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.

Where are Heard Island and McDonald Islands located?

Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) are remote and uninhabited sub-Antarctic islands located in the Southern Ocean. These islands, part of Australian external territories, are known for their pristine natural environment, unique wildlife, and active volcanoes.

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 harbour?

Heard Island and the McDonald Islands have no ports or harbours; ships must anchor offshore. The coastline is 101.9 km (63.3 mi) in extent, and a 12 nmi (22 km) territorial sea and 200 nmi (370 km) exclusive fishing zone are claimed. [ 2 ]

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.

Does Heard Island get snow?

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Heard Island (Atlas Cove) receives an average of 96.8 snowy days annually. [ 30 ] Meteorological records at Heard Island are incomplete. The islands are part of the Southern Indian Ocean Islands tundra ecoregion that includes several subantarctic islands.