Heard and McDonald Islands

Geography

Located in the Southern Ocean, this Australian external territory comprises mainly two volcanic islands, Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, featuring stark volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and the highest mountain in Australian territory, Mawson Peak.

Significance

The islands are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their untouched ecosystem, which provides critical data on the natural processes of Earth's evolution, including glaciation and volcanic activity.

Attractions

These islands are home to large populations of seals and birds, including the only subantarctic volcano (Mawson Peak) that has erupted in recent times, offering a rare natural laboratory.

Activities

Visitation is extremely limited to protect the fragile environment, with access generally restricted to scientific research teams studying the islands' unique geology, glaciology, and biology.