such as:
• Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative
Research Centre
• Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies
• Integrated Marine Observing System
• Antarctic division of the Australian Bureau
of Meteorology
•Australian Maritime College
• International Antarctic Institute.
Since the initial influx of Australian scientists with the
AAD, Hobart has become an Antarctic and Southern
Ocean research base attracting world-leading
scientists. Its research community is internationally
respected and its 700 plus participants constitute
the majority of Australia’s scientists in these fields.
Sharing of information and resources among these
research organisations occurs naturally and the results
are being noticed around the globe. Strong scientific
networks are complemented by the infrastructure
and support they need to operate efficiently.
The major contributors to Tasmania’s unique scientific
hub are described on the following pages (p. 12 – p. 27).
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A ustralian A ntarctic D i v ision
The Australian Antarctic Division is part of the
Australian Government Department of Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts and leads the nation’s
Antarctic program. Its charter is to ensure Australia’s
Antarctic interests are advanced. Antarctic Division
personnel have specific expertise in Antarctic
policy, science, logistic support, polar medicine and
administration. The division:
• administers Australia’s Antarctic territories
• conducts and promotes Antarctic and subAntarctic science
• coordinates and manages Australia’s logistic
program in Antarctica
• develops policy and provides advice on Australia’s
Antarctic interests
• promotes Australia’s Antarctic interests within
the Antarctic Treaty System
• maintains permanent stations and field bases
and provides transport, communication and
medical services.
Logistical supp ort
The Antarctic Division seeks to work collaboratively
with other organisations in the provision of logistical
support for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic activities.
The icebreaker RSV Aurora Australis is the platform
for a large annual marine research effort focussed on
the Southern Ocean. The vessel assists in resupplying
Australian research stations, while additional ships
are chartered when required. The division also
operates an air link between Hobart and Casey
station in east Antarctica.
Australia maintains three stations on the Antarctic
continent - Mawson, Davis and Casey and a subAntarctic station on Macquarie Island.
Australia maintains three stations on the Antarctic
continent – Mawson, Davis and Casey and a subAntarctic station on Macquarie Island. All have
modern buildings with living quarters, research
laboratories, power houses, stores, workshops
and other operational facilities. Remote field
bases operate during the summer research season
supporting coastal, inland and traverse operations.
For further information visit: www.aad.gov.au
S cientif ic research
The division undertakes major science programs and
individual research projects that contribute to our
knowledge of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
It also conducts and supports collaborative research
programs with other Australian and international
organisations.
The Antarctic Division’s headquarters near Hobart
houses laboratories for science, electronics and
electron microscopy, mechanical and instrument
workshops, a krill research aquarium, a herbarium,
equipment stores, communications and other
operational and support facilities.
The division has a substantial polar research
library providing data and support for national
and international clients. It also has collections of
photographs and audio-visual materials that form a
major part of Australia’s Antarctic heritage.
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The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science
agency and one of the largest and most diverse
research agencies in the world.
CSIRO
D i v ision of M arine and A tmospheric R esearch
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
is Australia’s national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse
research agencies in the world. It has research facilities in 56 locations around
Australia and overseas.
Hobart’s status as a global centre of Antarctic and Southern Ocean research and
its proximity to the Southern Ocean has made it the logical home to the CSIRO’s
Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) Division.
The facilities at the division in Hobart include the ocean research vessel Southern
Surveyor , marine laboratories, engineering workshops, Australia’s largest marine
research library and satellite science teams for Jason-1, Topex Poseidon, Envisat
and TERSS (the Tasmanian Earth Resource Satellite Station), as well as other global
observing programs. The Southern Surveyor will be replaced in 2012 by an 85-metre
state-of-the-art ocean-going research vessel.
More than 300 staff and visiting scientists at CMAR make up Australia’s leading
regional climate-change modelling research team. Their research encompasses
the assessment of atmospheric and earth systems and the prediction of climate,
weather and ocean processes. CMAR also conducts research to integrate coastal
management and ensure marine resources and industries are sustainable.
