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Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Heard Island and McDonald Islands, located in the southern Indian Ocean, is a remote Australian territory known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. The islands are home to various species of penguins, seals, and seabirds, including the globally endangered Heard Island cormorant. The islands are uninhabited, and access is highly restricted, but adventurous travelers can explore the island`s rugged terrain and pristine environment. The islands` dramatic scenery, including active volcanoes, glaciers, and lava fields, makes it a popular destination for scientific research and environmental studies. Despite its isolation, the islands offer a unique travel experience for nature enthusiasts and intrepid explorers.

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Highlights, Sights & Attractions

Antarctic Fur Seals

Heard Island and McDonald Islands are important breeding sites for Antarctic Fur Seals. These seals, smaller than their elephant seal counterparts, can be seen on the islands` beaches during the breeding season. Watching these seals from a distance p... more

Heard Island and McDonald Islands are important breeding sites for Antarctic Fur Seals. These seals, smaller than their elephant seal counterparts, can be seen on the islands` beaches during the breeding season. Watching these seals from a distance provides a rare glimpse into the lifecycle of this Antarctic species.

Antarctic Terns

The Antarctic Terns are a common sight on Heard Island and McDonald Islands. These small, graceful birds can often be seen flying above the shores of the islands, diving into the water to catch fish. Their acrobatic flight and elegant movements provi... more

The Antarctic Terns are a common sight on Heard Island and McDonald Islands. These small, graceful birds can often be seen flying above the shores of the islands, diving into the water to catch fish. Their acrobatic flight and elegant movements provide a fascinating display for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Atlas Cove

Atlas Cove, located on the northwestern part of Heard Island, is an ice-free area that offers a glimpse into the island`s volcanic past. The cove hosts the remains of a 19th-century sealing station, providing a touch of human history in this otherwis... more

Atlas Cove, located on the northwestern part of Heard Island, is an ice-free area that offers a glimpse into the island`s volcanic past. The cove hosts the remains of a 19th-century sealing station, providing a touch of human history in this otherwise untouched wilderness. Its surrounding landscape includes lava flows, volcanic cones, and a diverse array of wildlife.

Azorella Peninsula

The Azorella Peninsula is one of the few ice-free areas on Heard Island, providing a unique view of the island`s rugged terrain. Named for the cushion plants that dot the landscape, the peninsula offers a stark contrast to the icy peaks and glaciers... more

The Azorella Peninsula is one of the few ice-free areas on Heard Island, providing a unique view of the island`s rugged terrain. Named for the cushion plants that dot the landscape, the peninsula offers a stark contrast to the icy peaks and glaciers elsewhere on the island. Access is extremely limited and only possible as part of scientific expeditions.

Big Ben Volcano

Dominating the landscape of Heard Island is Big Ben, an active stratovolcano that is the highest point in Australian territory outside the mainland. The summit, often shrouded in clouds and ice, provides a dramatic backdrop to the barren landscapes o... more

Dominating the landscape of Heard Island is Big Ben, an active stratovolcano that is the highest point in Australian territory outside the mainland. The summit, often shrouded in clouds and ice, provides a dramatic backdrop to the barren landscapes of the island. This remote and harsh environment is not accessible for most, but can be viewed from the sea during approved expeditions.

Black-Browed Albatrosses

The cliffs and plateaus of Heard Island and McDonald Islands serve as breeding grounds for Black-browed Albatrosses. These majestic birds, known for their impressive wingspans and endurance at sea, can be seen soaring over the islands or tending to t... more

The cliffs and plateaus of Heard Island and McDonald Islands serve as breeding grounds for Black-browed Albatrosses. These majestic birds, known for their impressive wingspans and endurance at sea, can be seen soaring over the islands or tending to their nests on the cliffs. This offers a unique opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Brown Glacier

Brown Glacier is one of the key features of Heard Island, located near the center of the island. This impressive ice mass flows from the slopes of Big Ben towards the sea, offering a striking display of the island`s glacial features. Due to its scien... more

Brown Glacier is one of the key features of Heard Island, located near the center of the island. This impressive ice mass flows from the slopes of Big Ben towards the sea, offering a striking display of the island`s glacial features. Due to its scientific significance, it has been a focus of glaciological studies.

Compton Lagoon

Compton Lagoon, located on Heard Island, is an ice-free area known for its wildlife. The lagoon and its surrounding areas host a variety of bird species and seals, offering rich biodiversity against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The l... more

Compton Lagoon, located on Heard Island, is an ice-free area known for its wildlife. The lagoon and its surrounding areas host a variety of bird species and seals, offering rich biodiversity against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The lagoon`s scenic beauty and wildlife make it a highlight of the island. However, like much of the rest of the island, access is strictly controlled.

Climate

Month Temperature Sunshine hours Raindays
January 4 °C 10 11
February 4 °C 8 7
March 5 °C 6 11
April 4 °C 4 14
May 3 °C 2 16
June 2 °C 1 15
July 2 °C 2 16
August 2 °C 4 13
September 1 °C 7 12
October 1 °C 9 11
November 2 °C 10 12
December 3 °C 11 11

Facts

Language
  • English
Currency Australian Dollar

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