Hurd Point
Hurd Point hut |
The present hut has evolved from an auroral observatory complex, which was established in 1953 in order to carry out simultaneous observations in conjunction with the main ANARE station. Today the hut is used by expeditioners travelling around the island, and also as the main base for summer albatross researchers.
The hut has bunks for four people but its size allows more to sleep comfortably on the floor. It's reputation for mould and damp was tackled in 2004 with improved ventilation and mould resistant paint. Rainwater is collected in a tank, but during dry periods water can also be piped from the nearby creek.
The Hurd Point area is home to the largest royal penguin colony in the world, which contains over 180,000 breeding pairs of royal penguins during summer. The tip of Hurd point itself also hosts many fur seals during the summer months. The main royal colony is within a Category 2 Special Management Area, however expeditioners can view the colony from its western edge. The hut has a good view over the nearby elephant seal and small royal colonies, and the Southern Ocean swell as it crashes into the many offshore sea stacks.
The east coast from the main Hurd Pt Royal colony to just south of Lusitania Bay, is a Category 2 Special Management Area, open to general access between May and August.
Windsor Bay, Petrel Peak and Caroline Cove are all within the Caroline category 1 Special Management Area. This area encompasses the breeding colonies of most of the island's albatross species (which are located on dangerously steep coastal tussock slopes) and is only open to general access between June and July. Travel to these areas when they are 'open' is via the plateau and the Caroline Link Track.