CMAR provides a range of scientific and consulting services that are underpinned
by this research.
For further information visit: www.cmar.csiro.au
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A ntarctic C limate and E cosystems
C ooperati v e R esearch C entre
The Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC)
provides a focus for Australia’s national effort to understand Antarctic and Southern
Ocean processes and their role in regional and global climate and the dynamics of
Antarctic marine ecosystems.
The ACE CRC is one of the world’s leading climate research centres.
Research at the ACE CRC addresses issues of global significance relating to
ocean circulation, sea-level rise, extreme storm events, ocean uptake of carbon
dioxide and sustainable harvest of Southern Ocean resources. It is a focus for
many international collaborations in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.
Situated at the University of Tasmania, the centre is a research partnership involving
the Australian Antarctic Division, the University of Tasmania, CSIRO, and the
Australian Bureau of Meteorology as core partners. Supporting partners are the
Tasmanian Government, the Australian Greenhouse Office, Silicon Graphics Pty Ltd,
the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (Germany),
the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NZ) and the
Australian National University.
Specific disciplines covered by ACE CRC research include:
• Antarctic and oceans law and policy
• biogeochemistry
• climate, ocean, sea-ice and ecosystem modelling
• glaciology
The Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative
Reasearch Centre is one of the world’s leading
climate research centres.
• meteorology
• paleoclimate research
• oceanography.
For further information visit: www.acecrc.org.au
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I nstitute for M arine and A ntarctic S tudies
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) was created in January 2010
to bring together the many strands of marine and Antarctic research being pursued
in Tasmania. IMAS brings all the University of Tasmania components into a single
entity which has 200 staff and 140 graduate students.
Research covers a wide spectrum of topics including:
• sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
• coastal and estuarine ecology
• ecosystem and marine systems modelling
• change in the marine environment
• marine biodiversity
• Southern Ocean marine habitats
• sea ice biota ecology and productivity
• the Antarctic environment
• oceans governance and policy
• bio-security and seafood product supply chains.
IMAS, which is both a teaching and research organisation, has strong links with
a range of other institutions. It encourages the development of strengthened
research links and collaborations to exploit new research opportunities.
It is envisaged that IMAS and its key collaborators will quickly become a formidable
force in temperate, cool and cold water marine science and be leaders in Antarctic
and high latitude Earth-systems science.
IMAS manages the Australian National Network in Marine Science that encourages
and enhances the circulation of undergraduate and postgraduate students in marine
science between James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, the University
of Western Australia in Perth and the University of Tasmania.
IMAS will be located in a purpose-built $45 million building on Hobart’s waterfront,
adjoining the CSIRO and next to Antarctic shipping berths. This will ensure the
highest visibility for these Tasmanian research specialities.
For further information visit:
www.imas.utas.edu.au
www.marine-science-network.edu.au
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IMAS, which is both a teaching and research
organisation, has strong links with a range of other
institutions. It encourages the development of
strengthened research links and collaborations
to exploit new research opportunities.
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Hobart has been home to Australia’s Integrated
Marine Observing System (IMOS) since 2007.
I ntegrated M arine O bser v ing S ystem
Hobart has been home to Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS)
since 2007. IMOS is a nationwide collaborative program that uses the latest
technology to observe the coastal and deep-ocean waters around Australia.
The IMOS program is led by the University of Tasmania on behalf of the
Australian marine and climate science community.
Most of Australia’s universities, research organisations and government agencies
with capability in ocean and marine research are partners in IMOS and it has strong
links with similar international programs and agencies. These collaborations have
created an enhanced, nationally integrated capacity to collect marine data.
IMOS uses satellite links and instruments in the ocean to provide data to support
research on many critical marine issues including multi-decadal ocean change,
climate variability, boundary currents, continental shelf processes, and biological
responses. IMOS also contributes to Australia’s role in international ocean
observation programs.
