Mawson's Hut

In central Hobart, near the wharf, is a replica of the hut that Mawson and the men (for they were all men) on his expedition to the Antarctic built to life in while there.



The expedition departed Macquarie Island in 1911. This is the southernmost part of Tasmania, being approximately halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica.

The structure they built in at Cape Dennison, Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica still stands. However, since it is so difficult to visit, a replica was built in Hobart. It is constructed of the same type of wood, from the same forest, and assembled by the same techniques as the original located some 3000 km to the south.

In addition to docents how can tell you lots of interesting details about the people and their lives, the place is filled with just the sort of stuff that you'd expect to see were you in the original. Of course, it is isn't nearly so cold and windy here.

Mawson and two of his colleagues, Mertz and Ninnis, went on an extended expedition to map the coastline. After five weeks of mapping, Ninnis fell through a crevasse and was lost along with most of the food and the best sled dogs. Mawson and Mertz turned back.

To stay alive, some of the dogs were sacrificed to feed the men and remaining dogs. Unknown at the time was the high vitamin A content of dog's livers and the toxicity of this to humans. Mertz died from vitamin A poisoning although Mawson suffered as well. They were still 100 miles from the base camp. During his struggle to cover this distance, Mawson himself fell into a crevasse. The sled to which he was harnessed wedged tight and saved his life. He managed to get out of the harness and climb out of the hole.

He finally arrived at the base camp a few hours after the ship that arrived to take them back to Australia had left. Six men remained behind to look for him. These seven men stayed another year and survived another winter while waiting for rescue.

It is hard to imagine spending so much time in such a small space with so many people. These people were certainly brave. And probably crazy as well.