Douglas Mawson Launch

Emma Burridge – November 2025

THE LAUNCH FROM SYDNEY HARBOUR

Aurora Expeditions have officially named and launched their third and newest ship, the Douglas Mawson, named after the legendary Australian explorer and scientist (read more about Mawson and his legacy here). What better place to launch a ship than Sydney’s Darling Harbour, with the iconic Opera house and Harbour Bridge forming a stunning backdrop! She joins sister ships Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle and will be venturing down to Antarctica for her inaugural season very soon.

The Douglas Mawson ready to depart from Sydney Harbour

Pool and Jacuzzi onboard the Douglas Mawson with the iconic Sydney Harbour backdrop

All smiles onboard!

THE SHAKEDOWN VOYAGE

We are fortunate to have been invited on-board the Douglas Mawson for her Sydney to Hobart Shakedown Voyage. The goal of this voyage is to ensure that any kinks are ironed out before she officially begins her Antarctic season and heads south to Macquarie Island and then to the Ross Sea in Antarctica.

View of the Sydney Opera House from our cabin balcony

TRUE EXPEDITION SPIRIT

The Douglas Mawson is a stunning, small, expedition cruise ship, taking only 130 guests and 15 expedition crew to the polar regions. As with all of Aurora’s ships, she is operated with a true expedition spirit. For some, the word ‘expedition’ may suggest long, gruelling days and battling the elements, but this is far from accurate. Modern expedition cruising is rather about depth and immersion, with an emphasis on seeing, learning, and most importantly, experiencing as much as possible in a fun and adventurous manner.

Consequently, the Douglas Mawson’s expedition team is passionate about getting guests off the ship as much and as quickly as possible to make the most of the incredible locations the ship visits. Many different exploration activities are offered onboard so you can explore the way you see fit, including Zodiac cruising, guided hikes, kayaking, and more.

Additionally, the Douglas Mawson features ballast technology, meaning the ship, like a bus, can lower the side of the ship from which you disembark. Additionally, there are sea-level zodiac loading bays on both the Port and Starboard sides of the ship. Both of these features make entering the zodiacs, and thus off-ship exploration in general, much easier, safer, and more efficient for guests.

There are 15 Zodiacs aboard the Douglas Mawson from which you’ll explore

The Mudroom, featuring lockers and life jackets for each guest

THE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Despite the Douglas Mawson’s expedition focus, the onboard experience can be described as luxurious. The ship offers a range of cabins, many with balconies, but all are modern and comfortable. The on-board facilities include a purpose-built mud room, a science centre, two restaurants, an observation lounge with a bar and immediate outdoor access, and a purpose-built presentation room with multiple screens. All of these common areas are elegant and spacious, and the food served is fresh and refined. Throughout the ship, the service is excellent and the crew are warm, attentive and genuinely enthusiastic.

Balcony Stateroom

Presentation Lounge

The Hut Restaurant

Cape Denison Restaurant

Dining at the Cape Denison Restaurant

Briefing in the Presentation Lounge

Over the next few days, we will be journeying down the East Coast of Australia until we reach Hobart, making one landing at Freycinet. Along the way, we will explore the onboard facilities, get to know the expedition team, and enjoy all the Douglas Mawson has to offer before she begins her first official Antarctic season.

To view the dates, prices and itineraries for the upcoming seasons on the Douglas Mawson, click the button below to be taken to our dedicated ship page.

Birdwatching from the Observation Deck