Mawson's Adventure By goldenm15 Mar 2, 1800 -1900 Whaling and sealing 1800-1900 Mar 2, 1900 The Heroic Era: The Explorers 1900-1916 Mar 2, 1907 Famous British explorer Emest Shackleton visited Antarctica. Famous explorer British explorer Emest Shackleton visited Antarctica. Mar 2, 1907 Douglas Mawson led a small party and they became the first to climb Mount Erebus and the first to reach the South Pole. Mar 6, 1911 Mawson returned as the head of the first Australasian Antarctic Expedition. Mar 6, 1914 Emest Shackleton returned to attempt the first crossing of the continent. Mar 6, 1928 Australian pilot George Wilkins because the first to explore Antarctica by aircraft. Mar 6, 1929 Mawson mapped the coastline of the new Australian Antarctic territory. Mar 6, 1946 -1966 Phillip Law was in charge of Australia’s Antarctic program and was named after Law Base. Mar 6, 1954 Australian opened its first permanent base in Antarctica, Mawson Station. Mar 6, 1957 Davis Station was opened. Mar 6, 1969 Casey Station was built. Mar 6, 1987 Law Base was opened. Mar 6, 1999 Two Australians and one New Zealander reached the South Pole on foot.