Cool fact…

Comparison of satellite images of McDonald Island taken in 2004 with aerial photography from 1980 shows that the island more than doubled in size over that time as a result of volcanic activity, from about 1 square kilometre to 2.5 square kilometres.

This gallery provides snap shots of the awesome landscape, spectacular and abundant wildlife, unexpectedly lush vegetation and cultural heritage items remaining from early human visitation of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

Landscape

See glaciers, mountainous volcanoes, icy lagoons, rugged cliffs and vegetated coastal margins…

More information is available in the Landforms pages in the Nature section

Animals

Meet the locals, from the graceful black-browed albatross to the imposing southern elephant seal…

More information is available in the Animals pages in the Nature section

Plants

No trees, but plenty of 'mega herbs' and other vegetation on show in a wide variety of settings around the island…

More information is available in the Plants pages in the Nature section

Cultural Heritage

Artefacts and structures remaining on Heard Island from the 19th century sealing era and from the first Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition…

More information is available on the Cultural Heritage page in the History section