ANARE embraces the activities in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic of both government and non-government bodies and individuals, with a central focus on scientific research. Its membership includes:

• Australian government agencies involved with Antarctic research and support, including the Antarctic Division itself, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); and
• Non-government organisations, including Australian universities, other Australian research institutions and foreign research organisations.