IMOS data has applications in the management of marine resources, industry,
tourism and safety at sea, as well as pure science. All IMOS data is freely available
to the marine science community from the IMOS Ocean Portal.
For further Information visit: www.imos.org.au
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A ustralian B ureau of M eteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology has a statutory responsibility for Australian
meteorological activities in Antarctica. It established a weather observing station
at Australia’s Mawson base in 1954 and has compiled the longest continuous weather
record on the Antarctic continent. The bureau’s Tasmania and Antarctica Regional
Office is located in central Hobart.
The bureau provides a range of specialised Antarctic forecasting services to the
Australian Antarctic program including supplying meteorological observers and
engineers to all Australian Antarctic bases and providing weather forecasts for
all the Australian Antarctic program’s air, sea and land-based operations.
The bureau also provides comprehensive information on Antarctic climate data
and weather forecasts, warnings and observations for the region. The range of
information includes:
• satellite imagery
• a catalogue of Antarctic climate data
• the latest observations from Australia’s Antarctic stations (updated hourly)
• mean sea level pressure and ocean wave height data.
In addition to its government functions, the bureau may also provide weather
forecasting services to international and commercial vessels at rates negotiated
on a case-by-case basis.
For Antarctic and Southern Ocean weather forecasts visit:
The Bureau of Meteorology has compiled
the largest continual weather record on
the Antarctic continent.
www.bom.gov.au/weather/ant/
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A ustralian M aritime C ollege
The Australian Maritime College (AMC) is located on two campuses in northern
Tasmania. An Asia-Pacific centre for maritime education, training and research,
it provides high-quality education, training and consulting services to the maritime
sector and conducts internationally recognised research. The AMC is among the
world’s 10 leading maritime training organisations and one of the best-equipped.
Its presence gives Tasmania access to some of the world’s best-qualified
specialists in maritime engineering fields such as naval architecture and ocean
engineering as well as maritime business, logistics management, fisheries and
marine resources, marine and coastal conservation, aquaculture management
and maritime operations.
The AMC has established a reputation for the provision of quality services
to the maritime industries in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
For further information visit: www.amc.edu.au
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The AMC is among the world’s 10 leading maritime
training organisations and one of the best-equipped.
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I nternational A ntarctic I nstitute
The International Antarctic Institute (IAI) is a global consortium of universities
and agencies that provides university-level education in Antarctic studies and
also conducts polar research. The institute’s mission is to promote international
cooperation engendered by the Antarctic Treaty System by providing exceptional
educational and cultural experiences for its students. Twenty five institutions from
13 countries are involved.
The IAI facilitates student and faculty exchange programs, giving access to quality
education and research in Antarctic and Southern Ocean studies through its
member universities. At the same time it promotes international collaboration
by providing students with rich and diverse cultural experiences.
The institute’s approach maximises the ability of universities and agencies to
provide access to the broadest, best quality educational opportunities to students
and researchers. The institute was initiated in Tasmania and day-to-day operations
are conducted from its secretariat in Hobart.
For further information visit: www.iai.utas.edu.au
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The institute facilitates student and faculty exchange
programs giving access to quality education and
research in Antarctic and Southern Ocean studies.
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H obart ’ s international
secretariats
Hobart’s emergence as a global centre of Antarctic
activity was confirmed in 1982 when the Commission for
the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
(CCAMLR) established its permanent secretariat in the city.
Commission for the Conser vation of
Antarctic Marine Li ving Resources
Hobart’s emergence as a global centre of Antarctic
activity was confirmed in 1982 when the Commission
for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR) established its permanent
secretariat in the city. The flags of treaty nations
waving outside CCAMLR’s historic sandstone
headquarters are now permanent reminders
of Hobart’s position as a focus of polar activity.
CCAMLR was established by Antarctic Treaty
signatories to provide critical support in the global
effort to eliminate illegal and unregulated fishing
in the Southern Ocean through administering
a world-leading marine conservation program.
It plays a major role in the Census of Antarctic
Marine Life (CAML) program.
