Cold calling: Australian Antarctic Program seeks hundreds of workers ready for polar-powered adventure

Station leader Andy Warton says isolation takes getting used to, but a ‘profound adventure’ with auroras, penguins and icebergs awaits

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Few people witness the otherworldly seasonal transformation of Antarctica, but a small group of Australians experience it first-hand. From the complete darkness of polar winter to the peachy glow of a round-the-clock summer sun, they witness the spectacle of light and wildlife return colour to an icy landscape, and gaze up at silver and green auroras across the night sky.

The Australian Antarctic Program is now recruiting for its 2026-27 season, offering work in Antarctica to about 300 Australians across almost 40 different roles.