Mawson Research Station

Bad weather destroyed a pair of Auster AOP.6 (A11-200 & A11-201) brought ashore at Horseshoe Harbour to provide light transport and reconnaisance for the 1954 Antarctic Expedition. Undaunted, the Australian flag was raised on solid rock near the Antarctic Coast of Mac Roberston Land on 13 Feb 1954. Subsequently, with supplies landed from the expedition ship mv Kista Dan the first buildings capable of over-wintering were completed by the end of 1954.

The first aircraft hangar was built on the site in 1956, to provide some measure of protection from the Antarctic weather.