One of the largest international organisations
in the Southern Hemisphere, CCAMLR attracts
nearly 200 delegates from 31 countries to its
annual meeting in Hobart held at its customised
and specially-renovated headquarters.
The Tasmanian and Australian Governments are
committed to supporting CCAMLR.
When CCAMLR established its original secretariat
in Hobart it was the second major Antarctic
organisation to set up in the city, following the
relocation of the Australian Antarctic Division a year
earlier. It has grown significantly since its modest
beginnings and now employs 25 full time staff.
For further information visit: www.ccamlr.org
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A greement on the C onser v ation of
A lbatrosses and P etrels
The second permanent international secretariat to establish in Hobart was the
Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The location
decision, in 2006, recognised Australia’s record on seabird conservation and
Hobart’s place as a centre of world-class research in Southern Ocean and
Antarctic science.
A Tasmanian scientist, Dr Nigel Brothers, first identified the threat to albatross
and petrel populations from long-line fishing operations.
ACAP aims to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for albatrosses
and petrels by coordinating international activity to mitigate known threats to
these vulnerable seabirds. ACAP currently has 13 member countries and works
to protect all 22 albatross species, two species of giant petrel and five species of
smaller petrel that are found in the Southern Hemisphere.
ACAP has facilities to accommodate visiting scientists, increasing opportunities
for collaborative efforts in albatross and petrel conservation.
For further information visit: www.acap.aq
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ACAP has facilities to accommodate visiting scientists,
increasing opportunities for collaborative efforts in
albatross and petrel conservation.
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I nternational
conferences
and meetings
Hobart is a natural setting for conventions, conferences,
meetings and other events relating to Antarctica and the
Southern Ocean. Its Antarctic ambiance makes it an ideal
venue for Antarctic-related gatherings of all sizes like the
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in 2012.
International conferences
and meetings
Hobart is a natural setting for conventions,
conferences, meetings and other events relating
to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Its Antarctic
ambiance makes it an ideal venue for Antarcticrelated gatherings of all sizes like the Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in 2012.
Previous Antarctic-related events held in Hobart
include the Council of Managers of National Antarctic
Programs (COMNAP) annual general meeting and the
XXIX Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research
(SCAR) meeting and conference.
The annual Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting attracts
over 200 delegates to Hobart from 34 countries, while
the regular sub-Antarctic forum held every second
year draws delegates interested in sub-Antarctic
science from around the world.
Many of these events have used facilities located at
the headquarters of CCAMLR but Hobart has many
professionally run venues of all sizes.
Tasmanian Convention Burea u
A dedicated organisation, the Tasmanian Convention
Bureau, provides organisers with a range of assistance
to stage memorable, cost-effective and successful
events. Its experienced staff can save event organisers
hours of work by providing independent, expert
advice and support on every aspect of an event.
You may even be rewarded financially for choosing
a Tasmanian venue if your event is held in MaySeptember, outside the state’s tourism season.
For further information visit:
www.tasmaniaconventions.com
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H obart
A n A ntarctic c I T Y
Hobart nestles between a magnificent mountain backdrop
and a deep water port near the mouth of the River Derwent.
Hobart: an Antarctic cIT Y
Hobart nestles between a magnificent mountain
backdrop and a deep water port near the mouth
of the River Derwent. It is renowned for its heritage
buildings, beautiful parks, excellent food, markets and
festivals. If you like picturesque ports, you’ll enjoy this
city of 245,000-plus inhabitants. As the capital of the
State of Tasmania, Hobart is the seat of the State
Parliament and the main campus of the University of
Tasmania (UTAS), one of Australia’s oldest universities
and ranked in the nation’s top 10 for research. A large
number of UTAS students are from overseas. Hobart
has the highest number of scientists per capita of any
Australian city and hosts 65 per cent of all the nation’s
Antarctic and Southern Ocean research scientists.
