Antarctica

Australia is responsible for part of the coldest, windiest and least hospitable continent in the world, as well as some of the ground-breaking scientific research that takes place there.

Topics

A topic is a collection of records with interpretation and inquiry questions. Each topic is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and focuses on an aspect of Australian history.

Topic

Antarctica and imperialism

During the 1920s Australia and Britain became aware that several countries, including Norway and France, were intending to stake territorial claims in Antarctica.
Topic

Douglas Mawson's scientific exploration of Antarctica

The Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911 to 1914) was the first Australian-led expedition to Antarctica.
Topic

Protecting the Antarctic environment

From the time humans landed in Antarctica, its flora and fauna have been studied and exploited for food and resources.
Topic

Transport in Antarctica

The frozen continent of Antarctica poses great transport challenges for people attempting to work there.

Records

Each record focuses on a single item from the National Archives' collection. Some records contain extra information to help you interpret them.

Antarctica

Topics

Antarctica and imperialism

Douglas Mawson's scientific exploration of Antarctica

Protecting the Antarctic environment

Transport in Antarctica

Records

A Morris Mini car in Antarctica

Account of Australasian Antarctic Expedition – Douglas Mawson to Governor-General Lord Denman

Adélie penguins, Cape Denison, Antarctica

Antarctic expedition – sailing orders for Douglas Mawson from Prime Minister Stanley Bruce

Antarctic explorer and scientist Sir Douglas Mawson and his team raise the Union Jack on Proclamation Island

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