Maatsuyker Island - TAS (PB00 5581)

Keywords: Maatsuyker Island - TAS (PB00 5581) Lighthouse Southwest National Park Roaring Forties Strahan Port Davey

Maatsuyker Island sits in the Southern Ocean about 10 kilometres off the Tasmaninan mainland. This remote and beautiful island is home to Australia’s most southerly lighthouse. Maatsuyker is part of Tasmania’s Southwest National Park, and it is constantly battered by ferocious storms and gales from the roaring forties. I was fortunate enough to go on a boat trip with the Friends of Maatsuyker Island, a group of people involved in the preservation of the island, lighthouse and cottages (which is a constant challenge given the extreme weather at that latitude). A 4 hour boat trip in a rolling swell ment more than a few were seasick, then the challenge of waking up the seals from their morning sleep and encouraging them to go for a swim before we could land on the island. Next task was to climb up the steep trail to the top whilst trying not to step into a mutton bird hole and twist an ankle. Eventually we made it to the top and the view was so impressive I almost couldn't believe my eyes. Eventually it was time to go and Dave the captain of our boat kindly circumnavigated the island; the cliffs were so impressive. After a while we made our way to the Needles, a small groud of islets just off the main island, and that is where this photograph was captured. Once again afternoon light and soft clouds were there to greet us.