Do you have a family member or friend in Antarctica? How do you contact them? What is it like for them down south? How do you explain their situation to children?

This section contains the links and documents (also known as the introductory package) to help you adjust to the absence of your friend or family member while they are working in Antarctica, on Macquarie Island or in the southern ocean.

Contacting expeditioners

These pages will outline how to stay in touch and send gifts to your expeditioner while they are living down south.

Support for family and friends

Here you will find links to support services to assist in alleviating the stress of separation.

A useful resource is the Expeditioner and Family Liaison service as a point of contact for family and friends of all participants in the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP).  The service is available 24/7 and able to provide information on support available to family and friends during the period of separation and answer questions you may have related to your expeditioner's involvement in the program.

The Expeditioner and Family Liaison service can be contacted by calling 1800 030 680 or emailing expeditionerliaison@aad.gov.au.  

As an immediate family member, you also have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) from the time your expeditioner commences with the Australian Antarctic Division/Australian Antarctic Program through until 6 months after their return.  

Learn about Antarctica

Understanding the extraordinary environment in which your loved-one is living can help make the time apart easier for everyone. Use these resources to get to know Antarctica and the working life there.

Antarctic Family and Friends Association

The Antarctic Family and Friends Association is a support and social group for families and friends of expeditioners working on Australian Antarctic stations. There are branches of the Association in all states. It aims to be a source of friendship, comfort and information for members.

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