Cape Denison

Cape Denison is a headland on the coast of Commonwealth Bay in George V Land, Antarctica, notable as the site of early 20th century Antarctic exploration. It was the main base for the Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Douglas Mawson in 1912-1913.

The cape is visited primarily for its historic remains and extreme weather conditions. The surviving timber structures known as Mawson’s Huts and surrounding artefacts attract scientific teams and heritage visits; the location is also studied for its climatological records and exceptionally strong katabatic winds.

Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition established a base at Cape Denison in January 1912 to carry out scientific observations and exploration of the region; the site was occupied through 1913. The huts and associated material were left on site and later recorded and conserved as Antarctic historic sites.

Geographically the cape sits on the coast of Commonwealth Bay in George V Land, on the Antarctic continent. It faces the Southern Ocean and is reached only by sea or by supported air operations from Antarctic logistics hubs.

• Katabatic winds: Known for some of the strongest recorded katabatic winds in Antarctica, with frequent, intense gusts at the shore.
• Historic site: Historic Antarctic expedition site, with surviving hut remains and protected historic artefacts dating to 1912-1913.

What to See #

• Mawson's Huts: Site of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition base built by Douglas Mawson in 1912; the hut remains as an Antarctic historic site.
• Commonwealth Bay sector: Commonwealth Bay shoreline and nearby fast ice areas, used historically by early 20th century Antarctic sledging parties.