Where are Heard Island and McDonald Islands located?

The islands are a territory (Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands) of Australia administered from Hobart by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

What's happening on Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Landing stores, Atlas Cove, Heard Island with Rogers Head in background Photo: Alan Campbell-Drury Due to the extreme isolation of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), together with the persistently severe weather and sea conditions, human activities in the region have been, and remain, limited.

How big is Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

The group's overall land area is 372 km 2 (144 sq mi) and it has 101.9 km (63 mi) of coastline. Discovered in the mid-19th century, the islands lie on the Kerguelen Plateau in the Indian Ocean and have been an Australian territory since 1947. Heard Island and McDonald Islands contain Australia's only two active volcanoes.

Does Heard Island have a volcano?

Geography and History Heard Island is the largest and most volcanically active of the two islands. It has a glacier-covered central volcano, Big Ben, which last erupted in 2019. The island’s unique landscape features ice caps, active volcanoes, and a wide variety of birdlife.

How do I get to heard and McDonald Islands?

Travel Information Tourism to Heard and McDonald Islands is highly regulated. Only a limited number of tourists are allowed each year, and visits must be organized through approved tour operators. The journey involves a flight from Australia or New Zealand to the islands, followed by a boat trip.

What is the difference between McDonald Island and Heard Island?

Heard Island is approximately 362.5 km2 in area and is 43 km long and 21 km wide. The McDonald Islands are a group of uninhabited rocky islets, which are 2.6 km2 in total area and are 40 km west of Heard Island.