The new expedition vessel Douglas Mawson, owned by Australia’s Aurora Expeditions, made its inaugural arrival in Sydney Harbour, docking at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. The vessel is named for the renowned Australian polar explorer and scientist, Sir Douglas Mawson, and was purpose-built for itineraries ranging from the Antarctic wilderness to the coastlines of Europe and Central America.
The company's founder, Greg Mortimer, remarked that the ship’s arrival represented a homecoming and embodied the operator's ethos of exploration, respect for nature, and curious discovery. The vessel’s introduction coincides with a period of significant growth for the Sydney-based company, which has reportedly expanded its annual itineraries by 78% since 2021 and projects a tenfold increase in passenger numbers by 2027.
The Douglas Mawson completes a trio of purpose-built vessels for the line, joining the Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer. All three ships feature the ULSTEIN X-BOW design, noted for its ability to improve stability in heavy seas. The new vessel incorporates a fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion system and waste-heat recovery technology, underscoring the operator's commitment to low-impact travel.
With a maximum capacity of 130 guests, the ship offers a significant number of single-occupancy cabins. Onboard amenities include two restaurants and bars, an outdoor heated pool with Jacuzzis, a wellness area, and communal spaces such as a lecture theatre and a Citizen Science Centre. The vessel is also equipped with dedicated zones for Zodiac embarkation to facilitate shore landings and wildlife viewing.
Following its debut, the Douglas Mawson is scheduled to depart from Hobart, Tasmania, on November 27th, 2025 on its inaugural voyage, an 11-night circumnavigation of Tasmania. Subsequent itineraries will include an Antarctic expedition tracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's route and voyages to the sub-Antarctic islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. The vessel will also host a Special Guests Program, featuring experts and descendants of notable explorers.