Dr Tracey, from the Australian Antarctic Division, yesterday gave a lecture at the Museum of the Riverina about protecting the Antarctic environment.

Dr Tracey has visited the frozen continent four times, with his latest trip in 2013.

He said international research was focused on preserving the environment and finding ways to minimalise the damage of past human behaviour to the area.

"Waste management is very important," he said.

"Now all visitors to the Antarctic remove their waste in the past this didn't happen."

Dr Tracey said Australia was particularly involved in projects examining emperor penguins, moss communities and flying bird communities.

"Antarctica is a natural reserve," he said.

Dr Tracey said one of the most common myths regarding the area was that mining was allowed.

"There is no mining and no mineral exploration," he said.

Dr Tracey also debunked the idea that the entire Antarctica was the same harsh, icy and uninhabitable saying there was diversity within continent.

"There are different regions, it is harsh in places but not everywhere," he said.

Speaking about climate change, Dr Tracey said research was important in determining what environmental changes were likely how to best prepare for them.

For Dr Tracey his fascination with the Antarctic has been life-long.

"It is extraordinary," he said.

"It is fascinating politically and the work that Australia does to protect it it is a real interest of mine."