Antarctic showcase under way in Hobart

The public will have a chance to tour Australia's soon-to-be-retired icebreaker as part of the inaugural Australian Antarctic Festival.

The federal government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars building a replacement for the Aurora Australis, which has sailed from Hobart to the frozen continent on countless occasions, aiding vital research missions.

The festival, which is planned to be held every two years, opened on Thursday in Hobart and will include a showcase of Antarctic film, photography and art along with a specially staged husky run.