ANARE expeditions to sub-Antarctic Heard and Macquarie Islands continued to develop, with a wide range of scientific disciplines being studied.
Phillip Law wanted the ANARE effort extended to the Antarctic continent where the greatest scientific opportunities were to be found. He devoted considerable energy to seeking vessels that could adequately support extended journeys into the Antarctic pack ice. His solution was to look to the northern hemisphere where ice-strengthened vessels lay idle during the northern winter. In 1953, he chartered the Kista Dan. This ship was ideal for the difficult ice conditions and had adequate cargo capacity.
In 1954, Australia’s first permanent station on the Antarctic continent was established at Mawson.
In 1959, Australia became one of the original 12 parties to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), which came into force in 1961. The Australian Antarctic Division continues to engage in international cooperation to ensure that Antarctica is valued, protected and understood.
Australia’s scientific program is now called the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP). It continues to conduct world-class science of critical national importance and global significance, and to deliver on Australian Antarctic policy and operational priorities.
The tradition of ‘ANARE’ is continued by former Antarctic expeditioners who established the ANARE Club.