As we departed Hobart, anticipation blizzed through the air for our adventure to Davis research station, with an unexpected stop just 80 miles from Casey for a vital personnel resupply. Little did we know, this would be just the beginning of our extraordinary journey.
Our first taste of the ocean was a thrilling rollercoaster ride, battling eight meter swells that rocked us to sleep at night. But as we ventured into the pack ice, the scene transformed. The ocean calmed, the weather fell still, and snow began to tumble from the sky like confetti, blanketing the ship in a soft white layer. As we navigated through the ice, we were greeted by our first sightings of curious penguins and sleek seals lounging on pancake ice, followed by colossal icebergs towering above us, dwarfing our vessel.
On the morning of the Casey drop-off, we awoke to a mystical mist hanging over the water, the tops of icebergs peeking through like ancient giants. As the fog slowly lifted, we found ourselves encircled by these majestic formations. Just as preparations for the helicopter began, two groups of emperor penguins burst from the water, hopping onto the ice as if to welcome us. While we savoured a barbecue on deck, those delightful penguins swam alongside the ship, creating a surreal moment I will never forget. Truly, no photo could ever capture the grandeur of this place.
With the Casey drop-off complete, we set our sights on Davis, carving our way through the ice on an eight-day journey that felt like a dream. Each day unveiled breathtaking views that defied belief—long sunsets painted in hues of orange and pink, an endless expanse of pristine snow and ice, and landscapes that seemed pulled from another planet. The thick, snow-covered ice posed challenges, with Nuyina occasionally getting stuck, adding a touch of adventure to our journey.
The Nuyina felt more like a luxury cruise liner than a research vessel, with three gourmet meals a day and an ice cream fridge that seemed to have no limits. Most days were spent lounging in the observation area, scanning the horizon for icebergs, penguins, whales and seals with their adorable pups, or simply soaking in the onboard sauna after a workout in the gym, if that’s your kind of thing.
As we neared Davis station, we once again found ourselves in a landscape dominated by towering icebergs. Then, as if on cue, we caught our first glimpse of our new home. As the ship carefully manoeuvred through the ice, we gathered on deck, mesmerised by hundreds of penguins waddling and sliding across the ice - a breathtaking sight that felt like a scene from a nature documentary. This was one of those rare experiences that words can hardly convey; you had to be there to truly appreciate it.
The ship anchored approximately 1.8 kilometres from the station and during our breaks for resupply, we kicked the footy on the sea ice, laughter echoing in the crisp air, and played handball, our excitement palpable.
Finally, the day arrived for us to step into our new home. As we walked from the Nuyina across the shimmering sea ice, we were greeted by a lone emperor penguin, who seemed to guide us to our new beginnings at Davis station.
Jono Newman
Davis Summer Project Plumber
