Cool fact…
Sea surface temperatures around Heard Island during the summer are between two and four degrees celsius.

Heard Island

Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) is a subantarctic island group located in the Southern Ocean, about 4,000 kilometres south west of mainland Australia.

The islands and surrounding waters teem with wildlife and other natural wonders that make HIMI a special place.

About Heard Island
General information about the special qualities of the HIMI region.
Nature
Learn about the landscapes and ecosystems of the HIMI region.
History
The discovery, human use, and heritage of Heard Island.
Image gallery
See the rugged landscape, and the hardy plants and animals of HIMI.
Research
How HIMI contributes to global science through research.
Protect and manage
How it is ensured that the special qualities of HIMI are maintained.
Have your say - draft Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan (30 Jun 14)

The Australian Antarctic Division has prepared a draft management plan for the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve (the Reserve).

… more
Updated entry requirements - Heard and McDonald Islands (23 May 14)
Following a review of the Reserve’s former management plan, the Director of the Australian Antarctic Division has implemented a prohibition on entry to the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.… more
Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Expansion (29 Mar 14)
The Australian Government has expanded the sub-Antarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, to protect this unique environment. … more
Volcanoes provided ice-age refuge for Antarctic biodiversity (11 Mar 14)
Antarctic volcanoes and other geothermal areas may have provided a refuge for biodiversity through past ice ages. … more
More news and features
This page was last modified on 28 March 2014.