A range of vehicles and machinery are available at Australia's stations. They are used for resupply operations, building and maintenance work, and for field trips off station.

Beautiful colours of sunset reflecting off sea ice, plateau ice and hagglund at the same time
Hägglunds with sun setting at Mawson station. Photo: Pete Hargreaves

Many scientists need ground transport to support their programs. Vehicles are also in demand for recreational use.

Snow and ice conditions vary depending on the time of year. Because of this, we use different vehicles at different times of the year in the same areas. Small boat travel is also used.

When travelling in Antarctica, avoid fragile formations and communities. Use established tracks or approved routes where possible.

All expeditioners using vehicles undergo basic training in snow and ice travel techniques. The skills they learn include crevasse rescue, recognising weather and ice conditions, GPS and radar navigation.

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