Mawson Peak

Mawson Peak rises 2,745 meters (9,006 feet) above sea level and forms the summit of an active stratovolcano on Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean. The peak carries an ice cap, while fresh lava flows regularly appear on the southwestern slopes.

The first successful ascent occurred in 1965 by an Australian expedition led by Warwick Deacock. Exploration of the island began in the 19th century through seal hunters, but volcanic activity and ice made reaching the summit extremely difficult.

The name honors Sir Douglas Mawson, an Australian geologist and Antarctic explorer of the early 20th century. Scientists from different countries now use the remote island as a natural laboratory for glaciological and volcanic research.

Access is only possible with government permission and requires a sea journey of several days through rough waters. Satellite imagery allows monitoring of volcanic activity, as landings remain extremely rare.

This summit forms the highest point under complete Australian sovereignty and towers over mainland Mount Kosciuszko by more than 500 meters (1,640 feet). Despite its height, the peak remains one of the least visited destinations on Earth.