AFTER copping intense heat over the Murray Darling Basin Plan, Environment Minister Tony Burke is cooling his heels in Antarctica.

Minister Burke flew from Hobart to Wilkins Aerodrome yesterday and will stay at Casey station for three days, getting a taste of a White Christmas.

Although the South Pole is not Santa's traditional home, Back Paddock is sure Mr Burke will be kept company by dozens of Emperor Penguins and will keep an eye out for Rudolph getting fit for his Christmas Eve dash around the world.