Aurora Expeditions marked the arrival of its newest ship, the Douglas Mawson, in Hobart on 1 December 2025, ahead of its inaugural circumnavigation of Tasmania and the start of the 2025–2026 Antarctic season. Hobart was chosen as the ship's first port due to its historic role as Australia's gateway to Antarctic exploration and research, with a welcome ceremony held at the Port of Hobart.
The Douglas Mawson is Aurora Expeditions' third purpose-built small ship, joining the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. It features an X-BOW hull design, diesel-electric propulsion, waste-heat recovery systems, and a Citizen Science Centre for guest participation in research. The ship departs Hobart for a 10-night Tasmania circumnavigation, led by Tim Jarvis AM, before continuing on to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.