Take an 'impossible' holiday
Leisure travel to Antarctica was unheard of just a few decades ago. Now that has changed.
Not so long ago, the frozen wilderness of Antarctica felt like the ultimate travel fantasy.
It was a place reserved for explorers from our history books or, more recently, scientists with modern instruments and hefty, state-funded budgets.
Today, it has become one of the most compelling bucket‑list experiences available to Australians, joining an expanding list of exotic adventure destinations that are far more accessible than ever.
For Australians, Antarctica is no longer just a distant white smudge at the bottom of the map. Dedicated travel operators now offer two distinct ways to experience the world’s last great wilderness: you can fly over it, or you can travel there on an expedition cruise.
Each delivers a very different perspective on the continent, but both offer the thrill of witnessing a place few people ever see at close range.
Flightseeing journeys are the quickest option. Travellers depart from Australian cities and soar across the Southern Ocean, circling over vast ice sheets, jagged mountain ranges, and seemingly endless glaciers before returning home the same day.
You don’t land, but the sheer scale of Antarctica from the air – sparkling and mostly untouched – is unforgettable.
Exploration cruises offer a far deeper experience. Mostly departing from South America, these itineraries allow travellers to step foot on the continent, cruise through iceberg‑filled channels and come face‑to‑face with penguin colonies, seals, and whales.
Zodiac landings, guided walks, and expert lectures turn the journey into an immersive expedition rather than a traditional holiday.
Antarctica isn’t alone in shedding its reputation as unreachable. Other exotic adventure destinations are also opening up to Australians with improved air routes and specialised tour operators.
Greenland’s dramatic fjords, the remote islands of the Arctic Circle, the Galápagos archipelago, and even the North Pole are now firmly within the realm of possibility for well‑prepared travellers.
Closer to home, expedition cruising in regions such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia’s far‑flung islands, and Australia’s own sub‑Antarctic territories is gaining momentum.
What links all these journeys is not luxury in the conventional sense, but access. And that access comes at a cost.
For Antarctica, strict environmental regulations, small ship sizes, specialist crews, and limited visitor numbers all contribute to an elevated price tag.
Most cruises are priced well into five figures, but “flightseeing” experiences are more affordable.
Talk to an experience travel agent to discuss your options and, whatever you choose, make sure you are properly insured before you go. Travel insurance is a must whenever you leave home.
For those who can make the journey to Antarctica, the reward is the experience of a lifetime – proof that even the most distant corners of the planet are open to the avid traveller.
*The discount applies to the total National Seniors travel insurance premium and is for National Seniors Australia members only. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
