For decades, Macquarie Island has faced the bleakest of times. But the fate of this world heritage wonderland appears finally on the turn. The island’s spectacular wildlife is now flourishing as its pests are eradicated, and the landscape recovers. Picture: Ryan Osland

A fur seal pup lays on tussock grass at Garden Bay. The giant grasses and unique mega-herbs have reclaimed vast swathes of land left by the now vanquished rabbits. Picture: Ryan Osland

A $25m pest eradication program – including rodent-detector dogs – has seen the 34km long stretch of land begin to return to a natural state not seen for well over a century. Here, Nui the dog returns home after searching through field huts for signs of vermin. Picture: Ryan Osland

Field Training Officer Stuart Matheson walks amongst the regrowth on Brothers Track. So dramatic is the recovery of the island’s steep slopes and wind-swept plateaux that plans are afoot to re-introduce close relatives of several species driven to extinction by pests. Picture: Ryan Osland

Royal penguins at Sandy Bay. This type of penguin is only found on Macquarie Island. Picture: Ryan Osland

The resurgence of nature is being matched by a reinvigorated human engagement. Australia’s Antarctic program is rebooting its presence, having recently reversed a decision to close the research station. Picture: Ryan Osland

Canberra has pledged $50m to build a new base from scratch. The earmarked construction site is home to thousands of elephant seals, and the odd penguin, all of whom will need to be persuaded to relocate. Picture: Ryan Osland

The restored environment means less erosion, allowing the stunning wildlife to breed and thrive. Picture: Ryan Osland

A royal penguin colony at Sandy Bay. Picture: Ryan Osland

A helicopter view of the icebreaker Aurora Australis, the bright orange ship that has been the backbone of Antarctic operations for 30 years. Next year the ageing ship will be replaced. Picture: Ryan Osland

The southern lights, a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, seen from the Aurora Australis. Picture: Ryan Osland

Pilot whales ride the wake of the Aurora Australis. Picture: Ryan Osland