A Day Aboard the MV Cape Don: Capturing History Through Our Lenses
Some days, everything aligns perfectly—great weather, fascinating surroundings, and the chance to preserve a piece of living history. On November 18, 2012, Steve and I seized that opportunity when we stepped aboard the MV Cape Don with our trusty Nikon D800 cameras and tripods in hand. Working as a team, we set out to produce a single, unforgettable gallery of images that would forever freeze this moment in time.
Moored in Waverton, Sydney—right beside a heritage-listed coal terminal—the Cape Don radiated a quiet dignity as a proud reminder of Australia’s maritime legacy. As we explored the ship from every accessible angle, we also spotted the Sydney ferry *Barragoola*, another vessel under restoration, which added yet another layer of history to that vibrant scene. The day was alive with activity: volunteers scraping away rust and maintaining the deck, navy personnel inspecting the hull, and one of the ship’s massive engine pistons proudly on display as it underwent work. Every detail told a story, and we were there to capture it all.
With full access to the ship, Steve and I wandered the decks, our cameras clicking away as we documented the worn metal, polished brass, and intricate details that made the MV Cape Don so uniquely beautiful. In the months that followed, we lovingly processed every image, determined to enhance the depth and contrast that conveyed the true character of the vessel—a ship that, with every scuff and gleam, whispered tales of yesteryear.
The MV Cape Don: A Lighthouse Tender with a Storied Past
The MV Cape Don isn’t just a ship—it’s Australia’s last surviving purpose-built lighthouse tender. Launched in 1962 from the State Dockyard in Newcastle, New South Wales, she was designed to service lighthouses, lightships, and navigational buoys dotting our vast coastline. Serving the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1963 to 1990, her sturdy design and dependable engineering (powered by a robust 5-cylinder 2-stroke Polar M65T diesel engine with a 4-blade variable-pitch propeller) made her the workhorse of the sea. Her construction and purpose reflect a pivotal era in maritime history, ensuring safe passage along Australia’s often unpredictable waters.
But her story doesn’t end with lighthouse duties. The Cape Don also embarked on scientific expeditions, including a notable 1973 mission to recover anchors from HMS Investigator—anchors once jettisoned by Matthew Flinders during stormy weather. Over the years, she even played a part in marine monitoring studies in Bass Strait and transported the first Neptune Islands lighthouse tower to Port Adelaide for preservation. Today, thanks to the dedicated work of the MV Cape Don Society and the Sea Heritage Foundation, restoration efforts continue, breathing new life into this treasured vessel.
Personal Reflections and Gratitude
Every step along the MV Cape Don’s decks brought a mix of excitement and reflection. The magic of that day wasn’t solely in the ship’s history or the precision of our cameras—it was in the very act of experiencing history firsthand. Steve and I cherished each moment, knowing that our images would allow others to feel the ship’s presence long after the day had passed. We invested months in processing our photos, carefully adjusting each detail to evoke the textures, nuances, and enduring heart of the Cape Don.
We would be remiss if we did not extend our heartfelt thanks to Brian from the MV Cape Don. His generosity provided us with the remarkable opportunity to set foot aboard this iconic vessel and capture its spirit. His support has not only helped preserve a slice of maritime heritage but has also inspired us to share these stories with others who appreciate Australia’s rich nautical past.
This gallery of images is our humble tribute to the MV Cape Don—a ship that stands as a bridge between eras, a keeper of maritime stories, and a symbol of Australia’s enduring connection to the sea. We hope that as you step aboard through our lens, you experience the same joy, wonder, and inspiration that we did on that unforgettable day.
