Send us a text

After 15 months in the Antarctic at Mawson Base and throughout the area called Enderby Land, Phil and his fellow expeditioners left for Australia on the Nella Dan in the summer of 1977 - a journey which spanned 13 days. This account describes one person’s experience of leaving such a unique environment to resume life in Australia.

Send us a text

In the winter of 1976 at Mawson Antarctica, Phil and fellow Antarctic expeditioners travelling by Husky dog teams to Auster Emperor Penguin Rookery, three times. Each journey was different, presenting its own difficulties and spectacular attractions.

This first part of an interview of Phil Wolter by Peter Niblett describes the arduous journey from Mawson when undertaking the first of three trips. It was the coldest time of year, taking three days to cover 56 Km.

We describe the experience of encountering thousands of the majestic Emperor Penguins during their nesting on the sea ice.

Send us a text

In 1979 David Blaby returned to the Antarctic taking the position of Plant Inspector at Mawson. Circumstances led to him staying for two consecutive winters - very rare for the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE). The years 1979-81 were still the era of the dogs on base. Hear how these dogs were actually flown to the summer field base to be used with survey work. This podcast follows David’s crazy escapades, details of his mechanical exploits, lifetime friendships and insights gained during the better part of a two year stint at the base.

Send us a text

Vonna Keller, Antarctic Veteran has spent time at all Australian Antarctic bases, including Macquarie Island from 2005 to 2014.

This podcast covers the years 2005-2008. Vonna relates a few of her amazing experiences, particularly as camp manager while building the first international runway near Casey Base in 2005. The airstrip was capable of handling aircraft as large as the Airbus.

Vonna has driven every manner of Antarctic vehicles, managed large camps as the sole female, witnessed the foiling of illegal poaching of southern waters and surfed icebergs (you read that right). Qualified, experienced, she is the definition of the intrepid adventurer.

Send us a text

David Blaby, Antarctic veteran expeditioner, journeyed to Casey Base in 1969 one year after the Australian base was opened. As an experienced Diesel Mechanic his job was to keep the base running. David recounts how his Antarctic saga came about and the many adventures, some rather bizarre, that followed.

Of special interest to other veterans is his first-hand account of the origins of that famous Australian tradition called “Cook’s Resignation Day”.

Send us a text

Australian Antarctic Bases have many and varied vehicles to: keep the base running; support summer survey and research programs; and for recreation.

Mawson base in 1976 was no exception. This is account of huge variation, adventures and mis-adventures with the vehicles that year. No expeditioner was harmed in creating the stories recorded in this podcast.

Send us a text

First day in the Antarctic is different for all. Phil’s first day arriving at Mawson was very different.

Here he explains to Peter Niblett what this experience, on Christmas Day 1975, was like and why it was different in some surprising and somewhat bizarre ways.

Send us a text

The history of Casey Antarctic Base begins in 1965 with arrival of the first construction crew. One of the team - Ron Wiggins - provides a first-hand account of the birth of Casey, the end of Wilkes 4 years later and the many adventures he had in the frozen continent.