Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Heard Island and McDonald Islands form an archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean, made up of two volcanic island groups. Glaciers cover roughly 80 percent of the surface, with steep cliffs defining the coast and very few flat areas available.

John Heard discovered the main island in November 1853 during a voyage from Boston to Melbourne. The McDonald Islands were sighted six weeks later by William McDonald, and both groups came under Australian administration in the 20th century.

The islands maintain strict environmental protection standards under Australian administration, serving as a natural laboratory for scientific research.

The islands are only accessible with a special permit from the Australian government, granted exclusively for scientific expeditions. Travel is by ship and can take several weeks, depending on weather conditions in the subantarctic ocean.

Big Ben, an active volcano on Heard Island, reaches a height of 2,745 meters (9,006 feet) and is one of only two active volcanoes in Australian territory. Plumes of smoke and occasional lava flows are visible from the coast, emphasizing the geological character of the island.

Location: Australia

Elevation above the sea: 2,745 m

Reference: HIMI

Website: https://antarctica.gov.au/antarctic-operations/stations/other-locations/heard-island

GPS coordinates: -53.01664,72.95575

Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:10