Labor has joined the Greens in condemning the decision to close the Macquarie Island research station.
Established in 1948, the ageing station needs a "very large investment" to keep it safe for people and the environment, the Australian Antarctic Division says.
Opposition environment spokesman Tony Burke slammed the decision, saying it was a betrayal for Australia's Antarctic research.
The base will close, be dismantled and removed in a change management insists will not affect Australia's climate change research.
The rollback in operations has been prompted partly by financial pressures on the Australian Antarctic Division.
"Looking at our capital investment budget the priorities are in other stations at the moment," chief Nick Gales said in announcing the decision.
The assignment of year-round scientists at the station will be replaced by seasonal trips using field huts.
The final contingent will vacate the station in March 2017.
Mr Burke said the Turnbull government earlier in the year had announced a new era of Antarctic engagement.
"Antarctica is of great importance to Australians, and Antarctic science will continue to be one of our national priorities," he said.
