VK1AX Activates Remote Deal Island: Amateur Radio Meets Conservation in Bass Strait
Date :
21 /
10 /
2026
Author :
WIA
Australian radio amateur John VK1AX is on the air from remote Deal Island, IOTA OC-195, combining his passion for amateur radio with the valuable volunteer conservation work he and his partner regularly undertake in support of Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service.
Located in northern Bass Strait, between Tasmania's north-east coast and Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, Deal Island is one of the remote islands of the Kent Group.
It is a spectacular but isolated location, surrounded by the often challenging waters of Bass Strait, and forms part of the Kent Group National Park.
Amateur Radio From a Remote Island
According to information published by 425 DX News, John VK1AX is currently active from Deal Island and expects to remain there until late November 2026.
During his spare time, John is operating across the 80 to 10 metre amateur bands, primarily using FT8, with some SSB activity.
The activation provides an opportunity for Australian and international radio amateurs to make contact with a relatively uncommon island location and potentially add IOTA OC-195 to their collection.
Deal Island belongs to the Islands on the Air (IOTA) programme, which encourages amateur radio contacts with islands around the world.
For DX enthusiasts, an activation from a remote Bass Strait island offers an interesting challenge involving propagation, band selection and the opportunities provided by modern weak-signal digital modes.
Combining Amateur Radio With Conservation
What makes this operation particularly interesting is the reason John and his partner are on Deal Island.
The couple regularly assist Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service at remote locations, contributing their time and efforts to the care and management of some of Tasmania's most isolated natural environments.
Their activities demonstrate the important contribution volunteers make to conservation and the practical challenges of working in locations far removed from everyday services and infrastructure.
Deal Island has a fascinating maritime and natural history, including its historic lighthouse and the surrounding Kent Group National Park.
The island's isolation also provides an ideal setting for portable amateur radio, where operators must work with the equipment, antennas, power supplies and propagation conditions available.
For John, amateur radio is an enjoyable activity undertaken around his conservation commitments rather than the primary purpose of the visit.
A Reminder of Amateur Radio's Versatility
Amateur radio has a long association with remote-area activities, scientific expeditions, conservation work and portable operations.
Whether operating from a national park, an offshore island or an isolated field station, the hobby provides opportunities for experimentation, technical learning and making contacts around the world.
John's activation also demonstrates how amateur radio can complement other interests and volunteer commitments.
While FT8 provides an effective way to make contacts under challenging propagation conditions, SSB offers the opportunity for more traditional voice contacts with operators across Australia and beyond.
Listen Out for VK1AX
Australian amateurs and DX enthusiasts are encouraged to listen for John VK1AX from Deal Island, IOTA OC-195, through until late November.
With operations taking place during his spare time, activity will naturally depend on his availability and other commitments.
The WIA congratulates John and his partner on their continuing volunteer contribution to Tasmania's remote natural environments and wishes John every success with his Deal Island amateur radio activity.
Further Information and Credits
425 DX News: International DX News Bulletin
Link
Islands on the Air (IOTA)
Link
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Link
Deal Island and Kent Group National Park
Link
Wireless Institute of Australia
Link
Source acknowledgement: DX operation details are credited to 425 DX News. Information concerning John and his partner's regular volunteer assistance to Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service has been provided for this story. The WIA acknowledges their contribution to conservation and the amateur radio community. Image sourced from: Link
Page Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 at 21:25 hours by Justin Giles-clark
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