However, this did not deter us. As a fund-raiser, the Rotary Club of the Tasman Peninsula chartered a helicopter which made it possible for us to visit the island. The Tasman Peninsula Rotary Club really did an excellent job.

The chopper buzzed continually overhead as it ferried three people at a time across Maignon Bay to the island. Free tea and coffee, chips and apples fresh off the tree were served while we waited. Only a short 10 minute flight from Safety Cove and we were beside the 29 metre light tower, one of the highest in Australia. Built from cast-iron plates bolted together, the light was first lit in 1906. The light is still operational but the settlement has long been abandoned. Today, the island is part of the Tasman National Park and the lighthouse and associated structures are registered as part of Australia's National Estate.

The weather was mostly fine - a few spots of rain & some low cloud but improved as the day went on. Two hours wasn't long enough! Our legs are still feeling the strain.

Low clouds create a brooding atmosphere. Gone are the gardens of vegetables and flowers which thrived in the island's fertile soil. Gone are the sheep and cattle which sustained the families who lived on the island. Although the three brick light keepers' houses are still standing, for how much longer we wondered? The effects of the weather and vandalism have taken their toll. The lighthouse, of course, looks magnificent & well cared for but it was very sad to see the deteriorating state of the houses and out-buildings.

All three brick houses are in an advanced state of decay. Brickwork is showing signs of erosion on the weather-side, timber is rotting, gutters falling off and glass broken. We tread carefully. Waist-deep in the grass we make our way to the front door, the view obscured by years of neglect.

Inside it is even more depressing, with rotten floor boards, rusted out heaters, peeling paint, etc. Internal fittings have disappeared - perhaps pirated or used as firewood.

Was that the ghosts of the past we could hear or just the whistling of the wind?

Looking down the haulage track Photo: Erika Johnson

Out-buildings are in even worse condition and the Relief Keeper's House has collapsed in a heap and half hidden in the grass. We managed to get over to the haulage, once the only means of access to the island, and found it lying in ruins, and the steep track very overgrown. Down at the foot of the cliffs, the landing is still standing but for how much longer we wondered.

On his first visit to the island, my son Chris Creese said that Parks had visited the island to mow walking tracks to points of interest. However, it is very evident that no one has been there in the intervening 2 or 3 years and this time we had to wade through tall grass to walk round the island.

Time and the elements have taken their toll and the settlement is in need of repair. Work on the preservation of this remarkable island settlement is long overdue.

All too soon it was time for us to leave. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to visit this special place. 

John Hay, who was in charge of the organisation for Rotary said that they hope to arrange remedial work on structures on the island. They are also planning to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Tasman Light next year with another visit to the island. Perhaps it could be a combined effort between the Rotary Club and Lighthouses of Australia for such an auspicious occasion?

First Assistant Keeper's House Photo: Erika Johnson	Assistant Keeper's House Photo: Erika Johnson	Back garden at First Assistant Keeper's House Photo: Erika Johnson
Workshop and radio shack ruins Photo: Erika Johnson	Tasman Island Lighthouse and buildings Photo: Erika Johnson	Ruins of Relief Keeper's House Photo: Erika Johnson
Ruins of Headkeeper's Kitchen Photo: Erika Johnson	View from Second Assistant's House Photo: Erika Johnson	View from Headkeeper's Quarters Photo: Erika Johnson
Repairs needed Photo: Erika Johnson	Lighthouse through the window Photo: Erika Johnson	Back at Safety Cove on the mainland Photo: Erika Johnson

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