Damon Mcknight
Antarctica is a continent that many travellers dream of visiting. It is possible to get to Antarctica from Australia by passenger ship, with cruises departing from Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand. These cruises typically last about 21 days, including 7 days crossing to Antarctica, with stops at remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell. Another option is to fly to South America and then depart by ship from Argentina's southern port of Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula. This option takes about 10-21 days, depending on the itinerary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel from Australia to Antarctica | By ship: Yes; By plane: Yes |
| Popular departure points | Hobart, Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill |
| Departure time | October to March (Australian summer) |
| Duration | 10-21 days |
| Airlines | Qantas, LATAM, Air New Zealand |
| Cruise companies | Chimu Adventures, Swoop Antarctica, Antarctica Travel Centre |
| Cruise capacity | 100-500 passengers |
| Cruise price | $25,000 to $60,000 |
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What You'll Learn
- Fly-sail cruises are the quickest way to reach Antarctica from Australia
- You can fly to South America and depart from Argentina or Chile
- Antarctica cruises from Australia can last 10-21 days
- You can board a cruise ship in Australia and head straight to Antarctica
- Antarctica cruises from Australia can include visits to Macquarie, Auckland, and other remote islands
Fly-sail cruises are the quickest way to reach Antarctica from Australia
Antarctica is one of the most sought-after destinations for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The white continent offers a unique experience with its striking landscapes and icy seas, where travellers can witness penguins, seals, whales and skuas in their natural habitat.
There are a few ways to get to Antarctica from Australia. One option is to board a ship in Hobart, Australia, and embark on a round-trip cruise that includes a stop in Antarctica. This journey takes about 21 days, including seven days to cross to Antarctica, and typically includes visits to remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell.
Another option is to first fly to South America and then board a ship in Argentina or Chile. This option is generally more popular and affordable, with flights departing from the east coast of Australia to Santiago or Buenos Aires, and then connecting to Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. From there, it takes about two days to sail to the Antarctic Peninsula.
However, the quickest way to reach Antarctica from Australia is through a fly-sail cruise. These cruises depart from Punta Arenas in Chile and occasionally Puerto Williams, offering a two-hour flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, located off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Upon arrival, passengers transfer directly to their expedition cruise ship, allowing them to start exploring Antarctica without delay.
While fly-sail cruises offer expediency, they also come with higher operating costs, making them slightly more expensive than regular cruises. Additionally, planes are more susceptible to polar weather delays, so travellers opting for this option should be prepared for potential flexibility in their itinerary. Nonetheless, fly-sail cruises are an excellent choice for those with limited time or for those who wish to avoid the longer voyage across the Drake Passage.
Travellers can also choose to fly both ways, enjoying the convenience of air travel while maximising their time in Antarctica. These trips often include extended stays of eight full days in Antarctica, providing a more comprehensive exploration of the continent.
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You can fly to South America and depart from Argentina or Chile
Another option is to depart directly from Punta Arenas in Chile, skipping the crossing of the Drake Passage. This option also allows for a visit to the Antarctic Peninsula and the sub-Antarctic islands. LATAM Airlines offer flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Santiago, Chile's capital, and from there, you can fly to Punta Arenas. It is important to note that weather conditions can impact departures, and flexibility is required when planning a trip to Antarctica.
A handful of flights each year offer the opportunity to fly directly to Antarctica from South America. These flights depart from Punta Arenas in Chile or Cape Town in South Africa, using specially adapted planes that can land on blue ice runways. This option provides a quick way to reach the Antarctic Interior and even offers the chance to fly to the South Pole.
While it is possible to board a ship in Australia or New Zealand and head straight to Antarctica, this option is generally more expensive due to the longer duration of the cruise. The cruise to East Antarctica offers a unique journey, including visits to remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell.
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Antarctica cruises from Australia can last 10-21 days
Antarctica cruises from Australia typically last between 10 and 21 days. The duration of the cruise depends on the departure point and the itinerary.
