The Wilkes Hilton: Antarctica’s Most Cherished, Unlisted ‘Five-Star’ Retreat
Forget booking websites and glowing TripAdvisor reviews; the Wilkes “Hilton” in Antarctica isn’t listed anywhere. Yet, according to those who have experienced it, this rustic cabin offers a stay far superior to any five-star hotel. Kate Tucker, a field training officer with the Australian Antarctic Division, describes it as “off the star chart” and “priceless.”
Nestled on the coast of East Antarctica at the now-abandoned Wilkes Station, the Wilkes Hilton is a humble, yet deeply beloved, structure. Originally erected in the late 1950s as a radio receiver room, the hut was repurposed into accommodation for expeditioners passing through the area after the main base was decommissioned in 1969. It stands as the sole habitable building remaining on the site.
“It is by far the most beloved hut that we have,” Ms Tucker shared. “It just feels like an old ski hut… and it’s just got so much history.”
A Touch of Hilton Hospitality, Antarctica Style
Reaching the Wilkes Hilton involves a scenic 40-minute drive, covering approximately 10 kilometres from Australia’s largest Antarctic outpost, Casey Station. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a sign proclaiming “Hilton” hanging proudly above the entrance. While this particular establishment isn’t officially affiliated with the renowned hotel chain, the real Hilton has, remarkably, embraced the playful moniker.
Ms Tucker explained the charming backstory: “One of our expeditioners — and I can’t tell you how long ago — they wrote to the Hilton and explained that we call this the Wilkes Hilton. So the Hilton Hotel sent us some supplies. We have [Hilton-branded] slippers, we have Hilton gowns and now we have Hilton pens.”
Luxury Redefined: Charm Over Opulence
Despite the Hilton branding, the reality inside is far from a typical luxury hotel. Forget king-sized mattresses; here, you’ll find sturdy wooden bunk beds accommodating up to eight people. The roof, a testament to its age and the harsh environment, is known to develop leaks as the snow melts during the warmer summer months. And for those needing to answer nature’s call, a bracing sub-zero walk to an outhouse is the order of the day.
However, what the Wilkes Hilton may lack in modern amenities, it more than compensates for with an abundance of charm and character. The cabin is adorned with historical artefacts, including vintage cooking equipment and photographs, offering a tangible connection to the past. A pot-belly oven is a regular fixture, often fired up for impromptu pizza-making sessions during overnight stays.
Perhaps the most treasured feature is the collection of logbooks, filled over the years by countless visitors. These volumes are not just records of stays; they are repositories of memories, art, poetry, and copious amounts of hilarity. “They go back years and years and years,” Ms Tucker enthused. “They’re full of art, they’re full of poetry; they’re just full of a bit of hilarity.”
Through the cabin’s windows, breathtaking vistas of icebergs drifting in the adjacent bay provide a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop. It is also important to acknowledge that the Wilkes Station site has an old waste dump buried beneath the ice. Nevertheless, Ms Tucker asserts that a stay at the Wilkes Hilton is an unparalleled experience. “It’s such a privilege to come down,” she reflected. “You just feel like you are walking on the shoulders of people who have come before.”
Off-Station Huts: Providing Essential ‘Breathing Space’ for Expeditioners
The Wilkes Hilton is part of a network of four off-station huts located near Casey Station, providing vital sanctuaries for scientists conducting remote fieldwork and expeditioners seeking recreational respite. These cabins offer a crucial element of work-life balance for individuals who may spend up to a year at a time on the continent.
- Jack’s Donga: Situated approximately 16 kilometres north of Casey Station, this four-person hut offers picturesque views of the Swain Group of Islands.
- Robbo’s Hut: Located about 18 kilometres south of Casey, this hut can accommodate up to six people and overlooks Sparkes Bay.
- Browning’s Hut: This larger hut, capable of sleeping six, is the most remote of the group, located almost 60 kilometres away on the Browning Peninsula.
Justine Thompson, the station leader at Casey, highlighted the significance of these huts. “So, if you feel like having some quiet time, particularly over winter, [we] can encourage people to go out and do hut visits,” Ms Thompson explained. “There’s a lot of different things you can do [around Casey]… that actually allows you some space to breathe over winter and still be engaged.”
The Australian Antarctic Program supported the ABC’s travel to Antarctica for this report.
