Heard and McDonald Islands solar farm services

Where is Heard Island & McDonald Islands located?

Located in the Southern Ocean, many thousands of kilometres from the nearest significant human population, Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) has a fair amount of natural protection from the potentially harmful effects of human activities.

What's happening on Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Landing stores, Atlas Cove, Heard Island with Rogers Head in background Photo: Alan Campbell-Drury Due to the extreme isolation of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), together with the persistently severe weather and sea conditions, human activities in the region have been, and remain, limited.

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.

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.

How many people have landed on Heard Island?

Since the first landing on Heard Island in 1855, there have been only approximately 240 shore-based visits to the island, and only two landings on McDonald Island (in 1971 and 1980).

Does the Australian Antarctic Division have a refuge on Heard Island?

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) generally maintains one or two refuges on Heard Island which are equipped with basic provisions, but because their presence and ability to be maintained varies with AADs operational requirements these cannot be relied upon for shelter.