Aurora Expeditions
Explorers Greg and Margaret Mortimer, veterans of almost three decades of Antarctic research, mountaineering and polar travel, founded Aurora Expeditions after working together on the Australian Bicentennial Antarctic Expedition, organised and led by Greg in 1988.
Greg Mortimer OAM, originally trained as a geologist and was one of the first two Australians to climb Mt Everest, and the first Australian to climb K2, the world’s second highest mountain. Greg was also one of the first two Australians to climb Mt Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica. Greg has personally led over 80 voyages and Antarctica is his abiding passion. Greg believes that passengers return as ambassadors to ensure the polar regions are looked after for the future.
The Australian Bicentennial Antarctic Expedition inspired Greg & Margaret to make travel to the polar regions the focus of a business which would enable them to share their passion for Antarctica with like-minded travellers. In 1992, Aurora Expeditions, named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s ship, was born.
Greg & Margaret’s aim was simple – to take small groups of travellers on voyages of discovery to regions that inspired them, thereby creating lifelong ambassadors for the preservation and protection of these sacred places.
Over the years Aurora has expanded its scope from polar exploration to include new, rarely explored destinations such as Papua New Guinea and the Russian Far East.
In its quest to seek destinations that push the boundaries of travel, Aurora has purposely kept the number of participants on each departure small, allowing more intimate encounters with wildlife and cultures, and lessening its impact on the regions visited.
Along with the guidance of its experienced founders, Aurora’s dynamic team all share a great respect for natural and cultural environments. Aurora Expeditions continues to approach expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one’s life, and in the world.
