Caretaking on Tasmania’s wild and remote Maatsuyker Island

When accepted by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service volunteer program as caretakers for Maatsuyker Island, Paul Richardson and Amanda Walker were well aware they had chosen to live in isolation in one of the windiest places in Australia at a time when the weather is at its wildest.

This remarkable book chronicles their preparations, first impressions and then the daily caretaking tasks needed to look after the lighthouse, the light keeper’s quarters, outbuildings and island infrastructure. It tells of ocean swells, driving rains, lightning strikes, mist and drizzle, calm and sunny periods, bitter cold and record winds. All this is accompanied by Amanda and Paul’s lavish photographs and Amanda’s exquisite artwork which provide a striking visual record of their six-month stay.

“Be wary when the seals vanish from the rocks below, for they know what is coming – at 100 knots, with island-shuddering swells and torrential rain. Where time is measured in toilet rolls and blocks of chocolate. To live in the weather, alone together at the bottom of the world, challenged, confronted – and amazed and enchanted, the absolute privilege of life on Maatsuyker. Read this book and envy Amanda and Paul.” ~ Chris Wisbey, ABC Radio

Some of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Friends of Maatsuyker Island (FOMI) Wildcare Inc.

Source:  Forty South Publishing

Title Address Description
Maatsuyker Island
Unnamed Road, Tasmania, Australia

Go to Maatsuyker Island