As the RSV Nuyina anchors in Buckles Bay, the 77th ANARE prepares to say farewell to Macquarie Island. Within the week, we’ll embark for Hobart, where long-awaited reunions with loved ones await. It’s a bittersweet departure – while we’re excited to return home, it’s not easy to leave such a remarkable place.
Over the past year, we’ve called Macca – AKA Macquarie Island, The Green Sponge, a Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site – our home. We've journeyed across the island’s dramatic plateau, experienced hut life – either solo or in wonderful companionship, hiked through wind, snow, and sideways rain, trying – often with no success - to stay upright in Macca’s infamous gusts. We’ve climbed Doctor’s Track (begrudgingly, every time), discovered just how deep a wallow can really be, and navigated spongey tracks or black-sand beaches bordered by valleys of mega-herbs.
We’ve shared quiet moments in the company of penguin colonies watching their antics and cheered them on versus the hungry skuas and petrels. We’ve watched weaner elephant seals take their first swim, spotted orcas patrolling the shallows looking for a tasty swimming snack, and paused in awe as albatross cut the wind above us. We’ve laughed at the lumbering gait of giant petrels as they staggered across station, lurching like drunks in borrowed boots.
We've also missed the comforts of home: our families, friends, and the elusive crunch of fresh fruit and veggies. But even through the wild weather and frozen fingers, we embraced every challenge, knowing how lucky we were to live and work in one of Earth’s truly extraordinary places. Some recent Station News reflections captured that spirit perfectly. As Cris wrote:
“This little sub-Antarctic island has a way of getting under your skin. From the relentless wind to the unforgettable wildlife, every day brings something raw, real, and amazingly beautiful. There’s a simplicity here that sharpens your senses. The ocean, the sky, the chatter of penguins—it all becomes part of your everyday.”
And in Jessie’s words:
“Crowds gather to watch albatross soaring in evening light, or shriek with excitement over a flowering plant. Suddenly the group stops to analyse a mysterious puff of feathers by the track (yelling out there’s been a Moider!), crystals glistening inside rocks, or at a striking cloud formation. Kelp tying itself into knots, weird fungi, and cabbage leaves that bloom with mathematical precision. Occasionally, a giant petrel engages their thruster-flaps while a rainbow forms above thundering swell. These curious spectacles last only a few seconds. Sometimes we can capture it, sometimes we can’t because it all happens so quickly. Here’s evidence that a random magical thing happened - maybe we blinked, but we certainly didn’t miss it.”
As of Monday, we will have spent 388 days on this incredible island. And while that number is impressive, what’s even more remarkable is what we’ve achieved during that time. Together, we’ve built a strong, resilient, and supportive community. We’ve worked hard, laughed often, and looked after each other.
To the 77th ANARE team – thank you. For your dedication and hard work, your good humour, your generosity and resilience, and your kindness and friendships. Take a moment in these final days to look around. Take in where you are, and who you’re with. We’ve shared something truly special – doing exceptional work, in an exceptional place, alongside exceptional people. Good job!
And with that, the Macquarie Island 77th ANARE signs off. We wish the very best to Karen and the 78th ANARE of Macquarie Island, the baton is passed and the island is in your care for a little while now.
‘Til next time,
Bec Jeffcoat, Station Leader
