We are often asked how we spend our free time, and do we get out and about from the station. The answer is yes we do! As much as time and weather allows. One of the best activities is to go to one of four huts in our station operating area. The four huts are in order from north to south: Jack’s, Wilkes, Robbo’s and Browning’s.
Jack’s Donga
Jack’s is the smallest and sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Swain Island group. The hut sleeps four, and is very snug fit. It also has a detached toilet with a great view which often blizzes in with snow. Jack’s is about 16km by GPS route and is a perfect vantage point to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Wilkes Hilton
Wilkes Hilton is the oldest hut in our area and comes with the heritage of being originally part of the US Station before Australia took it over in 1959. The huts lies across Newcomb Bay from Casey and is about 10km by GPS route. The hut is the old radio shack, is by far the biggest hut and sleeps eight. The hut also still has a pot belly stove which makes it quite comfortable to stay in.
Robinson Ridge Hut
Robbo’s is the only hut with a deck which makes it hard to beat on a nice day. It overlooks Sparkes Bay and Odbert Island which has one of the area’s largest Adélie penguin colony. It sleeps 5–6 and is about 18km from Casey to the south.
Browning Peninsula Hut
Browning’s is the furthest of our huts at about 60km from station by GPS route. The area around Browning’s is spectacular with lots of hills, rocks and lakes. The area is also where we find elephant seals at different times of year. The hut can sleep 6 but the table is really made for 4 or 5 so it’s quite a squeeze, but it works.
