Real expeditioners, real stories

As a first-time expeditioner at Macquarie Island, I’ve encountered an incredible ever-changing work environment that surpasses all expectations and offers profound fulfilment.

In my role as a Station Supply Officer (SSO), one moment I might be preparing cargo, the next supporting station refuelling operations, then undertaking search and rescue training. This is all part of a ‘regular’ day’s activities.

My SSO responsibilities include managing stock and food supplies, organising equipment and goods for return to Australia, and processing dangerous goods and waste to ensure safe transport by air or ship.

Life on station at Macca is incredible. The food is excellent and the people are wonderful. Once you get to know everyone, it’s clear each person is here to enjoy the unique experience and appreciate the wildlife and isolation the Island offers. I really like that my team shares a strong work ethic and collaborates seamlessly to complete tasks quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re into hobbies, prefer evenings in the cinema or enjoy daily gym sessions, there’s always something for everyone’s tastes. If you’re like me and enjoy photography, my advice is to stock up on memory cards!

The peak hour traffic on Macquarie Island can be quite eventful, with baby elephant seals and gentoo penguins bustling about. However, it’s precisely this kind of ‘traffic’ that adds joy and excitement to each day.

After 4 applications, I was thrilled to receive the phone call inviting me to spend a year at Mawson station in Antarctica. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how fortunate I was to be selected for such a unique opportunity. The landscape and wildlife here are nothing short of breathtaking.

So far, this year has been filled with incredible experiences. I’ve witnessed stunning aurora displays, observed Emperor penguins nurturing their chicks, and seen Weddell seal pups just days old. I’ve also had the chance to drive Hägglunds (tracked snow vehicles) across the sea-ice near icebergs the size of football stadiums and climb some spectacular mountain ranges.

As one of 4 electricians on station, I’m responsible for maintaining infrastructure and supporting various upgrade projects. My work is diverse, ranging from wind turbine, building and powerhouse maintenance to sea ice drilling, assisting in the kitchen, supporting hydroponics, and collaborating on scientific research.

Now, 9 months into this extraordinary journey, I’m already dreading the thought of leaving in a few months. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this and hope to have the opportunity to return one day.

In my role as a Boilermaker Welder, no two days are ever the same. I’m involved in everything from welding and fabrication to supporting various trades and station activities.

As a first-time expeditioner, I wasn’t sure how I’d adjust to living and working in the same space, but the social club calendar is the perfect way to break up work routine. And honestly, who can complain about not having to cook every night?

A surprising highlight has been working with Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service on wildlife monitoring projects. This has led to some unexpected experiences, like counting Elephant Seals and checking on Burrowing Grey Petrel chicks.

Though my journey with the Division has just begun, I’m already looking forward to life-long friendships with the people I have met this season.

Living and working in Antarctica has been an adventure like no other.

There has been so much value in this experience, I have met some of the most remarkable and humble people and I love that no two days are the same.

My job is as a Station Supply Officer but my roles on station also include social event coordinator, cook, hydroponics grower, fire team member and lay surgical assistant.

Sometimes it feels like I’m living in a wildlife documentary. Watching Emperor penguins and their chicks, and looking around to see icebergs as far as you can see, it’s spectacular and surreal. I often think, how can this be my reality?!

Working on Macca was a dream that became a reality.

As a Senior Communications Technical Officer, my role maintaining crucial repeater systems on this incredible island is something I'll remember forever.

Not just because it's an epic career move, but also because it's an absolute wildlife fairy tale.

For me, this opportunity has far exceeded expectations!

I was fortunate enough to be accepted for this role, on my first application. People thought I was crazy to think about going to Antarctica for a year; to say I have no regrets about this amazing adventure would be an understatement.

Antarctica takes you out of your comfort zone and offers you a unique experience. Not only in the work you undertake, but also being able to see amazing sights, assist with science projects, learn new skills and share these experiences with a diverse group of people.

My primary role as a carpenter, has allowed me to be involved in some amazing projects, as well as the ability to adapt and modify my workload, which is always subject to weather conditions. After all, who would have thought putting a nut and bolt together in -22 degrees would be so hard; challenge accepted and completed.

​It's not always about work, as I have had the pleasure of talking with school children and various communities about my experiences while being here. Antarctica is pretty foreign to most people, so being able to share my time here with others is very rewarding.

There are opportunities on station to learn new skills, explore the environment around you, undertake field trips to watch the wildlife, visit huts for overnight stays (as well as undertake repairs) and just getting to know the people around you.

Antarctica is a photographer's paradise, for professionals and beginners alike. But the strongest memories I’ve captured are those I have made with the people here - creating lifelong friendships.

It is hard to believe in just 2 months we will be heading back home but this has been a life changing experience for me and one I would recommend to anyone who wants a unique opportunity in life. My only regret is, I didn't apply earlier in life.

This is my fourth season with the Australian Antarctic Program. I’ve done three winters down south on the continent as the Station Mechanical Supervisor, and this is my first time at Macca as the resident “Dieso”. I’m what’s called a “repeat offender”.

After 25+ years working in earth moving and mining industries, I finally got a role with the AAD in 2017. Working in Antarctica and the sub Antarctic has been a sea change of epic proportions.

I still pinch myself every day to actually be living and working in such a diverse environment. I get to venture out into the field to support science projects such as the annual seal and burrowing petrels count.

Living in a close-knit community has its appeal. You get to organise and participate in social activities, be a “Slushy” (Kitchen Hand/Assistant Chef/Mop Dancer/Garbage man) once a month and be part of the fire team for station emergency response.

After the three winters at Casey and Mawson station in Antarctica, contending with days of darkness and battling blizzards. Here at Macca, it’s all about the extraordinary abundance of wildlife. Some people say it’s like being in a David Attenborough film, but I feel more like Dr Doolittle. I find myself talking to the animals on a daily basis and in truth they actually seem to talk back!

“I worked in engineering for 17 years in a variety of roles and this role has definitely been the most challenging and rewarding. Its been interesting supervising people and living with them closely. I’m having a great time and definitely think I’ll be a better supervisor from having this experience”.