Heard and McDonald Islands

Heard Island and McDonald Islands is an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica, covering an area of approximately 412 square kilometers. The territory comprises Heard Island, which is 80% ice-covered with bleak and mountainous terrain dominated by the massive Big Ben massif and the active volcano Mawson Peak, and the McDonald Islands, which are small and rocky. The islands experience an antarctic climate and are uninhabited, with no permanent population. The territory is administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands has no permanent economic activity, with fish being the only identified natural resource in the surrounding waters. The islands serve primarily as a site for scientific research and environmental monitoring, supporting Australia’s presence and territorial claims in the subantarctic region. The active volcano Mawson Peak is one of the few active volcanoes in Australian territory. The islands are recognized for their pristine wilderness value and are protected as a World Heritage site, with access strictly controlled to preserve their unique and fragile ecosystems.