Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:reg:16:p33
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 16 (pt 33/51)
Character Range: 294148–296924

Description of the Area

5(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features
Cape Denison is a 1.5km-wide peninsula projecting into the centre of Commonwealth Bay, a 60km-wide stretch of coast in George V Land, East Antarctica. The topography of Cape Denison is defined by a series of four rocky ridges, running south-southeast to north-northwest, and three valleys filled with ice, snow, and glacial moraine. The largest, most westerly of these valleys contain the four Australasian Antarctic Expedition huts. At the seaward end of this valley is Boat Harbour, a 400m long indentation in the coast.
Mawson's Main Hut is located about 65m from the harbour (Map A). The Transit Hut is located 40m northeast of the Main Hut; the Magnetograph House is approximately 310m north-northeast of the Main Hut; and the Absolute Magnetic Hut is about 275m northeast of the Main Hut.
The ASPA covers four areas. Each area consists of one hut and an area extending five (5) metres from the perimeter of the hut. The huts are located at:
    * Main Hut: 67º00'31"S, 142º39'39"E;
    * Transit Hut: 67°00'30"S, 142°39'42"E;
    * Absolute Magnetic Hut: 67°00'23"S, 142°39'48"E; and
    * Magnetograph House: 67°00'21"S, 142°39'37"E.
Cape Denison is the summer habitat for breeding Adélie penguins, Wilson's storm-petrels, snow petrels and South Polar skuas. Several colonies are located close to the ASPA, and the ASPA areas may from time to time be traversed by penguins returning to their nests. Weddell seals, southern elephant seals and leopard seals have been recorded hauling out and, in the case of elephant seals, moulting at Cape Denison. However, the presence of seals within the immediate ASPA boundaries is not recorded.
The only flora evident near the huts are lichens and non-marine algae. Although the non-marine algae have yet to be studied, a list of lichen species is included at Appendix A.

5(ii) Access to the Area
Sea, land and air access to Mawson's Huts is difficult due to the rugged topography and climate of the area. Sea ice extent and uncharted bathymetry may constrain ship access to approximately 3nm from the coastline. Access can be gained either by small watercraft or by helicopter, although attempts to land are frequently hampered by heavy seas and prevailing north-westerly or katabatic winds. Boat landings can be made at Boat Harbour and due north of Sørensen Hut (within ASMA 3). The helicopter landing site and approach and departure flight paths are indicated on Map C.
Onshore access to and within the ASPA is on foot. With the exception of a short boardwalk close to the Main Hut, there are no roads or other transportation infrastructure on shore. The boardwalk is frequently covered by snow and therefore unusable for all but a