Over a century ago, a ship sailed into Hobart harbour. Roald Amundsen, walked up Elizabeth Street to the General Post Office and sent a telegram to the King of Norway, announcing the success of the first expedition to reach the South Pole.

Hobart has had a close association with the Antarctic ever since and this weekend, hosted the Australian Antarctic Festival, sharing information about the great southern continent and ongoing research.

Marine research ship “Investigator” was open to the public.

So was the Australian Ice Breaker ship “Aurora Australis”. It was fascinating to tour both ships, hear about their work, talk to crew and scientists who have sailed to Antarctic and lived on the ice for months at a time.Hobart is their home port and we regularly see both ships sailing in and out.

There was a photo exhibition, penguins and huskies. I loved the cut out penguins decorated by 8,000 school kids across the country.