Overview of Heard and McDonald Islands

Profile

Heard and McDonald Islands are a group of small islands totaling 372 km² scattered around 53°S, floating in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean approximately 4,100 km from mainland Australia. They possess a rare environment where active volcanoes and glaciers coexist, with minimal impact from invasive species or human activities. The entire island area is designated as an IUCN Category Ia strict nature reserve and World Natural Heritage site, hosting large colonies of albatrosses, king penguins, and elephant seals. Mawson Peak (2,745 m), the highest point, is Australia's only active volcano. Although there are no permanent residents, scientific expeditions land seasonally to conduct research on climate change, volcanology, and ecology.

Official name: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Common name: Heard and McDonald Islands
Numeric code: 334
Alpha-3 code: HMD
Alpha-2 code: HM
Population: 0 (No permanent population)
Population density: 0
Primary languages: English (de facto)
Major religions
Calling code: +672 3
Internet TLD: .hm

History

Discovered in 1853 by whaling captain John Heard, transferred from Britain to Australia in 1947. Inscribed as World Natural Heritage in 1997.

After its mid-19th century discovery, it was briefly used as a seal hunting base but was abandoned by 1880. Since then, it has remained largely untouched by humans, becoming a closed area for environmental protection following its incorporation into Australian territory in 1947. Since the 1960s, only limited scientific expeditions have been permitted, with protection measures further strengthened by UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 1997. Today, landing requires strict permits and environmental management plans.

Geography & climate

Rugged sub-Antarctic islands covered with stratovolcanoes and glaciers, coastline alternates between lava plateaus and black sand beaches.

Sub-Antarctic oceanic climate

Area: Sub-Antarctic Region / 372 km²
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Volcanic basalt, Glacier freshwater, Abundant seabird nesting sites, Seal breeding grounds, Thick moss and lichen vegetation, Fishing grounds rich in marine plankton, Fumaroles and lava domes, Black sand beaches, Sea cliffs, Unexplored crater lakes

Politics

Government: Australian external territory (uninhabited, managed by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)

Economy

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English (de facto)

Time zone: HIMI Standard Time