She was built by Christensen, the famous Norwegian constructor of sealing vessels, at Sandefjord.

She is barquentine rigged, and has triple-expansion engines giving her a speed under steam of nine to ten knots.

To enable her to stay longer at sea, she will carry oil fuel as well as coal.
She is of about 350 tons, and built of selected pine, oak, and greenheart.

This fine vessel, equipped, has cost the Expedition ｣14,000.
"The 'Aurora', the ship which will take out the Ross Sea party, has been bought from Dr.Mawson.

She is similar in all respects to the Terra Nova, of Captain Scott's last Expedition.