After 31 years of service, the Australian Antarctic Division's (AAD) RSV Aurora Australis vessel has embarked on its last voyage south, marking the end of an era for the affectionately nicknamed "Orange Roughy".

Key points: Launched in 1989, the Aurora Australis has set off on its last voyage, to re-supply the research station at Macquarie Island

Launched in 1989, the Aurora Australis has set off on its last voyage, to re-supply the research station at Macquarie Island The ship has been part of key scientific expeditions and supply voyages for over 30 years

The ship has been part of key scientific expeditions and supply voyages for over 30 years A tender process has been opened to find a short-term replacement for the ship, with the commissioning of RSV Nuyina delayed

The aim of the last voyage will be to re-supply sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island with 12 months worth of cargo, food and fuel.

Built in Newcastle and launched in 1989 by Hazel Hawke with the words "may she sail long and well, and may good fortune go with all who sail on her", the Aurora Australis has been home to 14,000 expeditioners, many undertaking key research.

AAD's general manager of operations Charlton Clark said it was the end of an era.

"The Aurora Australis has been the backbone of the Australian Antarctic Program for more than three decades, so the vessel has a special place in our history," Mr Clark said.

"Over its lifetime, the icebreaker has carried more than 14,000 expeditioners across the Southern Ocean on over 150 research and resupply voyages."

The search is on for a short-term stand-in for Aurora Australis, due to its replacement not being ready. ( AAD: Sandra Zicus )

The AAD's Robb Clifton is one who will take away fond memories of his journeys on the Aurora Australis.

"It's amazing when you travel through the Southern Ocean and perhaps for many, see their first iceberg from the bridge, see the wildlife and then see the sea ice of the Antarctic continent," he said.

"I've spent a lot of time on board myself and have some really fantastic memories … travelling through the Southern Ocean, often with fantastic communities of people."

The Aurora Australis hits the water during its 1989 launch in Newcastle. ( Australian Antarctic Division: Supplied )

Mr Clifton said the ship's role in exploring the ocean ecosystem and the predator/prey interactions of the remote and wild seas around Heard Island was a highlight.

"It's helped science uncover amazing new information about the role of the Southern Ocean, its food web and also the science that underpins our efforts in understanding a changing climate."

Robb Clifton (right) said the ship had helped scientists "uncover amazing new information". ( AAP: Australian Antarctic Division )

Mr Clifton hopes the 58 expeditioners setting off for the last voyage will give it a proper farewell.

"Hopefully they will be able to have a traditional barbeque and toast the last voyage of the ship."

Expeditioner Sarah Laverick poses for a photo in front of the Aurora Australis. ( Supplied: Sarah Laverick )

New ship not ready

The AAD's replacement icebreaker, the Dutch-built RSV Nuyina, is facing delays and will now embark on its first trip in January 2021.

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It is being constructed in Romania, and is expected to perform a central role in the division's activities.

In the meantime, the Antarctic program will need another vessel to get it through much of the next summer season.

The Australian Antarctic Division's general manager of operations, Charlton Clark, said the division had been through the tender process.

"We've gone out to the market to test vessel availability for the coming season," Mr Clark said.

"We need a vessel for around 90 days or a little bit more than that, and we'll be in a position to talk about the vessel in the coming weeks."

The future of the Aurora Australis is still unknown and will ultimately be decided by the vessel's owner, P&O Maritime.