The Southern Aurora Donga (or ‘SAD‘) is a historic accommodation building at the Australian Antarctic Division’s Macquarie Island Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø8).
This “Donga” (temporary, moveable dwelling) provides sleeping quarters for expeditioners in a remote, Sub-Antarctic environment. Known as “The Beach House” or SAD, it was erected in 1958, serving as one of the station’s older accommodation units.
.
In 2026, hard work has been done in upgrading expeditioner accommodation at Macquarie Island Research Station as part of the Macquarie Island Station Project, including upgrading bedrooms, re-cladding, and improving amenities at its structure.
The bedrooms and bathrooms have been renovated, and the building has been covered with new fabric, giving the SAD a completely new look and feel. Approximately 24 people live at the station during the winter, supporting scientific monitoring, maintaining vital infrastructure, and caring for the health and well-being of the Team.
These upgrades will help ensure personnel having a more comfortable place to live and work in one of the world’s most remote environments..
Structure itself consists of small, roughly 2×2 meters individual, or shared, sleeping cubicles, and is part of a series of buildings on the station that includes Cumpston Cottage, built in 1996..
Thanks and credit to: Ausantarctic & AAD