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Living in Antarctica 49 years ago was a special experience.
This account describes that experience from three different perspectives.
In August 2025 Phil met with Gil Barton and Neil MacDonald to revive memories of the year they spent at Mawson Base, Antarctica throughout 1976 and the summer of 1977.

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Around September to October as spring begins, life returns to the Antarctic continent. Adelie Penguins appear on the islands, seal holes appear on the fast decaying sea ice.

The wildlife returns.

Phil discusses witnessing this annual transformation in 1976 with Peter Niblett. This experience inspired the production of a children’s book based around the Antarctic wildlife. The book, published in 2025, is described at the end of the video and is intended to be the first of a three part series.

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There is no doubt that a woman’s perspective of life in the Antarctic is unique.

An adventurous spirit adds extra colour to the Antarctic woman’s story.

Lyn Irvine is definitely such a woman. Listen to Lyn as she relates some of her remarkable Antarctic adventures and achievements during the years 1998 to 2002 at Mawson and Casey Australian Antarctic Bases.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.