Hobart-bound icebreaker needs repairs

Australia's icebreaker is scheduled to reach Hobart in 10 days before heading to a shipyard for repairs after running aground in Antarctica.

The Aurora Australis on Thursday had spent its first night at sea and was tracking toward the southern capital, more than a week after the vessel broke its moorings in a blizzard and ran onto rocks near Mawson station.

The boat sustained minor hull damage but an extensive assessment found there was no impact on propulsion or steering and it was given a green light to sail.

Australian Antarctic Division boss Nick Gales said the boat is making the trip with "essential crew only" and other arrangements will be made for the scores of research staff and expeditioners who had been due to return to Australia on the vessel.

"We will officially sign off on these alternate arrangements in coming days ... and confirm details later this week," Dr Gales said.

Ship owners P&O Maritime have previously said the vessel is likely to undergo repairs in Western Australia, but have since added that the destination will depend on shipyard availability.