Wilkes

Last week I went out on a day trip for local area familiarisation, which basically meant going for a ride on the quads to see some of the local sights. The place I am most keen to see while I am here is the old station, Wilkes. It was originally an American base, but was handed over to Australia in the late 1950's. It was used until the original Casey was built (now know as Old Casey) which was used until the current station was built in the 1980's. When Wilkes was abandoned, almost everything was left as it was - from machinery and rubbish, to the station itself. The main part of the station is now almost completely buried, and some of the outbuildings are in a very bad way. We are not allowed to remove any items from the area, even if the items appear to be old rubbish, as the whole station is considered a heritage area. It is really interesting to have a look around the place, and I am hoping to get back there soon for a much better look around.

The only currently used building is the old radio operators hut, which has been named the Wilkes Hilton. It has six beds and is large enough to accommodate twice that number. It is the biggest field hut I have seen, and I can't wait to spend an evening or two over there.

Wilkes Hilton

Wilkes Station, almost completely buried under years of accumulating snow

Dave, one of the pilots, leaning on the roof

Some old building housing something (a telescope perhaps), with no door and missing a wall.