The city’s varied and lively cultural scene includes
regular performances by the Tasmanian Symphony
Orchestra, described as one of the finest small
orchestras in the world.
Housing is more affordable than in any other
of Australia’s capital cities and varies from stately
colonial to the edgiest of new architecture.
Because of the terrain, stunning views are usual
rather than exceptional. Office accommodation
is also highly competitive.
Tasmanians enjoy modern telecommunications
infrastructure and are being connected to a new
National Broadband Network ahead of people in the
rest of Australia. Internet connection will be delivered
at 100 megabit-per-second via fibre-optic cable.
Free wireless connectivity is provided on Hobart’s
waterfront for anybody with a WiFi-capable mobile
phone, laptop, notebook or other fourth-generation
device. The service covers the CSIRO building, the
future site of the Institute of Marine and Antarctic
Studies, several Antarctic-related offices in Salamanca
Square and the popular tourism precinct that
includes Princes Wharf No.1 Shed (site of the annual
Taste of Tasmania festival), Salamanca Place and the
Parliamentary Gardens.
For further information visit: www.hobartcity.com.au
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35
T he S tate of T asmania
Tasmanians breathe some of the world’s cleanest
air and enjoy the world’s purest rainwater.
Tasmania is located off the south-east corner of Australia, 40 degrees south of the
equator. It consists of more than 300 islands, including sub-Antarctic Macquarie
Island, but all the smaller islands combined are equal in land area to only two per
cent of the main island. Tasmania has a population of just over 500,000 with almost
half of them living in and around Hobart. The state is similar in size to the Republic
of Ireland or Sri Lanka and is about the same distance from the Equator as Rome
or Madrid.
Unlike many other Australian regions, Tasmania enjoys four distinct seasons.
The surrounding oceans moderate the climate. There is none of the scorching
summer heat experienced in inland continental Australia, nor the sub-zero winters
that affect Northern Hemisphere residents at similar latitudes.
The views change rapidly as you travel around Tasmania. It is an island of dramatic
coastlines and mountains, spectacular wilderness and sparkling highland lakes.
You are never far from nature, with the sea always close by and 44.6 per cent
of the land area preserved in its natural state.
Tasmania shares rugged dolerite landforms with Antarctica, a similarity noted
by the pioneering Tasmanian explorer Louis Bernacchi. His astute observation
was later confirmed by geological studies. We now have evidence that Tasmania
was the last landmass to separate from Antarctica in the break-up of the supercontinent, Gondwana, tens of millions of years ago.
Tasmanians breathe some of the world’s cleanest air and enjoy the world’s purest
rainwater. Unpolluted coastal seas and rich, fertile soils enable Tasmanians to
produce delicate cool-climate wines, excellent beers, world-class whisky and some
of the world’s finest foods.
The state of islands is renowned for its quality of life. It combines a get away-fromit-all ambiance with the convenience of modern facilities and excellent interstate
sea and air services. It is statistically the safest Australian state, with the lowest
rates of crime. Tasmania has a stable democratic political system and dependable
legal processes.
Public and private health providers offer high-quality, accessible and responsive
medical and hospital services.
Tasmania’s education system includes government-funded primary and secondary
education which is complemented by a long-standing private school system.
Vocational education is available through a range of flexible and varied courses
which deliver training to internationally recognised standards.
Coupled with Tasmania’s unique Antarctic capabilities, these factors make the state
a highly attractive proposition to discerning national and international Antarctic
organisations and individuals.
For further information visit:
www.discovertasmania.com
www.development.tas.gov.au/invest
www.development.tas.gov.au/migration/migrating_to_tasmania
www.brandtasmania.com
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37
C ulturally
A ntarctic
Hobart has a mild, maritime climate but exudes an
Antarctic ambiance and boasts a significant community
of people who share a passion for the southern continent.
