Antarctica came to Hobart in August with Australian Antarctic Program science and operations on display at the Antarctic Festival and the Festival of Bright Ideas.

Over two big weekends school groups and the general public were able to explore an ice core field camp, climb inside a Hägglunds, and marvel at the LEGO model of Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina.

Australian Antarctic Division scientists also delivered talks about their research, the different types of ice in Antarctica, and the animals that live on the icy continent.

Children and the young at heart were fascinated by the frozen Epsom salts touch tank, which looked and felt like Antarctic ice, along with the 3D printed emperor penguins.

Staff also assisted with ship tours of the iconic icebreaker, Aurora Australis, run by P&O Maritime.

It was a great opportunity to inspire some of the 30 000 people at the two events to find out more about Antarctica.