Bleaker Island

Bleaker Island Campout – Saturday 10th to Monday 12th January 2026

Day One – Discovering Life on Bleaker Island

Eleven children, one young adult helper (Ruby), and three adults boarded the FIGAS planes on Saturday morning for the thirty-minute flight to Bleaker Island. The journey itself was an adventure, with beautiful scenery along the way and an exciting whale sighting just off the island as we approached.

On arrival, the group worked together to erect tents and prepare for a long walk, making the most of the fine weather. Teamwork was the order of the day as everyone pitched in and settled into island life.

Our first walk took us up to Semaphore Hill, the highest point on Bleaker Island at 89 feet. Here stands the “Standing Man” and a meteorological marker. Sandra explained the island’s historic semaphore system: a pole with a white-painted arm would be raised like a flag to signal North Arm or Walker Creek that mail, medical help, or stores were needed, prompting a boat to cross over. This was a great introduction to the island’s early and social history.

From the hill we walked down towards Sandy Beach, where the children enjoyed paddling in the sea and soaking up the sunshine. After drying off, we continued on to the rockhopper penguin colony. Along the way, the ground was carpeted with daisies and looked stunning.

Before we even entered the tussac grass, the unmistakable aroma of the penguin rookery greeted us—something a few children weren’t quite accustomed to! The rockhoppers share their space with imperial cormorants, and both species had chicks. Watching the adults feeding their young and hopping up the cliffs with beaks full of fish was fascinating. Cameras were out, and everyone captured some amazing photos to cherish. Smaller bird species were also spotted (snipe, siskin, white bridled finch, wren, tussac bird, long tailed meadowlark, thrush, tyrants) and the children used a tick list to identify and record birds as we explored around the island. 

As time moved on, we headed back to the settlement to unpack equipment and prepare for the evening. The adults got busy cooking while the group gathered around the kitchen door “like little pigeons,” patiently waiting for supper. Supper was macaroni cheese followed by chocolate fudge pudding, served up in true military fashion! Later, we finished the day with a warm mug of hot chocolate down at the cowshed before heading to bed.

Throughout the day, the Past Finders experienced hands-on learning about island life, including natural history, early and social history, farming practices, wildlife, and the unique environment of Bleaker Island—a memorable and exciting start to the camp.

Day Two: Exploring, Observing & Learning from the Past

Day two on Bleaker Island began with light rain, wind and even a rumble of thunder. Spirits stayed high as everyone tucked into a hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage and egg rolls while waiting for the weather to ease. Once packed lunches were prepared and everyone wrapped up warm, we set off on our adventure.

Our first destination was the southern sea lion colony. Walking at a steady pace through tall tussac, the group reached the viewing point and were rewarded with an unforgettable sight. Watching pups feeding while powerful bull sea lions guarded their females was truly spectacular and a highlight for everyone.

With hunger setting in, we stopped by the fence steps to enjoy our packed lunches before continuing on to explore an old peat bog and historic shelter shed. Sandra shared fascinating insight into how peat was once cut by hand using horse and cart, with up to 100 yards cut per day. Today, very few people cut peat, and when they do, it’s usually by machine.

On the walk back towards the settlement, the group enjoyed some beachcombing and treasure hunting, finding shells and other natural wonders. Along the way, we spotted an abundance of wildlife: two-banded plovers with their young, oystercatchers, skuas, logger ducks, kelp geese, and the ever-friendly tussac birds that followed us everywhere.

Knowing the Concordia Bay was due to arrive, we returned to the settlement to watch the cargo being unloaded — a vital operation supplying the farm with food and heavy goods. We warmed up with tea and cake in the cowshed while observing the process.

Sandra then shared an in-depth talk on the history of Bleaker Island: from its original names (Long Island and Breaker Island), past managers, and notable shipwrecks including Cassard, Hattie L.M., Gleam, and Black Swan. The group learnt about sealers introducing feral pigs, mysterious vaults thought to store penguin eggs, and the work of ornithologist Arthur Cobb, who leased the island from 1910–1931. Historic photos and stories brought the past to life, from wool transport by small boats to buildings relocated and expanded over the years.

We then explored the remains of the Black Swan on the beach. Phyl Rendell shared fond memories of travelling on her to attend Darwin School. Once part of the jetty, her broken timbers now rest along the shoreline. Nearby, a small pond was alive with birdlife, especially a delightful Chiloe wigeon family, whose chicks were a joy to watch.

The group continued on to the shearing shed, learning about every stage of wool production — from raised boards and shearing, to fleece handling, comb sharpening, grading, pressing and stencilling. More exploring followed with old cartwheels and jetties before the group decided to revisit the rockhopper penguins — just as the sun finally came out!

Back at the settlement, everyone was more than ready for supper. A hot curry and chocolate pudding were enjoyed together in the cowshed, followed by an energetic game of rounders on the green, much to the amusement of guests from Cassard Lodge (and yes… the adults got very competitive!).

The evening ended with an early night. Sandra’s tent inspection crowned the three youngest girls as winners — earning bragging rights and a small treat for everyone.

What an educational and unforgettable stay, learning about island life, rich history and abundant wildlife.

Thank you to:

· The Rendell family for welcoming us to your stunning island

· Polar Seafish Ltd & Argos Group Ltd for sponsoring the camp

· FIGAS for all your assistance and dedication

· The Lodges for supplying delicious food

· FIC Ltd for donating fruit, salad and cereal

· Natalie Smith & Tasmin Tyrrell for volunteering — you are both amazing!

Bleaker Island, you truly left your mark on us 💙