Culturally Antarctic
Hobart has a mild, maritime climate but exudes an
Antarctic ambiance and boasts a significant community
of people who share a passion for the southern
continent. There is much to inform and entertain
polar-minded visitors, including an Islands to Ice
permanent exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and
Art Gallery; a Sub-Antarctic Plant House at the Royal
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens; historical records,
including many photographs, held by the State Library
of Tasmania and the National Archives Office; an
Antarctic Polar Pathways walk and an Antarctic
visitor display at the Australian Antarctic Division,
a 20-minute drive south of the CBD. Public artworks
with an Antarctic theme are sprinkled through the city.
Is l ands to Ice at the Tasmanian
Mu seum and Art Gallery
Islands to Ice tells the story of the Antarctic and
Southern Ocean region. It begins by putting the
region into a global context, before explaining
the physical qualities of the ocean, rocks and ice,
climate and weather. The spectacular wildlife is
highlighted, along with the intricate ecologies that
support it. Visitors can hear what scientists are
telling us about the Antarctic region’s role in our
planet’s processes.
The gallery also covers the region’s history, from
earliest human ventures south, covering Aboriginal
dreaming and Polynesian navigation, ancient Greek
hypotheses and European utopian imaginings. Islands
to Ice explores the motivation of the people who
journeyed south; what the whalers found; what
explorers charted and claimed; and what it is like
to live and work in some of the most inhospitable
climates on earth. This is an exciting permanent
exhibition and a must-see for all Antarctic enthusiasts.
For further information visit: www.tmag.tas.gov.au
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P hoto G R A P H Y caption S A N D credits
Cover image
Aurora Australis swinging in Sullivans Cove as she comes around
to berth at Macquarie Wharf. Photograph by Wayne Papps,
Australian Antarctic Division, © Commonwealth of Australia
Page 22
Satellite image with surface pressure and winds overlaid.
Photograph supplied by Dr. Neil Adams, Australian Bureau
of Meteorology.
Contents page
Page 23
Aurora Australis over Mawson station. © Colin Jenkinson, AAD
Off Syowa station. © Rob Bryson
Page 2
Hobart and its port facilities. Photograph supplied by CSIRO
Sub- Antarctic Pl ant Hou se at the Royal Tasmanian
Botanical G ardens
The Sub-Antarctic Plant House contains a unique, world-first collection of plants
from sub-Antarctic islands. When you enter the climate-controlled environment
in a specially constructed building at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, you
are enveloped in the chilly mists of the sub-Antarctic islands.
The gardens also accommodate an increasing number of important conservation
collections of Tasmanian plants.
For further information visit: www.rtbg.tas.gov.au
Pol ar Pathways - Historical walking and driving tour
Polar Pathways is a structured tour designed to help visitors explore some of
Hobart’s unique Antarctic and Southern Ocean sites and connections. Much of
the Polar Pathways tour can be accomplished on foot, visiting Hobart’s waterfront,
the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum and significant
statues and monuments. The tour also visits sites of contemporary significance
such as the CCAMLR headquarters and the CSIRO, as well as outlying Antarctic
historical points of interest, including Cornelian Bay Cemetery and Bruny Island.
For further information visit: www.polarpathways.info
Page 7
Airbus A319 on approach to Wilkins runway.
© Ian Phillips, AAD
Page 8
Flight over sea ice near Davis station. © Peter Schuller, AAD
Page 9
A William Adams Caterpillar tractor in use in Antarctica.
Photograph supplied by Peter Fewkes, William Adams.
Page 10
CSIRO’s Hobart Marine Laboratories.
Photograph supplied by CSIRO
Page 13
Parhelion at Casey station. © Chris Wilson, AAD
Page 14
Loading the Southern Ocean Flux Station buoy.
Photographed by Dr Rob Wiltshire.
Page 15
Scientists deploy an Argo float in the Southern Ocean.
Photograph by Alicia Navidad, CSIRO
Austra lian A ntarctic Division
Page 16
Off Syowa station. © Rob Bryson AAD
The Australian Antarctic Division has a visitor centre that contains a wealth
of information about the scientific research and logistical support involved
in Australia’s Antarctic program.
