08 Dec 2013

Majestic Macquarie

Overnight we anchored in Buckles Bay in sight of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) station on Macquarie Island. Calm sea conditions, sunny blue sky, Orcas by the beach, Southern Giant Petrels flying overhead and penguins swimming round the ship made it a picture perfect morning. After a briefing the group was taxied to Buckles Bay beach where they were greeted by ANARE rangers who would guide them around the area. Also there to greet them were a number of Elephant Seals and Gentoo and King Penguins. Whilst at the station they watched the release of the daily weather balloon which measures atmospheric conditions high above the island and enjoyed tea and scones in the Mess.

Later in the day we made our way to Sandy Bay for our second landing on Macquarie. Words just don’t do this area justice, you need to see this beach covered in assorted wildlife to believe it. Apart from the large colony of the Royal Penguins and their chicks who are endemic to the island and a large colony of King Penguins with chicks in the hundreds, there are numerous sub-adult Elephant Seals and pups aged around 6 to 8 weeks old lying everywhere. This landing was made particularly special by penguins and elephant seal pups which are so curious they come right up to you. They clearly don’t understand the 5 metre distance rule! We left Macquarie Island feeling very satisfied and taking with us many wonderful memories.