Australian Antarctic Territory

The Australian Antarctic Territory

The Australian Antarctic Territory is a big piece of land in Antarctica that Australia says is its own. It is the largest part of Antarctica that any country claims. This land was given to Australia by the United Kingdom in 1933.

Australia helped make the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. This treaty puts all ideas about who owns what in Antarctica on hold. Only a few countries agree with Australia’s claim: New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Norway.

The Australian Antarctic Division cares for this territory. This group works for the government. Australia has three places where scientists live and work all year: Mawson Station, Davis Station, and Casey Station. During the summer, about 500 people work there, and in the winter, only about 80 people stay. All of them work for the Australian Antarctic Program.

Places in the Territory

The Australian Antarctic Territory is very cold and windy. Near the coast, temperatures can range from −40 °C up to 10 °C. Further inland, it gets even colder. Winds can blow very fast.

The territory has many named areas, like Enderby Land, Kemp Land, and Mac. Robertson Land. These areas are part of the big territory that Australia looks after.