Mawson's Hut

If I had to choose my "ultimate wish" travel destination, this was it: I never expected to actually get there! One of only six surviving explorers' huts from the "Heroic Era" of Antarctic exploration, this was erected in late 1911-early 1912 by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition 1911-14, led by Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson. It is at Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay, south of Australia. The main hut on the right was the living quarters for 18 expeditioners, the hut to the left was the workshop. When this was taken, the latter had recently been fitted with an over-roof of new timbers to protect the original and deteriorating roof (and a similar protection has since been put over the main hut).

The living area in the main hut was only 53sq metres (7.3x7.3) and was not just the sleeping space for the 18 men but also the recreation area, kitchen, laundry, Mawson's office, and Frank Hurley's darkroom. Around it was an enclosed verandah 1.5 metres wide, used for storage.

In the foreground are Adelie penguins and sleeping Weddell seals. The strange tower on the hill is a modern addition with automatic equipment to monitor and relay conditions at the huts.

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