Wintering at Macquarie Island: a journey across generations

Following in my father's footsteps to the sub-antarctic

Wow a winter at Macquarie Island. Since I was about 12 years old, it's something that I’ve always wanted to do. A dream comes true. An experience made even more amazing by the knowledge that my dad also did a winter here, in 1968, working with BoM. I’m filled with a deep sense of pride to know that I am following in his footsteps.

I never seem to get tired of gazing at the scenery here and never take for granted how lucky and privileged I am to be here. As the southern winds sweep across the tussock grass, and elephant seals lay claim to the shore, I find myself looking out at the same views, dad once did. The same relentless seas and wild landscape, filled with amazing, resilient animals and plants.

Some of these species, which not so long ago were on the brink of extinction, have made remarkable recoveries. This is so impressive, given that they continue to inhabit a very fragile, delicate environment, where even minor changes can have significant impacts on their survival. Sadly, some species have not done so well.

Captain Frederick Hasselborough, in 1810, described Macquarie Island as a "glistening green jewel" and each day for me, Macquarie is a blend of challenge and awe. The isolation heightens the distance from home and loved ones. But it has also made me more resilient and aware of how important it is to protect Macquarie Island. It’s very rewarding to know that my dad and I, in some small way, have contributed to this.

To spend a winter here is to be both humbled and uplifted. I want to acknowledge not just my dad but everyone, from generations gone, who have also spent time here. The positive and negative impacts of your time here have enabled folks to better understand and manage the island. This means that I, and others, can continue to come here to help protect this amazing place.   

Thanks for the inspiration, motivation and support dad. It's been a wild ride getting here. So glad you are still here to see me do it.

Cliff Simpson-Davis

*A slide show put together by Cliff's dad follows the images.

The sun rises through the clouds over the ocean with snow covering tussock grass in the foreground.
A man stands behind a sign that reads, "Macquarie Island Nature Reserve, World Heritage Area". There are snow covered hills in the background.
A man, standing on a rocky seashore, wearing a suit and tie holds an old black and white photograph of his father.
A black and white photograph of 20 men - 12 standing in the rear and 8 crouched in the front - in a snow-covered shoreline in front of mountains
Foreground of green tussock grass with a backdrop of a mountainous plateau and clear blue skies above.
A black and white photo of a sign in a metal drum on a beach. The sign points to different cities around the world.
A handwritten list of the names of 1968 expeditioners
A black and white photo of icicles and snow flowing down a gully
A black and white photo of people working a cement mixer on a building site at Macquaire Island. A semi-cylindrical Nissan hut is in the background.
A black and white photo of a man sitting on a three-wheeled bike.
A black and white photo of two people assembling a weather balloon outside
A black and white photo of two people outside a balloon shed. One is crouched down.
A black and white photo of a fenced yard with weather instruments inside.
A black and white photo of two people and a weather balloon in a doorway
A man on a bulldozer towing a radar, on Macquarie Island.
Snow beginning to cover vehicle tracks leading towards a hill.
A black and white photo of a construction site including a round wooden watertank without a roof
A black and white photo of a construction site, with people walking through mud, a parked tractor and a wooden water tank without a roof.
A black and white photo of a construction site, showing piles of dirt and gravel, and pieces of timber.
A black and white photo of people inside a wooden water tank under construction
A black and white photo of a man holding an albatross by the beak and extending its wing to one side

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