Australia Day – Macca 2026
As if the mid-winter swim wasn’t enough, taking an Australia Day dip in the icy waters off your local station has become a bit of a tradition in the Australian Antarctic Program.
There’s quite a bit of preparation in the days leading up to the swim, including a medical briefing by the station doctor, the signing of medical consent forms, a briefing by the station leader, and assigning roles for the day. There is an event co-ordinator who makes sure all safety aspects required for the swim are addressed, three observers who carry binoculars, radios and whistles, a lifeguard who wears a dry suit and life vest and carries a throw bag and life ring, and the station doctor who arranges necessary medical equipment should it be needed.
Thankfully, we were blessed with very good weather for Australia Day - low winds and a balmy 10 degrees, close to as good as it gets. The swell, seaweed, and wildlife on the east side of the isthmus meant that we would not be doing the famous Macca double-dip, where you swim on both sides of the isthmus. No-one seemed to mind though as 'West Coast' conditions were beautiful and the photographs would make you think it was more tropical than sub-Antarctic.
We met in the mess at 0930 where there was a reflection on Australia Day and a ‘Take Five’ safety and wildlife briefing. Our observers took their stations at 1000 where they kept a close eye on the west coast where we would be swimming. The swim area was marked out by flags, away from wildlife and on the safest part of the beach, and the Polaris vehicles, complete with safety and first aid gear, were parked on the heli-pads near the swim site.
At 1100, the brave assembled on the heli-pads for a team photo before lining up at the flags for the countdown. After confirming with the three observers that there were no obvious risks to swimmers and getting a thumbs up from our lifeguard, the countdown was on and everyone headed out. It was a brief but rewarding encounter with the brisk waters of the Southern Ocean, and most emerged with big grins and remarking how ‘fresh’ it was.
Next stop was the station spa where everyone warmed up.
We had planned to hold a game of cricket in Market Square in the centre of station. However, ‘Bruce’, the local New Zealand sea lion had other ideas and decided he wanted to spend Australia Day basking in the sun and sand. Expeditioners are highly adaptable and cricket morphed into indoor table tennis in the Green Store. The late afternoon saw a spit roast, walks and general relaxation.
I’ll leave you with the final part of our morning reflection, “Let us remember with gratitude today, the freedoms we enjoy and the great privilege we have being here as expeditioners to celebrate a very unique Australia Day”.
Karen Pye, Station Leader