Most cruises depart from Argentina's southern port of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. From there, it takes about two days to sail to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most popular region for cruises. This region is known for its accessibility, abundant wildlife, and dramatic mountainous backdrop. Cruises departing from Ushuaia typically last between 10 and 21 days.
Alternatively, cruises can depart directly from Australia, with Hobart being the main departure point. These cruises take about seven days to cross to Antarctica and often include stops at remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell. A round-trip cruise from Hobart typically lasts about 21 days.
Another option is to fly to South America and then board a cruise ship in Punta Arenas, Chile, to skip crossing the Drake Passage. This option offers a quicker journey to the Antarctic Peninsula, taking only one and a half to two days.
The time of year can also impact the duration of the cruise. The Antarctic season typically runs from late October to March, with pack ice breaking up in October and November, allowing for unique exploration opportunities.
When planning an Antarctica cruise from Australia, it is important to consider the various factors that can affect the duration and experience, such as the departure point, itinerary, and time of year. Booking in advance is also recommended, as these cruises can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season of December and January.
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You can board a cruise ship in Australia and head straight to Antarctica
Yes, it is possible to board a cruise ship in Australia and head straight to Antarctica. This option is available for those who want to skip the flight to South America. The cruise departs from Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand. A round trip on this cruise takes about 21 days, including 7 days to cross to Antarctica, with stops at remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell. The cruise to East Antarctica is an extraordinary journey in itself, offering travellers the chance to witness unique wildlife, history, and geology.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular and frequently visited region of Antarctica, perfect for first-time visitors. It offers incredible wildlife, glacier landscapes, and history. The coast provides a dramatic mountainous backdrop as an extension of the Andes Mountain range. The Antarctic Peninsula and the sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, can also be visited by first flying to Argentina and boarding a ship in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. This option is the most popular and affordable Antarctic journey. The journey from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula takes about two days.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning an Antarctic cruise from Australia. The season typically runs from late October to March, with the pack ice starting to break up in October and November, allowing access to pristine landscapes. It is recommended to book early as ships can book out 12-18 months in advance, especially during the peak season of December and January. Additionally, it is important to be flexible as weather conditions can impact departures, and delays of up to three days have occurred in the past.
When choosing a cruise, there are a variety of options to consider. You can select from over 130 cruises to Antarctica, including itineraries aboard charter vessels. Ships range in size, accommodating under 100 to more than 500 passengers, with various cabin types available. Some cruises offer spacious cabins, fine dining, and a range of activities, while others focus on adventure and exploration. The quickest way to reach Antarctica is on a fly-sail cruise, which can take as little as two hours to fly to Antarctica and then sail back across the Drake Passage.
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Antarctica cruises from Australia can include visits to Macquarie, Auckland, and other remote islands
Macquarie Island, in particular, is known for its abundant wildlife. It lies about halfway between Antarctica and Australia in the Indian Ocean. Travellers can take Zodiac excursions or hike the islands to get closer to nature.
The most popular and affordable Antarctic journey is to fly to Argentina and board a ship in the southernmost city of Ushuaia. From there, you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula and the sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. A cruise from Ushuaia can take 10 to 21 days, but if you're crossing directly to the peninsula, you can get there in about two days.
However, cruises from Australia and New Zealand offer the advantage of heading straight to Antarctica without the need for flights to South America. While this option is more expensive and takes more time at sea, it provides an extraordinary journey to East Antarctica, including visits to remote islands.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can fly to Antarctica from Australia. Qantas, LATAM, and Air New Zealand fly from the east coast of Australia to Santiago and Buenos Aires, where connections can be made to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. From Punta Arenas, you can fly to camps in the Antarctic Interior, such as Union Glacier or Whichaway.
Yes, cruises depart from Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand. A round trip cruise will take about 21 days in total, including 7 days crossing to Antarctica, with stops at remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell.
The Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia are open for exploration from late October to March, which is the Australian summer. There is no bad time to go, but in October and November, the pack ice starts to break up, allowing access to untouched landscapes.
