British plumber becomes Australian citizen in Antarctica

Icebergs, penguins and seals are a long way from the beaches and seagulls typically associated with Australia.

UK plumber Terry Barrell (left) with Davis Station leader Robb Clifton during his Australian citizenship ceremony held at the research outpost in Antarctica. Source: AAP

But the chilly Antarctic was the scene for a UK plumber who recently became one of the country's newest citizens.

Terry Barrell recited the Australian citizenship pledge on the shore of Prydz Bay at Davis Station this week, some 4000kms from the nearest capital city, Perth.

Terry Barrell (left) with Davis Station leader Robb Clifton (right) during his Australian citizenship ceremony. Source: AAP

Mr Barrell started working at Davis Station in November after making the trip south on icebreaker Aurora Australis.

"(I) was hoping to become an Australian citizen before I left for Antarctica but there wasn't time to arrange a ceremony," he said.

"It's a beautiful place down here with views of the glaciers and out to the ocean with passing icebergs.

"It's a day I will always remember."

Terry Barrell made the citizenship pledge on the shore of Prydz Bay at Davis Station. Source: AAP

Only one other citizenship ceremony has been held in the Australian Antarctic Territory, at Davis Station in 1998.

"To welcome Terry as a new Australian citizen while we are here is a unique experience that I feel honoured to be part of," Davis Station leader Robb Clifton said.

The research outpost, established in 1957, is one of three permanent bases operated by the Australian Antarctic Division on the icy continent.

It's on a nearly six million square kilometre patch of land that was transferred from the UK to Australia in 1933.

The ceremony was held under blue skies at the frosty temperature of -2.7C.

"It's a beautiful place down here with views of the glaciers and out to the ocean with passing icebergs." Source: AAP