The Story Of David Glasheen, A Real Life Robinson Crusoe – Design You Trust — Design Daily Since 2007

The Story Of David Glasheen, A Real Life Robinson Crusoe


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

David Glasheen is a 70-year-old former businessman from Sydney’s North Shore who traded in his suit for a loincloth after losing most of his money in the stock market crash of 1987. He first visited Restoration Island in 1993, he acquired an interest in the island with his remaining money in 1994, and moved there permanently in 1997 with his girlfriend. But with no hot water, a bath or the mod cons she found it tough and left to return to the city. Since then he has upgraded accommodation on the island, and has lived there happily with his dog Quasi.


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

David Glasheen faces eviction from his remote tropical paradise after losing a Supreme Court legal case.


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

Survival skills: The picturesque island has taught Glasheen bush survival skills because ‘if you don’t (learn them) you die pretty quickly’ he said.


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

David Glasheen, who has lived alone on the island off Cape York Peninsula since 1993, made international headlines four years ago, when he went online looking for a “Girl Friday” to live with him.


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

David Glasheen says sometimes he gets lonely with his dog his only companion but he is occasionally visited by passing yachtsmen, kayakers and organic farmers.


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

David Glasheen, a former Sydney businessman who lost his millions in the 1987 stock market crash, had been sub-leased 1.53ha of the island by leaseholder Restoration Island Pty Ltd.


David Glasheen and Quasi © Brian Cassey

Lonely in love: Using his solar-powered internet connection Glasheen tried internet dating to find his ‘Girl Friday’ to live with him, using a mannequin to publicise his plight but had no luck.

The government has ruled that Glasheen must vacate Restoration Island, a 1.52ha oasis, having failed to build tourist accommodation and fishing facilities, a condition of his lease.

Australian oasis: Restoration Island is 1,500 miles from Queensland capital Brisbane and was named because Captain William Bligh found essential supplies were there that had been set adrift by mutineers on HMS Bounty.

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to Design You Trust Facebook page.

More Inspiring Stories

Amazing Scenery of "Rotten Sea"

Travelling Across Mexico's Baja California Peninsula

“The Last Iceberg” by Camille Seaman

Huge Bikini Snow Show As Russians Mark The End Of The Skiing Season

The 5 Most Delightfully Cheesy Dinosaur Parks

The Ghost Villages Of Indonesia

An Ordinary Day In An Extraordinary Place – Aiguille Du Midi (3842m)

Australian Traveller Captures Moment He Was Photobombed By Humpback Whale

McDonald's Introduces Chocolate-Covered French Fries To Japan

Subterranean Amusement Park Located 400 Feet Underground In A 17th Century Salt Mine

This Royal Navy Sea King Helicopter Transformed Into Glamping Pod

From New York To Bangkok: Photos Of Vintage Coca-Cola Signs

Colorful, Creative Posters That Teach You About Affordability In Large Cities

It Was Way More Fun Flying Around The World 50 Years Ago

A Suspended Treehouse to Sleep with Birds

Spectacular Macro-Winning Photos From The British Photography Awards

People In Africa Are Now Putting Bee Hives Around Fields, And It’s Not For The Honey

Travel Photographer of the Year Contest Exhibition

Famous Album Covers Brought Onto Their Original New York City Locations Where They Were Shot

Breiðamerkursandur – Iceland’s Stunning Diamond Beach

Balloonists Take To The Skies To Launch The Bristol

Here Is The Most Terrifying Place On Earth

A Walk In Nanjing’s ‘Love Tunnel’

Musical Roads That Play Melodies When Cars Drive Over

Russian Blogger Went On A Trip Around The Apartment During The quarantine - Repeating Photos From Real Travels

Inside Sweden's Ice Hotel Made Entirely of Snow and Ice with Incredible Suites

Giant Crystal Cave in Naica, Mexico

People Of The World: Māori In Stunning Photographs By Jimmy Nelson

Mysterious Sinkhole Develops A Surprising And Beautiful Ecosystem In China

Descend Into A Tomb Of Imprisoned Vehicles Frozen In Time