Fairchild Beach, Remote beach on Heard Island, Australia
Fairchild Beach is a sandy beach on the east side of Heard Island, about 2 km long and 0.6 km wide, running north from the base of Round Hill to the south side of the terminus of Compton Glacier. It faces Compton Lagoon and meets the rocky Gilchrist Beach at its western edge; Brown Glacier and Brown Lagoon lie to its south.
The name "Fairchild's Beach" was already used by American sealers by 1857, as recorded on Heard Island's east side; the origin of the name is not known. The beach runs north from the base of Round Hill to the south side of the terminus of Compton Glacier, facing Compton Lagoon.
The name "Fairchild's Beach" was already used by American sealers by 1857, though why they chose it is not recorded. The beach lies on Heard Island's east side, facing Compton Lagoon, with the rocky Gilchrist Beach at its western edge. It is a sandy strand about 2 km long and 0.6 km wide, running north from Round Hill to the Compton Glacier terminus.
Fairchild Beach lies on the east side of Heard Island, between Round Hill and the Compton Glacier terminus, facing Compton Lagoon; it is reached only by sea, usually from the Australian research vessel based at Atlas Cove. Landings depend on swell and wind, and the island is a subantarctic reserve managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, so visits need prior approval. No shelter or facilities exist ashore.
The name "Fairchild's Beach" was already used by American sealers as early as 1857, yet no record explains who Fairchild was or why the name was given. The beach lies at the foot of Round Hill, where it meets the rocky Gilchrist Beach on its western edge.
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