Page 17
Ice fall near Casey station. © Chris Wilson, AAD
For further information visit: www.aad.gov.au
Page 18
Tasman Peninsula. © Tourism Tasmania and Mark Spencer
Austra lian A ntarctic Exp edition Centenary Cel ebrations
In the austral summer of 2011/12 Hobart will host a range of events to celebrate
the centenary of Antarctic expeditions by Sir Douglas Mawson and Roald
Amundsen. Mawson’s expedition of 1911-1914 and Amundsen’s expedition of
1910-12 are today regarded as some of the greatest polar scientific expeditions
of all time.
Planned activities include an exhibition by the National Archives to be launched
in Hobart in 2011 before a nationwide tour, a number of centenary expeditions
to Antarctica, education programs, symposiums, art exhibitions, a writers’ forum,
a Mawson Hut Foundation dinner and the release of commemorative coins
and stamps.
40
Page 6
L’Astrolabe at Cape Denison. © Angus McDonald
TA SMANIA: GAT E WAY TO A N TA R C T I C A
Page 19
Dwarf Minke whale. © Jason Gedamke
Page 20
Retrieving the Southern Ocean Time Series Pulse Mooring.
Photograph by J. Adelstein.
Pages 24 and 25
AMC students testing in the towing tank.
Photograph by Phillip Biggs, AMC
Page 26
Carrying drum for anchor base for automatic weather station.
© Todor Iolovski, AAD
Page 27
Collecting emperor chicks for examination.
Photographer unknown, AAD, © Commonwealth of Australia
Page 28
The CCAMLR Headquarters in Hobart.
Photograph by Eric Appleyard, CCAMLR
Page 30
Black-browed albatross. © Rowan Trebilco
Page 31
Grey-headed albatrosses. © Rowan Trebilco
Page 32
A full session of the CCAMLR Commission.
Photograph by Eric Appleyard, CCAMLR
Page 34
Victoria Dock, Hobart, © Tourism Tasmania & Southern Cross
Television. Photograph courtesy of Southern Cross Television
Page 37
Mt Field National Park, © Tourism Tasmania and Michael
Walters Photography. Photograph by Michael Walters
Page 38
Islands to Ice exhibition.
Photograph supplied by Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Page 40
Sub Antarctic Plant House at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical
Gardens. Photograph by Ben Davidson, Royal Tasmanian
Botanical Gardens
Inside back cover
Hunter Street, Hobart, © Tourism Tasmania & Glenn Gibson
Photograph by Glenn Gibson
Page 21
Deploying the Southern Ocean Time Series Pulse Mooring.
Photograph by Dr A. Bowie
Photographs used within Tasmania Gateway to Antarctica appear with the permission of the copyright owners as listed, every effort has been
made to ensure that the correct copyright has been attributed. Photographs not credited remain the property of the Tasmanian Government.
TA SMANIA: GATEWAY TO ANTARCTICA
41
Antarctic Tasmania
The Antarctic Tasmania, Science and Research unit of the
Tasmanian Government operates a dedicated office of
Antarctic affairs.
Antarctic Tasmania, Science and Research works
collaboratively with organisations in Tasmania and beyond
to support Antarctic-related institutions and the activities
of expeditioners and researchers in the deep south. It also
provides the secretariat for the Tasmanian Polar Network.
Antarctic Tasmania’s Science and Research services include:
• facilitating investment opportunities
• providing access, referrals and introductions
• sourcing supplies, including specialised goods
and services
• finding temporary office space or meeting venues
• organising conferences
• providing general advice on Tasmania’s Antarctic sector.
Antarctic Tasmania ,
Science an d Research
Department of Economic Development,
Tourism and the Arts
Suite 25/26 Salamanca Square
Hobart 7001
Tasmania, Australia
GPO Box 646
Hobart 7001
Tasmania, Australia
P: + 61 3 6233 5493
F: + 61 3 6233 5497
E: [email protected]
www.antarctictasmania.com