Hobart has been closely connected with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for more than 250 years. Since Captain Tobias Furneaux put into Adventure Bay in 1773 after sailing as far south as 71°10’ S, the port has witnessed the departure and return of ships bound for the far south.

First came sealing and whaling. Then came science, exploration and, in the years between the two World Wars, the industrial slaughter of Antarctica’s great whales. Through it all, Hobart remained a key point of departure and return.

In 1947, the formation of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions, known as ANARE, marked a new era. Australia soon became a major player in Antarctic affairs, with scientific research supporting the Commonwealth’s objectives in the Australian Antarctic Territory.

For seven decades, Hobart has served as a gateway to Antarctica for Australia, France and, at times, other nations. Yet the city’s Antarctic role can’t be taken for granted. Today, its position as a departure point for southern voyages appears less secure than at any time in the past 50 years.

Join Professor Michael Stoddart, former Chief Scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division, for a fascinating look at Hobart’s long relationship with the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, from exploration and whaling to science, diplomacy and the uncertain future of Tasmania’s southern horizon.

Professor Stoddart joined the Australian Antarctic Division in 1998 and guided Australia’s Antarctic science program for a decade. He was previously Professor of Zoology at the University of Tasmania and has played a major role in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: TMAG Royal Society Room (entrance at 19 Davey Street)

Free event, click here to book tickets.

Our Lunchtime Talks are supported by Arts Tasmania.